Related links:
English https://www.dantzariak.net/dantzaldizkaria/dances.htm
Basque (mixed dances(: https://garaltxu.wordpress.com/dantza-mixtoak/
Basque male dances: https://garaltxu.wordpress.com/mutilen-dantzak/
Basque female dances: https://garaltxu.wordpress.com/nesken-dantzak/
 

This list of dances will eventually be transferred over to specific pages for each dance that includes where available the sheet music, music and video clip.

HAURREN DANTZAK

(Children's dances)

--Esku

--Isats

--Bizkar

--Aulki

--Saskito

--Zartai

--Esku (Imotz)

--Esku (Olague)

--Neskatx

--Goizuetako Zagi [N]

--Hatzamar (finger)

--Zuberoako aulki [Z] #

NESKEN DANTZAK

(female dances)

KORTESKO SAN MIKELAREN DANTZAK [N]*

--Kalejira

--Kortesias

--Vals

--Trenzado sencillo

--Trenzado Doble

--Makil

MENDIKUTEKO DANTZAK [N]*

--Karrika

--El Quemao

--Trenzado

--Sinfin

--Arku

GIPUZKOAKO DANTZAK*

--Makil txiki

--Sagar dantza #

--San Juan

--Uztai haundi

--Zinta

BOASTITZEA

            Some of our dances make use of almost exclusive leg and footwork, but this next number--from the Basque word for a walk or procession, the "boastitzea"--is a choreographed arrangement that combines traditional steps and music of the "zortziko" beat with new arm movements and handkerchiefs.  The (group name) girls/women now present, the "Boastitzea" of Gipuzkoa.

ZIEKOKO DANTZAK [A]*

--Kalejira

--Dantza

--Arbol

--Jota

BESTEAK [Others]

EURTAKO ("Axuri Beltxa") [N]

            A recent female dance comes to us from the Basque village of Jaurrieta in Nafarroa.  The "Axuri Beltxa" takes its name from the first words of the song that accompanies this number, a combination of Basque music, song, and dance.  The words of the song call out the young Basque women to come and dance. From the village of Jaurrieta, the girls/women of our group now present, "Axuri Beltxa."

The Lyrics

Axuri beltxa ona dut bainan                            Zertan ari aiz bakar dantzatzen,

xuria berriz obea,                                            agertzen gorpuz erdia?

Dantzan ikasi nai duen orrek,                         Zu illun orrek argitzen bakik,

nere oneitara begira.                                       agiriko aiz guzia.

IGITAI DANTZA (Herrikoa) #

            Until the modern period of industrialization, almost all people made their living working the land.  Many Basque folk dances reflect the traditional importance of agriculture in Basque life.  These dances were created by a people who were well acquainted with the soil and the changing seasons.  Our next dance, the "Igitai" or sickle dance, depicts the "igitaialdi" or harvest-time in the countryside.  Ladies and gentlemen, with sickles and wheat in hand, the girls/women of our group present the "Igitai-dantza."

MATELOTA ("Kaskarot") #

            A popular social dance performed by women is the "Matelota" or Lapurdi's fish-basket dance.  Coastal fishing villages of the Basque country still rely upon the generosity of the sea for their living; therefore a plentiful fish harvest is something the whole town can celebrate. The "Matelota-dantza" captures the joy of the women celebrating an abundant catch and the return of their men from the sea. Ladies and gentlemen, from the northern or French-Basque province of Lapurdi, the "Matelota Dantza."

--Uztai #

--Lekeitioko aurresku [B] #

--Kontrapas #

--Irradaka #

MUTILEN DANTZAK

(male dances)

DANTZARI DANTZA [B]

BANAKOA (Bizkaia)

            The "Banakoa" takes its name from the Basque word for one, "bat."  One by one, each of the performers will come forward to dance.  The "banakoa" is one of the most spirited dances from the province of Bizkaia.  Each individual, and then all eight together, execute high kicks and quick movements in this dance which dates back over four centuries.  Ladies and gentlemen, the boys/men of the (group name) present the "Banakoa."

