Baztan Dantza - Pays Basque

Dance introduced by: Candi deAlaiza
Formation: Individuals in a circle
Starting arm position: Hands not joined, arms down at side
Meter: 4/4
Steps used Schottische, Step-Hop
Other notes
Measure Count Step
Part I
1 1-4 Facing R, do one Schottische step forward.
2 Repeat measure 1 with opposite footwork
3 1-4 With two step-hops, make complete turn to R
4 Repeat measure 1
5-8 Repeat measures 1-4 with opposite footwork.
This is how I learned the step. I have seen some groups that turn to the L instead of the R in measure 7.
Part II
1 1-4 With two step-hops, starting on R foot, make one turn turn to the R, facing center at the end.
2 1-4 Step on R foot to R (1), step on L foot in front of R foot (2), step on R foot in place (3), hop on R foot (4).
3-4 Repeat measures 1-2 with opposite footwork and in opposite direction.
5-8 Repeat measures 1-4.
Part III
1-2 1-4 Do two schottishe steps starting on R foot.
3 1-4 Do two step-hops going backwards.
4 1-4 Step back on R foot (1), close L foot to R foot (2), step forward on R foot (3), hop on R foot (4).
5-8 Repeat measures 1-4 with opposite footwork.
Part IV
1 1-4 With two step hops, make one turn to R, ending facing center
2-3 Repeat measure 1 twice.
4 1-4 Step on R foot to R (1), step on L foot in front of R foot (2), step on R foot in place (3), hop on R foot (4).
5 Repeat measure 1 with opposite footwork and in opposite direction.
6 Repeat measure 4 with opposite footwork and in opposite direction.
7-12 Repeat measures 1-6, except that on last beat of measure 12, step onto R foot rather than hopping on L.
Part V
1 1-4 Facing counter clockwise, step onto L foot (1), hop on L foot while kicking R foot slightly forward (2), stepping RL, turn through center of circle to face clockwise (3-4)
2 1-4 Step onto R foot (1), hop on R foot while kicking L foot slightly forward (2), step on L foot in place (3), step on R foot in place (4).
3 1-4 Standing in place, clap hands three times (1-3), hold (4)
4-6 Repeat measures 1-3 starting on R foot.

 

Dance goes through twice. After second time through, touch R toe over L foot and turn 270 degrees to face center. If you can do it, jump into air and flutter feet in front and behind each other. (Ballet training helps).

Anytime your are using step hops and turning to the right, arms should be straight up in the air, and you should be snapping your fingers.

DESCRIPTIONS PAYS BASQUE            DESCRIPTIONS