In Boise, Idaho (USA), Oinkari Basque Dancers get ready for a new year, and new members are preparing to start
The summer is over and the Oinkari Basque Dancers of Boise, Idaho, are ready to strap on their dancing shoes and start practicing again. Some new members started practicing Sunday September 16th and others will start Sunday September 23rd. Then its time to start dancing with the professionals. As explained on their website, 'Through the art of traditional Basque dance, we, the Oinkari Basque Dancers of Boise, Idaho, share our culture with our local and global community while continuing to preserve our unique heritage for future generations.'
Boise, Idaho, USA. For over 40 years a group of young Basque Americans dreamed of creating a troupe to preserve and perform the unique dancers of their ancient heritage. To get started, they went to the Basque Country. That was in 1960. There they met with a group from Donostia and started attending their practices and festivals. From there the dream began.
Once they returned to the United States, rehearsals started. Albert Erquiaga and Diana Urresti, along with the music of Jim Jausoro on the accordion and Domingo Ansotegui playing the tambourine, the Oinkaris were ready for their first performance at Boise's annual Sheepherder's Ball.
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[There are currently more than 70 dancers in the Oinkari Group. This is a photo of the group in a parade for the annual Trailing of the Sheep festival in Hailey, Idaho (photo Oinkari.org)]
OINKARI NAME
The friendship between the dancers from Donostia and the troupe from Boise grew close during the trip to the Basque Country. The two groups had a common love for their heritage and dance. The group was eventually named Oinkari meaning one who dances with their feet or dancer in Euskera.
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[1) Oinkari men at a Boise performance; 2) The two dancers shown, are cousins, John Aldape (left) and Jude Gary (right) 3) The Oinkari ladies line up for a performance on Boise's Basque Block to perform 'Uztai dantza' 4) The Oinkari boys dancing at one of their many performances they take part in throughout the year (photos Oinkari.org)]
PERFORMANCES
The Oinkaris have performed at World Fairs throughout North America, at Basque Festivals in Euskadi, Argentina, and the United States. They continue to travel to national Basque Festivals throughout the year. The Oinkaris are also known for sharing their talents throughout the year at local charities, hospitals and nursing homes.
MUSICIANS
Original musicians included Jim Jausoro and Domingo Ansotegui. After the passing of Domingo, Juan Zulaika took over until his recent retirement. Edu Sarria plays the txistu. Currently musicians include former dancer and other young players in Boises Basque Community.
Related links
Oinkari - The Basque Dancers of Boise, Idaho
www.oinkari.org
Basque Community of Boise, ID
www.boisebasques.com
Boise Basque Center, Boise, ID
www.basquecenter.com
Boiseko Ikastola, Boise, ID
www.boisekoikastola.org
Biotzetik Basque Choir, Boise, ID
www.bihotzetikbasquechoir.net
Cenarrusa Center for Basque Studies, Boise, ID
www.cenarrusa.org
Basque Studies Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID
http://basquestudies.boisestate.edu
Maite Iribarren-Gorrindo and PJ Mansisidor perform a jota for the crowd on Boise's Basque Block