BINAKOA (Bizkaia)

            The "Binakoa" takes its name from the number of performers dancing at one time: two.  The "binakoa" is a variation on groups of two, culminating with all eight male dancers dancing at once.  It is one of the most lively dances from the province of Bizkaia.  The groups of two, and then all eight together, execute high kicks and quick movements in this dance which dates back over four centuries.  Ladies and gentlemen, the boys/men of the (group name) present the "Binakoa."

LAUNAKOA

            [same as binakoa]

ZORTZIKOA

            [adapt from above]

--Ezpata joko txiki

EZPATA JOKO NAGUSIA (Bizkaia)

            Some of the oldest Basque dances come from the towns of Berriz and Iurreta in the province of Bizkaia.  There the "Dantzari-dantza," a collection of nine traditional dances, dates back over four centuries.  One of these, the "Ezpata Joko Nagusia," is the principal sword dance from the province of Bizkaia.  In it, the eight boys/men re-create a battle scene of two parts.  The first is a preparation; the second is the battle scene, illustrating the Basque's efforts to preserve their heritage for thousands of years.  Ladies and gentlemen, "Ezpata Joko Nagusia."

--Makil joko

--Txankarreku [Txontxongillo]

--Agintariena [Ikurrina]

Erreglak: 

AURRESKUA

            One of the most popular social dances is the "Aurreskua."  In this group of dances, two performers are out to win the hand of a lovely maiden.  The "aurresku" or "first-hand" introduces himself to the audience with a dance, and then he dances before the maiden.  The same is repeated by the "atesku" or last-hand.  If the performers catch the eye of the young maiden with their dancing, they get to carry them off into the circle of dancers to perform the traditional "fandango/jota" and "arin-arina/porrusalda."  Ladies and gentlemen, the "aurreskua/gizon dantza."

Banako

     zaharra, Atzesku,  Abarketa

SOINU ZAHARRAK [G]

--Punta Motz

--Txakolin

--Belauntxingoa

--Ormatxulo

BELAUNTXINGOA (Gipuzkoa)

            The "Belauntxingoa" is one of a group of dances from the province of Gipuzkoa that are termed the "Brokel" or shield dances. The first portion is a slow preparation, while the second demonstrates the vigor of Basque folk dance with the "belauntxingoa's" high kicks and complete turns.  From the province of Gipuzkoa, the (group name) boys/men present, the "Belauntxingoa."

Gizon dantza:

AURRESKUA / AURREZ-AURRE

            One of the most popular social dances is the "Gizon-dantza" (Gipuzkoa).  In this group of dances, two performers are out to win the hand of a lovely maiden.  The "aurresku" and "atesku" "front-hand" introduces himself to the audience with a dance, and then he dances before the maiden.  The same is repeated by the "atesku" or last-hand.  If the performers catch the eye of the young maiden with their dancing, they get to carry them off into the circle of dancers to perform the traditional "fandango/jota" and "arin-arina/porrusalda."  Ladies and gentlemen, the "aurreskua/gizon dantza."

ABARKETA

AGURRA ("Erreberenzia") (Gipuzkoa)

            In Basque, "agur" means greetings, and the Basques have created a dance, the "Agurra," with the same intent.  Centuries ago, the "Agurra" was a religious dance performed before the high altar of the church.  Today it also serves as a dance that salutes an honored guest or group.  Ladies and gentlemen, we now present our Basque dance of salutation, the "Agurra," a dance of greeting [choose one] (1) to you, our audience; (2) to (name the person(s) for whom you are dancing).

BERASTEGIKO SAN JUANAREN DANTZAK  [G]

--Kalejira

--Kapitain

--Brokel

--Billantzikoa

LESAKAKO DANTZAK [N]

--Kalejira (Makil kurutzea )

--Ziarka

--Zubigainekoa

--Mutil

--Soka

BROKEL DANTZAK [G]

--Brokel

UZTAI TXIKI DANTZA (Gipuzkoa)

            One of the most spirited Basque dances is the "Uztai Txiki Dantza" of Gipuzkoa. This dance of hoops is a derivative of traditional dances, with an intricate exchange of hoops.  It is patterned after other dances which are symbolic re-creations of battle.  The trick is to avoid hitting our hands and breaking our hoops as we hit them together.  The (group name) now presents the festive hoop dance of Gipuzkoa, "Uztai Txiki Dantza."

