La Sardana Sunday

La Sardana is the traditional dance of Catalonia. It’s been around in one way or another since the 1600s, but really came into its own in the 19th century. Back in the fascist era, Franco did his best to ban it, as he tried to ban all forms of regionalism, or worse, independence. He suppressed the distinct languages within Spain: Catalan, Basque, Galician, with the result that they have now sprung back stronger than before.

Anyway, la Sardana. It’s a circle dance, with men and women, neighbours, friends, strangers joining hands, moving slowly in a circle following the fairly complex foot moves of the leader. When the circle starts getting too big, a second circle starts, then a third ..

On Sunday morning, we took ourselves down into town to watch the mini-Sardana festival. We immediately noticed that I fitted the age-profile the best. Every single dancer was over 60. Anaïs’ friend’s granny immediately wanted to put that right, and appointed herself Anaïs’ personal Dance Mistress. With not much success.

A few younger citizens took themselves off to practice in a quiet corner …

And after a slow start, the event got going. Not having a single dance gene in my body, I wasn’t tempted to get involved, despite being The Right Age. But it’s rather sad that this seems to be the general view among the young. Would Franco get his wish after all, and see the Sardana vanish a hundred years after he tried to banish it?

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

28 thoughts on “La Sardana Sunday”

  1. You’ve reminded me we had a phase of circle dancing a couple of decades ago. It was such fun but took place in a church hall rather than under those gorgeous blue skies. Let’s hope a few younger people pick up the baton so to speak.

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    1. I don’t like old traditions to die, but I could see this going the way of Maypole Dancing: taught to children by keen schoolteachers and village elders, but never really embraced by those being taught the skills.

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  6. You lost me at fairly complex footwork – that would have been me scuppered! Though I can just about manage an enthusiastic, if not skilful, Gay Gordons or Dashing White Sergeant, anything more complicated has me rushing for my seat. Scottish country dancing is alive and well and features in many weddings and other gatherings for young people (the same ones who frequent clubs probably, there’s room for both).

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  10. It’s a shame these old folk dances seem to be dying out, though I was reading an article the other day suggesting that Scottish country dancing is having a revival at the moment. I think it’s become a thing where people join clubs to do it though, rather than spontaneously dancing in streets and squares in moments of celebration.

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  11. I’d like to think I would be able to join in with this. But I’m sure if I were there, I wouldn’t. Shame really, I can see many benefits from this activity. Also a shame that it’s losing the young. I hope they find a way to draw the younger demographic into the circle.

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