In which region of Spain did the Jota dance originate? Its features and varieties

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Before the greatest Russian composer Glinka wrote his colorful orchestral piece "Jota of Aragon", he had to very carefully study all the traditions of Spanish folk song and dance while visiting this country. But listening to this work, one involuntarily asks the question: in which region of Spain did the jota dance originate?

The emergence of dance

Despite the fact that the first example of this dance, which has come down to our times, belongs to the end of the eighteenth century, it itself arose much earlier. It is still the national dance.

The birthplace of the Jota dance is the north of Spain, the province of Aragon. The name itself means "leap". This movement is the main one. It is believed that jota originated from ancient hymns, which at that time meant both dance and song. The opportunity to dance was also presented at processions and funerals, seeing off the deceased on his last journey.

Hota is still a popular dance not only in its historical homeland, but also in other countries. Some nations adopted it, making their own changes. Today, hota is performed at various festivals and social events. And some Europeancomposers have included it in their music.

The Essence of Dance

During the dance (and this does not depend on which region of Spain the jota dance originated in), songs are performed, the topics of which are very wide: from religion and patriotism to marriage, love and sexual exploits. They are meant to bring the community together as well as to awaken a sense of national identity among the people. That is why the hota dance is performed at all significant celebrations in the life of every person.

Initially, it was very difficult to perform. This is a very beautiful dance accompanied by castanets, where the performers are dressed in national costumes, and women and men usually dance in pairs. In the classical view, jota is like a theatrical performance with extravagant costumes, which is not used in everyday life.

The dance steps are similar to the w altz, but they have a lot of changes. And the size 6/8 is perfect for the choreographic and poetic structure of the jota.

Varieties of jota

Despite the Iberian origin of most of the inhabitants of Aragon, Moorish traditions have had a considerable influence on their culture. Therefore, no matter in which region of Spain the jota dance originated, there are slight differences in each of its types.

For example, the Alcaniz hota is a relatively fast dance with jumps, salutes, jumps, kicks or batudas legs while jumping.

Albalate differs in pace, which is much moreslower, and there is no such variety of movements. The most popular and famous of all is the jota from Zaragoza. In this variety there is a variety of paces, steps and figures. The Spanish Jota dance from Andorra and Calanda has a majestic character. In the Valencian style of dance, after a slow start, speed gradually picks up. The jota from Huesca has the influence of French dance culture. There are some funny steps and choreographic steps here. The dance of the wine harvest is the jota de la vendimia. Such a dance can be accompanied by percussion instruments, as well as a bandurria or a guitar.

The people of this country are proud of their dance art, regardless of which region of Spain the Jota dance originated in.

Aragonese Jota

At the end of the first half of the nineteenth century, the Russian composer Glinka decided to travel to Spain. There he made horse rides in the vicinity of the cities he visited and studied the culture of the country, its folk art. An indelible impression on the composer was made by one of the merchants playing the Aragonese jota with variations on the guitar.

Glinka remembered everything, and some time later created a play called Capriccio brilliante. Later, at the insistence of a friend of the composer, she began to bear the name "Spanish Capriccio". But the work gained worldwide popularity under the name "Jota of Aragon".

Music of Jota Aragonese

The work opens with a solemn, majestic introduction with contrasting dynamics of sound. Further in the main section sounds verybright theme. First, it is performed by pizzicato of strings and harp, and then appears before the listener more bright and cheerful.

Then this theme is replaced by another one, more melodious and expressive in the performance of woodwinds. These melodies alternate and thus prepare the appearance of another theme, which resembles a tune on a mandolin. She is playful, graceful and graceful.

Developing, these melodies give the work harshness and drama. But at the end of the picture of folk fun, all the themes are intonationally close and solemn.

Fumbling for the future melody of jota in motives interrupted by pauses, sounds "Night in Madrid". Gradually, this theme emerges, acquires flexibility and grace. As if continuing the first one, a second melody similar in character appears. Then they repeat, intertwining and varying. At the same time, a picture of a warm and fragrant southern night appears before your eyes.