--Makil haundi

--Jorrai

ONATIKO KORPUS EGUNAREN DANTZAK [G]

--Kalejira

--Banakoa, Launako & Zortzikoa

--Makil dantzak

--Arku Dantza

--San Mikelen Kontrapas

--Kuadroak

--Aurreskua

BESTEAK [Others]

EZPATA DANTZA (Gipuzkoa)

            The "Ezpata Dantza" or sword dance of Gipuzkoa dates back at least to the year 1660 when a foreign observer wrote down that this dance was used to commemorate the feast of Corpus Christi.  It has three parts, performed in several ways throughout numerous towns in Gipuzkoa. The third part, with the use of the swords, is a gesture of homage. Traditionally performed on the town's feast-day in honor of their patron saint, we now present the centuries old, "Ezpata Dantza" of Gipuzkoa.

--Sorgin [Lasarte-Oria, G]

--Axeri [Andoian, G]

--Bordon [Tolosa, G]

--Kaxarranka [Lekeitio, B]

--Bizkaiko aurreskua [B]

--Maigainekoa [Markina, B]

--Xemeingo ezpata [B]

--Gernikako arbola [Garai, B]

--Amaiko ezpata [B] #

--Zuberoako makil [Z]

--Besta Berriko martxa [NB]

--Arizkungo Sagar [N]

MUTIL & NESKEN DANTZAK

(mixed dances)

FANDANDO & ARIN-ARIN

            The "fandando/jota" and "arin-arina/porrusalda" are the principal recreational or social dances of the Basques.  Many of us began to learn these dances even before we entered grade school.  No Basque gathering with dancing is complete without these popular numbers.  The Basques borrowed the "fandango/jota" from Spain's Aragon region which lies below "Euskal Herria" or the Basque country, and with their love for the difficult, they have made it more intricate.  The accompaning "arin-arina/porrusalda" is of Basque origin. The (group name) presents the "fandango/jota" and "arin-arina/porrusalda."

--Arratia

--Erromeria

LAPURDIKO IHAUTERIA *

--Kaskarot martxa

--Xinple

--Marmutx

--Zapatain

--Makil Haundi [I]

--Makil txiki [II]

--Jauzi

--Polka I & II

--Dantza luze

DANTZA JAUZIAK  [N & NB]

--Dantza luze

--Muxikoak

--Hegi

--Zazpi Jausi

--Maiena

--Antretxatak

--Kontra dantzak:  I, II, III,  IV

--Eskualdunak

--Sorginak

--Ostalersa

--Bolant

--Polkak #

--Polka pik

BAZTANGO DANTZAK [N]

            Traditional and ritual dances require careful movements and choreography with a specific number of performers.  Social or recreational dances, meanwhile, aim to include the general public in the revelry and celebration.  In the valley region of Baztan, in the province of Nafarroa, a favorite social dance is their version of the "zortzikoa."  We now present the festive "Baztan'go-zortzikoa."

--"Irri"

-- Billantzikoa

--"Herri"

INGURUTXUAK [N]

            Social dances have always been a common way for people to become acquainted and to enjoy themselves.  Popular social dances from the Basque province of Nafarroa include the "Iribas," "ttun-tun," and the "Larrain dantza," each of which combines many different parts of different dances into one.  We take the combination aspect a step further, and in the "Ingurutxuak" we merge portions of these three popular "inguru" or circle-dances of Nafarroa into one dance. Ladies and gentlemen, we now present the "Ingurutxuak" of Nafarroa.

