Review: Flamenco dancing, food, and fun at Jaleo Disney Springs

Jaleo by Jose Andres at Disney Springs often holds special events to embrace aspects of Spanish culture and highlight the chef’s excellent cuisine. The Flamenco Master Class continues the pattern with a 90-minute dance lesson led by Flamenco de Perfil followed by a four-course brunch. The event lasted from noon until 3 p.m.

Jaleo by Jose Andres

The menu at Jaleo Disney Springs showcases the rich, regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, including a wide variety of tapas and an impressive array of authentic paellas cooked over a wood-fired pit. In addition, a premier selection of sangrias, Spanish wines, and sherries is also available.

Chef Jose Andres is not only a highly skilled chef but also an outstanding humanitarian who founded the World Central Kitchen in 2010.

Flamenco Dancing, not Flamingo Dancing

When we mentioned to friends that Jaleo invited us for the Flamenco Master Class, we discovered a common confusion about this traditional Spanish dance style as several people thought it was known as “Flamingo Dancing.” Though we understand the similarities between this powerful dance and the pretty birds, the dance is called Flamenco.

Flamenco Dancing Skill Required?

For full disclosure, we had never Flamenco danced before in our lives (and based on the other guests attending this event, many had the same level of experience). This is good news for those considering attending an event like this at Jaleo since they will not to be alone if they have never danced before.

Our instructor used a graduated-length method of teaching . She started by discussing the rhythm needed and some unique aspects of Flamenco dancing compared to similar styles. She then taught a few simple steps to allow everyone to get in sync with the music and concepts. Of course, it always looks more manageable when a talented performer displays something than when an untrained person does it. Despite that, most of us could follow along.

As expected, the dance became more complicated as new steps were added in small increments to enhance the learning experience. This allowed the participants to improve their dance skills incrementally. Though we doubt any of us who participated will become excellent Flamenco dancers anytime soon, fun was had by one and all.  

For those interested in experiencing Flamenco dancing in another setting at Jaleo, Flamenco Fridays are still happening starting at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please consult the restaurant’s website.

Brunch Following the Flamenco Master Class at Jaleo Disney Springs

While we enjoyed the dance instruction, the aspect of this special event that appealed to us most was the food. The event costs $125 (tax and tip included), which includes the dance class and a special four-course brunch. We were impressed by the quality and amount of food served at this event, and as expected, the service at Jaleo Disney Springs was also top-notch.

Each participant in the Flamenco Master Class received the menu items seen below. In addition, each guest could order sangria or non-alcoholic beverages for the entire event. We had tried several of Jaleo’s brunch items on previous visits, but other items served at the event were new to us.

The first course included the following:

• Tostada De Salmon Ahumado Con Queso De Cabra, Huevo Duro Y Alcaparras – Smoked salmon on cristal bread with hard-boiled eggs, goat cheese, and capers
• Tortilla de Patatas – Spanish omelet with potato and onions
• Endivas Con Queso De Cabra Y Naranjas – Endives with goat cheese, oranges, and almonds

The second course was:

• Gambas al Ajillo – Shrimp sauteed with garlic
• Croquetas De Pollo – Traditional chicken fritters
• Manzanas con Hinojo Y Queso Manchego – Sliced apple and fennel salad with Manchego, walnuts, and sherry dressing

The third course included:

• Carne Asada Con Huevo Frito – Grilled flat iron steak with fried egg, potatoes, and mojo verde
• Bikini De Jarmon Con Queso Manchego – A pressed sandwich of serrano and sweet ham with Manchego cheese.

The four-course brunch concluded with a refreshing strawberry sorbet.

Jaleo Disney Springs continues to impress with events showcasing Spanish culture, and this provided an exceptional experience full of dancing, food, and fun. Even with the $125 price tag, this distinctive event provided value for guests.

Jaleo plans to hold more special events in the near future (we’ve heard rumors of a special paella event). In addition, the Gin & Tonic Festival continues through on April 28, 2024 and the restaurant will host a four-course Mother’s Day brunch on May 12, 2024.

Visit the restaurant’s website for more information.