I'd recommend tangos for starters. It's a good introduction to flamenco rhythms without being too confusing.

It's one of the 12 count formas. Of all of them, it is the easiet one to start with, since many of the others paly off of it.

I agree it's not a beginner form. But if you joined a class that havs been running for some time, the other student may be done with 4/4 stuff.

I agree. Start with Rumba. Not only b/c it's on a four-beat, which most of pop music is on, but also b/c the music is very accessible: you can find Rumba's much much easier than you can other things. Gypsy Kings you can buy out of any store in the US. Plus it's a "party" dance, so it's something you'll feel the courage to do. :) There have been two instructional videos I've seen: Maria del Mar Moreno's maestros jovenes (which is advanced, but very good) and the Juan Galvan or something like that, instructional videos. His are good if you truly truly are just starting in flamenco. It explains the palo, where it came from, how it's broken down, gives warm-up exercizes and breaks down each step.

Solea' is also one of the "cante jondo" - the serious dances, usually very experienced dancers dance it b/c it had a LOT of ups and downs, footwork, and they are usually very long. It's really great for arm & body work, which is probably why your teacher chose that as a beginner. But still, that is unusual.