--Ingurutxuak [mixture]

--Iribas

--Ttun-ttun

--Larrain (La era)

OTSAGIKO DANTZAK [N]*

            [Ochagavia]

--Kalejira

--Emperador

--Katxutxa

--Dantza

--Modorro

--Panuelo

--Jota

ZUBEROAKO MASKARADAK*

--Barrikada jauzia /Arribada

--Aintzina pika

--Gabota

--Satan

--Godalet

--Branle

BESTEAK [Others]

--Zuberoako polkak:  I & II

--Albaltzisketako makil [G]

--Lantzeko ihauteria [N]

DONIBANE DANTZA #

            Basque folk dances are both old and recent, each one celebrating a different theme or occasion.  Our next number was created by the late Jon Onatibia who won an award for this dance in 1967. "Donibane-dantza" takes its theme from the celebration of St. John's feast-day. On the previous evening, many towns burn large bonfires to commerate the saint's feast-day.  This dance reveres two themes:  the efforts of Basque workers in the fields, and the creation of bonfires to celebrate the feast of St. John. Ladies and gentlemen, we present Jon Onatibia's "Donibane-dantza."

--Azkaindarrak [L]*

ESKU DANTZA (Nafarroa) #

            Social dances have always been a popular way for people to become acquainted.  One such social dance is the "Esku Dantza." Esku is the Basque word for hand, and this dance by the boys/men and girls/women is a recently choreographed social dance from the province of Nafarroa.  Ladies and gentlemen, the (group name) present the "Esku Dantza."

GORULARI DANTZA (Bizkaia) #

            The first written mention that we have our next dance comes in 1886.  The "Gorulari-dantza" was danced in the Basque town of Durango to celebrate their festival.  A popular social dance by the girls/women and boys/men, "gorulari" in Basque means spinner or weaver.  As you watch, I think you will see why it takes the name of a spinner or weaver.  The dance's movements duplicate the weaving of strands to create a fabric.  Ladies and gentlemen, we present the "gorulari-dantza" of Bizkaia.

--Lanestosako arku [B]*

--Orbaitzako jokua [N]

--Uztai txiki [G]*

--Zagi

--Tamborradako martxa [G]

--Pastoraleko martxa [Z]

IKURRINA (Bizkaia) *

            Originally, the red, white and green "Ikurrina" or Basque flag was designed to represent the Basque nationalist movement of the early 20th century, but it is now recognized by all Basques as a symbol of their homeland.  It combines the predominate colors of the Basque countryside:  the red tile roof and white-washed walls of the traditional "Baserri" or farmhouse, and the green of the surrounding fields.  This dance pays homage to the Basque flag.  The (group name) now presents the traditional "Ikurrina Dantza."

--Iturengo ihauteria [N]

HERRI DANTZA (Herrikoa)

Traditional and ritual dances require careful movements and choreography with a specific number of performers.  Social or recreational dances, meanwhile, aim to include the general public in the revelry and celebration.  Some are favorites at Basque festivals for all to dance, and others are oftentimes performed by the folk-dancing groups.  The "Herri-dantza," or town dance in Basque, involves both girls/women and boys/men in a popular social dance.  Ladies and gentlemen, "Herri-dantza."

IRRI DANTZA "Jontxu" (Herrikoa)

Basque social dance involves both boys/men and girls/women, and sometimes there is an occasion for a little playful jesting between the sexes.  The "irri-dantza" takes its name from the laughing and joking in our next dance.  Taught to us here in the United States by the late Jon Onatibia who worked endlessly to teach young Basques about their heritage, the "irri-dantza" is a playful competition in which the boys/men think that they dance better, and the girls/women think that they dance best. Now let's see which side is right. Ladies and gentlemen, "irri-dantza."

KAXARRANKA (Bizkaia)

On the Bay of Biscay, the Bizkaian town of Lekeitio originated one of the more spectacular Basque folk dances:  the "Kaxarranka" or arc dance.  It is annually presented by the local fishermen's guild, whose representatives carry a storage arc or chest of the guild's important papers and records atop their shoulders.  On top of the elevated arc stands a sole dancer.  He represents St. Peter, the town's patron saint.  The "fisher of men" was an appropriate choice for a town that owes its livelihood to fish harvests from the sea.  Unique to Lekeitio, the "kaxarranka" may have originated from the common traditional practice of carrying statues of saints in procession.  In this version, the "statue" comes alive atop the arc, dancing the traditional fandango and arin-arina.  The "kaxarranka" of Lekeitio.

