How I Turned Work Recognition into a Free Flamenco Dance Class in Spain
By Destiny Arlotta
My grandmother used to take flamenco classes in the 1950s. My mom grew up idolizing the art and the emotion behind it, and even today we make a point to attend flamenco shows whenever we can to appreciate the craft. For as long as I can remember, it has been a dream of mine not just to watch flamenco—but to learn how to dance it myself in the place where it was born.
I planned a family vacation to Sevilla, Spain. Our budget went towards flights and hotels, and then I remembered that Nestlé’s Real Recognition platform offers travel experiences through top tour providers globally. I browsed the Real Recognition marketplace and realized that my dream could come true: for just 60 points, I could book a flamenco dance class in Sevilla for the whole family.
How The Real Recognition Platform Works
Real Recognition points are awarded by employees to their team members upon completion of impressive work. Points are not handed out willy-nilly; they are deserved and hard-earned. Let’s say you launch a new product, lead a project to success, contribute to a shared victory, or even bring a fresh perspective, you may be rewarded with Real Recognition points! It’s not just Leadership that can award points. Nestlé believes in the importance of peer-to-peer support, too. Each year employees can award points to colleagues who have gone above and beyond to assist them. It’s a very meaningful moment when you receive Real Recognition because the points represent real dollars you can spend on Merchandise, Experiences, or Professional Development.
Turning Recognition into a Shared Family Experience
When we arrived to the flamenco dance class, we were welcomed by an amazing instructor who immediately made the experience feel intimate and personal. Before we even began dancing, she walked us through the history of flamenco explaining its cultural roots and the emotion behind the movements.
Then it was time to dance.
She taught us basic footwork, arm movements, rhythm, and posture—and by the end of the session, we had learned a full flamenco dance from start to finish. Watching my parents dance alongside me, laugh through missed steps, and fully immerse themselves in the moment is something I will always cherish.
More Than Points—A Memory I’ll Carry Forever
What made this experience so powerful wasn’t just the destination or the dance itself, it was how it all came together.
Those points represented:
- Projects completed
- Effort that was seen
- Contributions that were recognized
Through Real Recognition, something that started at work turned into a memory my family and I will carry with us forever.
Why This Mattered So Much to Me
I’m incredibly grateful to work for a company that offers a recognition program that goes beyond traditional rewards. Learning flamenco in Sevilla, Spain will always be one of the highlights of my trip, but it will also serve as a reminder that when recognition is meaningful, its impact reaches far beyond the workplace.
If you’re looking to grow your career with a company that has benefits designed to help you thrive, explore Nestlé’s open roles or join our talent community to stay connected.
