A FIREFIGHTER who dances flamenco in his spare time has written a book to help others learning the Spanish moves.

Chris Wilson, who has been studying flamenco since 1996, noticed a gap in the market for a English guidebook.

So he put pen to paper, and two years later, after much research, blood, sweat and tears, he produced Flamenco Essentials.

Crammed with information about flamenco dance, music and song, the book also looks at the history of the art, provides home study sessions, a glossary, as well as a guide to attending classes and practice tips.

The book was due to be out on bookshop shelves last year but there was a delay after complications with the original publisher.

But earlier this month Mr Wilson, 43, of Hanwell Fields, Banbury, finally saw his hard work in black and white.

He said: “When I finally held the book in my hand I felt relieved. I felt proud that my Dad had helped me before he died suddenly in February, and I felt happy that I have been able to produce something of value to other people.

“All of my friends were very happy for me and helped me celebrate at my recent launch party. That gave me a great feeling of satisfaction.”

Mr Wilson, who is also a karate black belt and instructor, said flamenco was traditionally taught by rote, but he found there were lots of unanswered questions.

He said: “In the beginning, many other dancers were asking me to help them understand the complexities of flamenco rhythms and asking me to write it all down for them.

“As I did that, it became more of a project until at last I decided to write an actual book.

“I didn’t know at that time it would be published and sold to the public.

“I did mention to my teacher at the time that she should write something with her knowledge and experience but she said with my abilities as a speaker I should do it, so I did.”

Mr Wilson, who works at fire service headquarters, in Kidlington, added: “People have already told me that they use it as reference manual, as a study guide for their understanding of the unique rhythms of flamenco, as a prompt for their exercises, as a glossary, as a class finder and also that they have enjoyed reading about the history of flamenco and as a shopping guide.”

Mr Wilson, originally from Liverpool, has been to Spain many times for the flamenco experience and described the book as a must for beginners and improvers.

He is also planning to donate a percentage of the proceeds of the book to the FireFighters’ Charity.

For more information or to get a copy of the book visit ukflamenco.com