LANTZEKO IHAUTERIA (Nafarroa)

In Lantze, a Basque town in the northern part of Nafarroa, the inhabitants celebrate the passage of Winter and the arrival of Spring with a ritualistic re-creation during their "Carnival" celebration.  Here in the United States, the largest such celebration is held in New Orleans during the Mardi Gras.  The carnival is an anachronism in the Christian era, but it was maintained and assimilated by the Christians because of its religious symbolism.  The Carnival marked a purification of the community and the transformation from death to re-generation.  In the carnival celebration of Lantze, one dancer carries atop his shoulders the large personage of the "miel-otxin" which represents Winter.  At the culmination of the ritual re-enactment, the character of the "miel-otxin" or Winter is killed, allowing Spring to arrive.  To celebrate the death of Winter and the coming of Spring, the community joins in dancing the "Lantze'ko Zortzikoa" from the province of Nafarroa.

LAPURDI'KO MAKIL DANTZA

Prior to the Reformation of the 16th century, most all Catholic Christians observed the Lenten season of fasting and sacrifice.  A period of celebration preceded this season of denial, what we know as the Carnival.  Here in the United States, the largest such celebration is held in New Orleans during the Mardi Gras.  The Basques also celebrate the Carnival season throughout their homeland with music, song and dance.  From this context comes a festive stick dance, the "makil-dantza."  Originating in the northern or French-Basque province of Lapurdi, it is one part of their elaborate celebration.  Ladies and gentlemen, the "Lapurdi'ko Makil Dantza."

LAUNAKOA (Bizkaia)

The "launakoa" takes its name from the number of performers dancing at one time: four.  The "launakoa" is a variation on groups of four, culminating with all eight male dancers dancing at once.  It is one of the most energetic dances from the province of Bizkaia.  The groups of four execute high kicks and quick movements in this dance which dates back over four centuries.  Ladies and gentlemen, the boys/men of (group name) present:  "Launakoa."

LESAKA'KO DANTZAK (Nafarroa)

Every Basque town has its own patron saint.  The Basque town of Lesaka in northern Nafarroa celebrates the feast-day of St. Fermin on the 7th of July with unique dances.  The ritual dances include the "makil-kurutze," in which the men dancers switch sticks as they change positions; the "ziarka;" and the "zubiganekoa," which, in Lesaka, is danced atop the narrow ledge of the stone walls that border the river Onin that flows through the town.  These ancient dances may have originated as some pagan reverence to the river's water.  Our group now presents the traditional men's dances from Lesaka, the (select) makil-kurutze--ziarka--zubigaineko--mutil dantza; the "Lesaka'ko Dantzak."

JAUZIAK

(Benafarroa, Nafarroa, and Lapurdi)

Separated by the Spanish-French border, the Basque towns of Luzaide (Valcarlos) in Nafarroa, and Arnegi in Benafarroa still maintain their joint celebration of the "Kabalkada."  An annual procession of costumed musicians and various personages, including the "bolantak" or dancers, make their way from one town to the next dancing along.  These traditional dances contain variations of call-dances, in which the dancers execute the steps as directed by a caller, and the borrowed "cuadrille" dances which the Basques have made their own.  The (group name) presents the dances from the northern part of the Basque country, the "Luzaide'ko Bolant Dantzak."

[Select the dances you will do, which include the Sorginak, Eskualduna, Hegi, Zazpi-Jausiak, Maiana or Aintzina-pika, the Pasecalle or Kale-jira, zeina, ostalerrak, lapurtar motza, dantza-luze, kontra-dantzak (cuadrilles), and Mutxikoak.]

