euskalkultura.eus

Those in Quebec, Canada interested in learning Basque songs, dances, and some Euskara, in a relaxing way, will have the opportunity to join a course organized by the Euskal Etxea, to be celebrated, tentatively, in May and June. Musician Maider Martineau a native from Urruña (Lapurdi), will be the teacher and, as she told EuskalKultura.com, “the intention is for participants to get basic skills in a relaxed and pedagogic atmosphere.”

Montreal, Quebec. Euskaldunak Quebec had planned a six-week Basque culture course to be celebrated between March and April, taught by musician Maider Martineau. However, the program had to be postponed due to Martineau's busy agenda and it will, tentatively, be celebrated from May the 14th to June the 11th. “Those are the dates I proposed, but the Club has to give the thumbs up still,” stated the teacher.

Regardless of the dates, the course will be taught on six consecutive Saturdays and will include Basque dances, songs, music and, most probably, some Euskara classes too. All of it with beginners in mind, and for only $30. At the end of the course, the students will be able to participate in a small performance.

“The intention is for participants to get basic skills in a relaxed and pedagogic atmosphere,” said Martineau. “Many people would like to sing but they don't know how.” So she has a clair idea of what she would like participants to learn; like poliphony, how to sing in a group, how to sing while playing the pandero… And regarding the latter instrument, Martineau said the ones she found in Quebec are a little bit different to the ones available in the Basque Country, “but we will manage.”

Herself an Euskara student, she would also like to include some Basque language classes in the course, most probably with the aid of her friend and teacher Laida Irungarai, from Itsasu, in Lapurdi, who also lives in Quebec.

From Lapurdi to Quebec

Martineau is from Makea, in Lapurdi, and had always dreamed of visiting Quebec, since she was a child, as she admitted to this bulletin. “I've always loved their accent (in French) and their calmness. They're way calmer than us, in the Basque Country” (she laughs). Also, she noted that Martineau is a pretty common last name in Quebec and, even, “the way they talk reminds me of how my great-grandfather used to talk.” She believes that "there's a connection.”

She is enjoying her stay and, after a short visit to Euskal Herria that she's planning this summer, she will be back. “I miss the Basque Country a little bit, but I like it here, I am learning a lot, mostly about myself,” she concluded.