/peh-LO-tah/ Tickets

Peh-lotah, or pelota as it is also known, is a term that refers to the sport of handball in Basque Country. However, in recent years, it has become more widely associated with dance shows.

In particular, peh-lotah has been embraced by contemporary dance choreographers as a tool for exploring themes such as community, identity, and cultural heritage. In this context, dancers use a variety of props - from traditional pelota balls to more colourful and whimsical variations - to create movement sequences that are both fluid and percussive, while also evoking the spirit and rhythms of Basque folk traditions.

One of the most celebrated dance companies working with peh-lotah today is the Spanish troupe La Intrusa. Known for their provocative and inventive performances, La Intrusa draws on elements of peh-lotah to create works that blur the boundaries between dance, theater, and performance art. By layering intricate footwork, complex partnering, and dynamic improvisation with visual projections, music, and spoken text, they explore a wide range of sociopolitical issues that are central to both Basque culture and the wider world.

Another notable example of peh-lotah in contemporary dance can be found in the work of Montreal-based artist Dana Michel. In her acclaimed solo piece Yellow Towel, Michel uses the act of playing with a small ball as a way of connecting with her Basque roots, which she had previously disavowed. By incorporating subtle references to peh-lotah throughout the piece - including striking poses that mimic the movements of a pelotari (a pelota player) and using the ball as a meditation tool - Michel creates a deeply personal and affecting work that resonates far beyond the specificities of Basque culture.

Despite its roots in a male-dominated and traditionally conservative sport, peh-lotah has proven to be a rich and fertile ground for experimentation in contemporary dance. By embracing the spirit of play and improvisation that is at the heart of both peh-lotah and contemporary dance, artists have been able to create works that are both aesthetically compelling and deeply engaged with the complex issues of our time. As such, we can expect to see peh-lotah continue to be a source of inspiration and innovation in dance for years to come.