History

• The original musical tempo of the Jota was waltz-like. It is a dance that emerged from the 18th Century style of pairing dances with carols or chants to commemorate special occasions. Considered Aragon's oldest dance style, it quickly migrated to neighboring towns where residents revised the footwork and cadences of the dance, putting their own spins on the Jota's original style. Unique versions of the dance became so distinct, one could tell from the way a dancer moved from which village or town they originated.
  
  

Types

• Tour villages in the Aragon region and you'll be delighted by the variety you see. The type of Jota performed in Saragossa is wildly exuberant (despite the fact that neither knees nor arms can be used if this version is performed properly). Slow movements distinguish the Albalate style of the Jota -- in direct contrast to Alcaniz dancers whose trademark leaps, jumps, cheers and leg slapping are a far cry from the dance's original waltz-like rhythms. To further confuse matters, Jota dancers trained in Calanda and Andorra move slowly at the start of the dance, then build to an explosive finish by the dance's finale. When your Jota tour is done, you will realize that the moves you saw were different, but the pride all Aragonians share in their dances is shared.
  
  

Features

• The simplest form of Jota is performed in 3/8-time to the accompaniment of an eclectic group of instruments. In Ciudad Real, a guitar and percussion instruments maintain the beat when dancers take the stage for the town's annual wine harvest dance. Castilian Jota performers follow the lead of guitars, lutes and drums, while in Aragon, only castanets are required to set the tempo. An odd mix of bagpipes, drums and bombos are used to accompany dancing Galicians. A lack of space precludes listing all of the unique, village-specific instruments chosen to accompany the various types of Jota, but suffice to say, each town is convinced that their version is better than anyone else's!
  
  

Considerations

• Despite it's age, the Jota is an important part of contemporary Spanish social events and ceremonies. For example, in some towns, dancing the Jota at funerals, wakes and pre-burial ceremonies (e.g., friends and relatives watch over the dead before burial) is an integral part of the process of honoring the dead. A different style of Jota is performed at wine harvest celebrations where exuberant farm workers welcome the new crops. In northern Spain, the Jota is a popular courtship dance. Over time, the dance has even influenced music legends. Composer Georges Bizet wrote a Jota for one of his most beloved operas. Next time you listen to Carmen, see if you can identify the Jota!
  
  

Potential

• Given its four-century-long history, it is easy to see how Spaniards could become so enamored of this tradition-filled folk-dance ritual. Jota has been called patriotic, religious and sexual -- an homage to the moves, cadences, rhythms and lyrics that have sprung from the dance's 18th century roots. Modern versions of Jota are receiving international attention as touring groups of folkloric dancers introduce their heritage and culture to people around the globe. The dance is a proud symbol of an old society that has made sure that one of its more important regional dance heritages has never disappeared. That it continues to gather fans around the globe is a tribute to Jota's timeless appeal.