Flamenco at Fazil's

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The stamping of feet and the clicking of castanets - that’s what you immediately heard when you entered from the street through an unassuming door that said, simply, “Fazil’s”. Located on 8th Avenue in the theatre district and straight up two flights of well-worn stairs, Fazil’s was a dance rehearsal space that had apparently changed only in name since opening in the late 1920’s. Fazil, by the way, was a taxi driver before he became a dance aficionado and took over the business in 1978.

The fourteen studios could be cheaply rented by the hour to anyone and everyone - from Twyla Tharp to little ol’ me. A variety of classes were also available, and so began my four-year fling with flamenco. The building had a wide-ranging and colorful history that you could actually feel the moment you walked in. Over the years, its dusty floors were graced by the golden feet of numerous dancers including Fred Astaire, James Cagney, Alvin Ailey, Gregory Hines, Savion Glover.....a veritable chorus line of dazzling performers.

When Fazil’s finally gave its last dance in 2008, the curtain quietly closed not only for a legendary landmark, but for all the people who love to dance.