The goal is for anyone attending a Basque dance who may not know how to day, will leave having learned something, but above all, “having enjoyed it.” They provide guided dance where they dance and teach how to dance because it is their thing, along with tempting music that gets everyone on the floor. Their dances are “participative, free and fun.” That is probably why they were invited for a two-week tour in the US. This week they are at the Basque festivals in Reno, NV and next week they’ll be in Buffalo, WY at the NABO convention.
Reno, NV. Encouraging participation and “getting everyone to dance,” is a challenge that Errebal faces at every public dance. They are experienced musicians who also dominate the world of dance. Some are in fact accomplished dantzaris and dance teachers. They communicate through music and dance, and their love for both is evident through their teaching. What is for sure, is that they will get you out of your chair.
The four members of Errebal are Ixak Arruti, on the guitar; Eneko Dorronsoro, trikitixa; Jokin Otamendi, dance master; and Gari Otamendi, dantzari and violinist. Unfortunately, Jokin was unable to make the trip, but the group was fortunate to recruit Julen Fagoaga in his stead, who is also an accomplished dancer and teacher in his own right. Julen joined the group in Reno after teaching dance in Chino, CA for two weeks at Udaleku. Despite their young age, some have been coming to the US for a number of years, whether as members of the Añorga Arkaitz dance group, or as dance teachers at Udaleku, and so are well-acquainted with the Basque American world.
Their goal as a group is to get the audience dancing at Basque festivities in Reno thie week, and then in Buffalo next week, to get the public to join in the music and to learn some basic Basque steps that will allow them to actively participate and enjoy the party.
Their two-week tour began yesterday in Sparks, NV at Victorian Square where their first performance took place. Today, they will perform at the Reno Basque Club’s 50th Anniversary kick-off. Tomorrow they will play again in dwntown at Wingfield park at the Zazpiak Bat’s festival, and Saturday night at Louis’ Basque Corner, in Donostia’s sister city.
After the festivities in Reno conclude, they will travel some 1,600 kilometers to Buffalo, Wyoming hosts of the NABO Convention next week. In Buffalo they will perform on Thursday the 20th at the Occidental Hotel, a historic site on Buffalo’s main street. On Friday they will play at the Crazy Woman Square and on Saturday the 22nd in Washington Park the biggest day of the festivities, as well as on Sunday all day long.
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