MAKIL HAUNDI DANTZA (Gipuzkoa)

The "Makilla Haundi Dantza" is a traditional stick dance that symbolically re-creates a battle-scene in two parts. The first is the preparation, and  the second follows with the striking of the large sticks as the male dancers switch positions.  (The trick in this dance is to save our fingers from being struck.) This number portrays the Basque's effort to preserve their unique heritage over thousands of years.  We now present the traditional men's stick dance from the province of Gipuzkoa, "Makilla Haundi."

MAKIL JOKO DANTZA (Bizkaia)

Some of the oldest Basque dances come from the towns of Berriz and Iurreta in the province of Bizkaia.  There the "Dantzari-dantza," a collection of nine traditional dances, dates back over four centuries.  One of these, the "Makil Joko Dantza" or Bizkaian stick dance by the boys/men, is a mock re-creation of a battle scene in two parts.  The first is a preparation, followed by the second in which the large sticks are struck together.  "Makil-joko" represents the Basque's efforts to preserve their heritage for thousands of years.  Ladies and gentlemen, "Makil Joko Dantza."

MAKILLA TXIKI (Gipuzkoa)

A stick dance by eight girl/women dancers, "makilla txiki" was previously a men's dance, as are most of the dances, in their origin.  Although traditional Basque society allowed women a large and influential role, permitting the first born--whether son or daughter, for example, to inherit the family farmhouse, all traditional and ritual dances were performed by the men.  But here in the United States we have adapted ourselves to a more equitable distribution, because Basque girls/women are also fine dancers. Ladies and gentlemen, "Makilla Txiki," the women's stick dance from the province of Gipuzkoa.

MASKARADA "Godalet" (Zuberoa)

From the smallest of the seven Basque provinces, Zuberoa, comes some of the more complicated and splendid Basque folk dances.  With the end of winter, it is traditional that some of the small towns in Zuberoa organize the unique "Maskarada" or Carnival celebration.  The dances are only a portion of the day-long performance which includes music, song and dance.  The five principal dancers from the "maskarada" are the "txerrero," who prepares the way for the others by sweeping the path with a horse's tail; the "katusaina" or the cat-man character who snaps a wooden apparatus that represents a cat's claws; the "kantiniersa" or canteen carrier which is a recent addition from the Napoleonic period in France; the "zamalzaina" or hobby-horse character that represents a stallion; and the "entsenaria" or standard-bearer.  The dances are centuries old, and they are believed to be an ancient pagan fertility rite.  In the final "godalet" or wine-glass dance, if the dancer can jump on and off the glass without spilling the wine, then there will be a good harvest. Ladies and gentlemen, from the northern or French-Basque province of Zuberoa, we present the ancient dances of the "Maskarada."

[Specific dances include the "barrikada-jaustia, aintzina-pika, gabota, satan," and "godalet-dantza."]

NESKEN UZTAI DANTZA (Gipuzkoa)

The "Nesken Uztai Dantza," or the women's colorful hoop dance from the province of Gipuzkoa, takes as its theme a festive Springtime celebration.  In the Basque country of the Pyrennes mountains in Europe, the Winter can be quite harsh and long; therefore the coming of warmer days with Spring is definitely reason for a celebration.  The girls/women of the (group name) now present the lively, "Nesken Uztai Dantza."

ORBAITZE'KO JOKUA (Nafarroa)

[Your group may choose to use this dance for an audience participation.]

Basque traditional and ritual dances require careful movements and choreography with a specific number of performers.  Social or recreational dances, meanwhile, aim to include the general public in the revelry and celebration.  And now to bring you the Basque camaraderie of the Pyrennes, we need a little help from you.  Our group will be going out looking for partners, so don't be shy.  Just follow along, and you'll learn both a Basque dance and some words of our language.

