Cultural Community: Basque
Artform: Basque folk dance and song

Bio: Basque dance has been a powerful force in Jill Aldape’s life. In fact, her parents met through Basque dance. Jill has been a dancer since she was 2. At age 14, she joined the Oinkari Basque Dancers of Boise and has now been part of the group for 20 years. The Oinkari Dancers are known for their adherence to the traditional dance steps they have learned in The Basque Country. She believes in attention to detail and classic dance forms. However, she also believes that the most important element to Basque dance is enjoying it. For Jill, dancing isn’t just about performance. Dancing is an activity that builds communities. She is the head instructor, past President, and current member of the Oinkari Basque Dancers and serves on the board of the Cenarrusa Foundation for Basque Culture and is an adjunct instructor of Basque Studies at Boise State University. She is also the vocalist of the Basque folk ensemble Amuma Says No.

Honors & Awards: 2004, Master, Idaho Commission on the Arts Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program

For Services offered, Availability, and Costs, please contact the artist.

Glossary Terms: Basque, folklore

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