FIESTA, FLAMENCO & FRIENDSHIPS

Learners on the On Course South West / Plymouth Dance Community Arts Practitioner Course were unexpectedly given the opportunity to visit Malaga for a week in May.

10 learners joined Sarah Pink (OCSW) and June Gamble (OCSW/PD) on a week filled with joy and happiness. Some of those travelling had visited Malaga before and so they shared their recommendations of sights to see and places to go. One of the learners is Spanish and was more than happy to act as interpreter if or when asked. 

Having consulted the Malaga Guide, as suggested by one of the learners, we discovered that on the night we arrived there was an event at one of the Patio Fests. A Patio Fest happens in a courtyard surrounded by apartments and the residents decorate the courtyard and their balconies with beautiful shawls and flowers. After dinner, we wandered through the back streets of Malaga and eventually found a doorway that led us into the courtyard where about 50 or 60 older people were dancing, singing and enjoying themselves - it was magical and we felt instantly immersed in Spanish culture. When the fiesta came to an end we ventured further into the old town to experience more of the night life in Malaga.

Other memorable experiences included the Flamenco Interactive Workshop and performance, touring the Roman Amphitheatre, Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, as well as visiting the Port. Other places explored by learners included the various museums and exhibitions in Malaga, the Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and the Atarazanas indoor food market.

During the week, it became apparent that the trip meant different things for each learner, from being the first ever trip abroad to the first exploration of a foreign city as a tourist (rather than visiting family in various countries). For others it provided them space away from their everyday lives, enabling them to rediscover their passion for travelling and immersing themselves in other cultures, whilst reconnecting with themselves and others. There was plenty of time for individuals to get to know each other and friendships were created and/or strengthened across the group as a result of shared experiences.

All learners came together to share breakfasts, dinners, an afternoon on the beach and an informal ‘awards ceremony’ on the last evening at a local bar.

Highlights included:

“Thanks to this trip I have the confidence to travel the world”

“I do have a natural leadership tendency, but it was actually refreshing to be able to let go of control and be led by others at times. I learnt that I don’t always have to be in control, that it’s okay to sometimes follow. My self confidence and self esteem improved as I felt lovingly supported by the group, and felt I could be myself without judgement.”

June Gamble, 3rd June 2026