The Lyrics

[You can do these in groups of two, three, or four]

Erino batez, gero bestiez (index finger)

Orain eskua, gero bestia (hand)

Ukalondoa, gero bestia (elbow)

Orain bizkarra, gero bestia (shoulder)

Orain ipurdia, gero bestia (rear end)

Orain belauna, gero bestia (knee)

Orain orkatilla, gero bestia (ankle)

Orain kopeta, gero bestia (forehead)

Orain belarria, gero bestia (ear)

[Orain sudurra, gero bestia (nose)]

[Orain aboa . . . . . (mouth)]

OTSAGI'KO DANTZAK "Ochagavia" (Nafarroa)

In the Salazar valley of the Pyrennes in Nafarroa, the Basque town of Otsagi, or Ochagavia in Spanish, originated some very unique Basque folk dances.  Dating back to the 16th century, when such events began to be recorded, the "Otsagi'ko Dantzak" consists of several stick dances, as well as numbers with castenets and handkerchiefs.  Lead by the "Bobo" or jester figure, this group of dances are annually performed by the town's dance group on the 8th of September, the feast day for Otsagi's patron virgin, Our Lady of Muskilda.  Our group presents the [select] "pasecalle--emperador--katxutxa--modorro--panuelo--Otsagi jota;" the "Otsagi'ko Dantzak."

SAGAR DANTZA (Gipuzkoa)

Basque folk dance takes its inspiration from numerous sources.  Almost any theme would suffice, such as the common every-day elements of people's lives:  work, play, prayer, and food.  The theme of our next number by the girls/women is apples, a favorite fruit in the Basque country. The "Sagar-dantza" or apple dance from the province of Gipuzkoa is a number with fine, smooth movements.  Ladies and gentlemen, the "Sagar Dantza."

SAN JUAN DANTZA (Gipuzkoa)

The feast-day of St. John is a popular day of celebration throughout the Basque country.  On the previous evening many towns burn large bonfires that the youngsters spent days preparing, to commerate the saint's feast-day.  From the province of Gipuzkoa comes our next dance which is named in honor of St. John.  The (group name) girls/women now present, the traditional dance of veneration, "San Juan."

TXANKARREKUA (Bizkaia)

Some of the oldest Basque dances come from the towns of Berriz and Iurreta in the province of Bizkaia.  There the "Dantzari-dantza," a collection of nine traditional dances, dates back over four centuries.  One of these, the "txankarrekua," by the boys/men is a dance that pays tribute to the fallen warrior after he symbolically goes forth in battle.  The (group name) boys/men now present the traditional Bizkaian dance of tribute, the "Txankarrekua."

UZTAI HAUNDI DANTZA (Gipuzkoa)

There are several different hoop dances from the province of Gipuzkoa.  We now present the "Uztai Haundi Dantza" which uses the largest hoops.  This is a traditional dance that is now oftentimes performed by the women.  It is centuries old, probably deriving from a pagan celebration of the coming of springtime, reflected by the colorfully adorned hoops.  Ladies and gentlemen, from the province of Gipuzkoa, "Uztai Haundi Dantza."

XEMEIN'GO EZPATA DANTZA (Bizkaia)

Basque folk dance reflects numerous themes.  This next number takes its theme from the conflict between good and evil. The "Xemeingo Ezpata Dantza," a traditional men's dance, originated as a dance of religious homage.  The annual celebration in the Bizkaian towns of Markina and Xemein on the 29th of September, begins with a procession lead by the dancers that finds its way to the shrine of St. Michael of Arretxinaga in Jemein.  There, before an ancient rock shrine, the dancers present the "San Mikelena" and "ezpata-txiki" dances.  The two forward dancers symbolize good and evil battling each other.  The leader represents St. Michael the archangel who casts down Satan to hell.  It culminates with the triumph of good over evil.  From the province of Bizkaia, "Xemein'go Ezpata Dantza."

ZAGI DANTZA (Herrikoa)

Basques try to maintain a balance between work and play, recognizing that there is a time for each.  Our next number, the "Zagi-dantza" or wine-skin dance, takes temptation as its theme.  While peasants are at work in the field, along comes a dancer bearing a full wine-bag to tempt the workers away from their duties.  The conclusion of the dance is the workers' response to this temptation.  Ladies and gentlemen, the (group name) presents the "Zagi Dantza."

