Juan Antonio Urbeltz has played a leading role in the world of Basque dance and culture for a generation, and his mark is clearly visible today, specifically in bringing about a profound change in how Basque dance groups think about dance and how they now present it. 

The work of Juan Antonio Urbeltz (Iruna-Pamplona, 1940) in the world of Basque folklore is multi-faceted.  His experience and teachings provide us a unique opportunity to look into the world of folk dance to learn something more about the Basque people.  He has played a pivotal--if not the central role--in a virtual revolution in the world of Basque dance:  how it is prepared, portrayed, presented and understood.
 

J.A. Urbeltz: The Meaning of Basque Dance Video interviews (Basque):   http://www.eke.org/en/kultura/dantza/maisu/urbeltz

Urbeltz is both an innovator and perpetuator.  His early work concentrated on bringing back and exhibiting the wide world of traditional Basque folk dance.  After years of study, he has recently embarked on the creation of new dances.  Some of his works are below with video clips (as prepared by Lisa Corcostegui, Ph.D.):

Story, photos & video: Oteizaren Apostularen Soka Dantza


Video: Almute dantza


Video: Galaiena esku dantza


Video:  Ezpata dantza



Video: Axuri Beltza edo Eaurtako neskatxen dantza



Video:  Dantza luze

"Aunitz Urtez" production photos: www.dantzan.com/argazkiak/dantza-taldeak/argia-aunitz-urtez-bilbo-2011




Video clips: Axeri Boda    www.youtube.com clip of making of Axeri Boda

Irradaka

Juan Antonio Urbeltz, Basque dance master