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Semana Vasca Argentina 2017 is over but we continue to get stories, anecdotes, greetings and comments on the event in our office.  The Beti Aurrera group in Chivilcoy wrote us to thank dantzari and professor in Tudela, Juan Sainz.  Thanks to him and through the internet they got information and direction, as well as exchanged practice videos so that they could perform a dance, “La Revoltosa,” directed by Juan Sainz, at the dance gala in San Nicolas. 

Chivilcoy, Argentina.   When it was time to choose what dance to perform at Semana Vasca, the dance group at the Basque Club in Chivilcoy wanted to do something both traditional yet distinctive.  In the words of club referent, Nelba Calonge, “this is how we started looking for information on places in Euskal Herria, about typical festivals, etc. and this is how we found the Feast of Santa Ana, in Tudela.  We read that it takes place in July and it begins with a txupinazo, procession and this is when “La Revoltosa,” is performed.  From there we got in touch with folks in Tudela through Jesus Marquina, with Juan R. Sainz,” she explained.

“From the first moment, Juan helped us, and was enthused about the idea.  He also sent us information about the festival online and sent us the original polka music, the Tudela jota, and the “La Revoltosa,” played by Tudela’s band.  He also filmed his group doing these dances, and provided details so we could see how it was done.  In the same way, we let him know about Semana Vasca in Argentina: he must have made a good impression since he was about ready to buy a plane ticket and come,” Nelba said.

After months of hard work, the dance that represents the typical feast of Tudela premiered at the Semana Vasca 2017 gala, along with other dances performed by the other dance groups at the Rafaela de Aguiar Municipal Theater in San Nicolas.

[La Revoltosa, performed by the dantzaris of the Beti Aurrera dance group at Semana Vasca 2017]

When evaluating how it all went, the Beti Aurrera Basque Club had nothing but kind words and thanks for Juan Sainz, “for his collaboration, support and help to represent Navarre at Semana Nacional.” Nelba explained “to tell the truth, when we contacted Juan we didn’t know anything about him, but as time went by, we realized what vast knowledge and learned that he is one of the most important people in the world of dance, with a long career of research and Navarrese dance instruction in Europe and around the world.  It would be great if professors like him could visit Basque clubs in Argentina so that we could all enjoy his teaching, talks, and knowledge,” Calonge proposes.

From this story, we can draw at least two conclusions: youth in Basque clubs take the dance gala at Semana Vasca really seriously and work hard to get ready for it; and that distances are not a challenge when there is good will on both ends.  Congratulations!