ZINTA DANTZA (Gipuzkoa)

Creating many dances that are unique and different from those of their neighbors, the Basques have also borrowed a few dances which spoke to their community. The girls/women of our group now present the Basque's version of the ancient May-pole dance that is known throughout Europe.  Following the "buruzagi" or captain, the dancers create a colorful arrangement of laces on the high pole. Ladies and gentlemen, from the province of Gipuzkoa:  "Zinta Dantza."

ZORTZIKOA (Bizkaia)

The "zortzikoa" takes its name from the number of male dancers in this dance: eight.  It is one of the most energetic Basque folk dances, with the group of eight boys/men executing high kicks and quick movements in this dance which dates back over four centuries.  Ladies and gentlemen, from the province of Bizkaia, the (group name) present:  "Zortzikoa."

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CONTENTS

DEDICATION

PREFACE

GROUP INTRODUCTION TO THE AUDIENCE

  Taldeko Historia:  Group history

  Basque History:  European

  Basque History:  North American

  Basque Instruments:  Txistu

  Euskara:  The Basque Language

  Costumes

EUSKAL DANTZAK:  Basque Dances

  General Background Information

  Agurra (Gip)

  Araba'ko Dantzak (Ara)

  Aurreskua (Herri)

  Banakoa (Biz)

  Baztan'go Zortzikoa (Naf)

  Belauntxingoa (Gip)

  Binakoa (Biz)

  Boastitzea (Gip)

  Donibane (Herri)

  Esku Dantza (Herri)

  Ezpata Dantza (Gip)

  Ezpata Joko Nagusia (Biz)

  Fandango/Jota eta Arin-arina (Herri)

  Gorulari Dantza (Biz)

  Herri Dantza (Herri)

  Ikurrina (Biz)

  Ingurutxuak (Naf)

  Igitai Dantza (Herri)

  Irri Dantza "Jontxu" (Herri)

  Jaurrieta "Axuri-beltza" (Naf)

  Kaxarranka (Biz)

  Lantze'ko Ihauteria (Naf)

  Lapurdi'ko Makil Dantza (Lap)

  Launakoa (Biz)

  Lesaka'ko Dantzak (Naf)

  Luzaide'ko Dantzak (Naf, Ben)

  Makilla Haundi (Gip)

  Makil Joko Dantza (Biz)

  Makilla Txiki (Gip)

  Maskarada "Godalet" (Zub)

  Matelota (Lap)

  Nesken Uztai Dantza (Gip)

  Orbaizte'ko Jokua (Naf)

  Otsagi'ko Dantzak "Ochagavia" (Naf)

  Sagar Dantza (Gip)

  San Juan Dantza (Gip)

  Txankarrekua (Biz)

  Uztai Haundi Dantza (Gip)

  Uztai Txiki Dantza (Gip)

  Xemein'go Ezpata Dantza (Biz)

  Zagi Dantza (Herri)

  Zinta Dantza (Gip)

  Zortzikoa (Biz)

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BESTA BERRI

The "fandango" and "arin-arina" are the principal recreational or social dances of the Basques.  Many of us began to learn these dances when we were quite small, in the dancing group for Basque youngsters sponsored by the Chino Basque Club, the "Dantzari-onestak."  The Basques borrowed the "fandango" from Spain's Aragon region which lies below "Euskal Herria" or the Basque country, and with their love for the difficult, they have made it more intricate.  The accompaning "arin-arina" is of Basque origin.  We've taken these popular dances and have arranged them in a new choreography that we call "Besta-berri" or new festival.  The Gauden Bat now presents the "fandango" and "arin-arina," in our "Besta-berri."

[Note:  You can use the same to announce the Gauden Bat Fandango.]

[A]  ARABA       [B]  BIZKAIA       [G]  GIPUZKOA       [L]  LAPURDI       [N]  NAFARROA       [NB]  NAFARROA BEHERRA       [Z]  ZUBEROA

* denotes dances that were originally male dances               # denotes dances recently choreographed