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Feast, Dance, and Celebrate Basque Heritage - Taste of Dance Explores Basque Culture in Kern County Through Culinary and Performing Arts

KDA, in partnership with the Kern County Basque Club, the CSUB Institute for Basque Studies, and Wool Growers Restaurant, proudly presents Taste of Dance – Basque on Thursday, November 19, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Wool Growers in Bakersfield.

“Adiskide onekin, orduak labur!” – a Basque proverb meaning “With good friends, the hours are short!” – perfectly captures the spirit of this special evening celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Kern County’s Basque community and its enduring influence on the region. Taste of Dance uniquely pairs culinary and performing arts to explore culture in an immersive, hands-on way.

Hosted at one of Kern County’s most iconic restaurants, Wool Growers, guests will enjoy an interactive dinner program of traditional Basque music, dance, and cuisine, beginning with a social cocktail hour (no-host bar) before an interactive exploration of Basque community life. Guided by Basque historian and author John Ysursa and his work Basque Dance (with references to the history of Basques of Kern County) and Steven Gamboa, Director of the CSUB Institute for Basque Studies, the program examines how performing and culinary arts serves as a living expression of Basque pride and heritage, strengthens bonds across generations, and brings people together.

“Dance and food are at the heart of Bakersfield’s Basque community. Through the “Basque Taste of Dance”, we hope to deepen cultural awareness and celebrate our community’s unique contribution to Kern County.” Dr. Steven Gamboa, Director – CSUB Institute for Basque Studies.

This family-friendly event is open to all ages, inviting multigenerational participation so that community members of every generation can experience and share Basque traditions together. Tickets are $60 and include the meal, beverages, tip, and entertainment. Seating is open, family-style, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. A ticket is required for entry and can be purchased at HERE.

Created as a pilot program by KDA Board Member Noor El Kereamy in 2023, Taste of Dance continues KDA’s mission to unite the community and celebrate Kern County’s cultural diversity. The series has grown with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and has explored various Kern County cultures including Italian, Philippine, Mexican, Polynesian, and Turkish heritages. Through shared experiences in dance, music, and food, the program educates, connects, and fosters appreciation for the traditions that make our community unique.

“My first time performing a Basque dance I felt emotionally connected with a pool of people from various backgrounds. That’s the beauty of dance – the language of connection it offers regardless of backgrounds.” – Noor Elkereamy, KDA Board Member & Creator of Taste of Dance For more information and to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

Follow along on social media: @kda-ca, @woolgrowerskc, @kcbasqueclub, @california_humanities.

EVENT ITINERARY

5:00 PM Social + Cocktail Hour

6:00 PM Welcome and Program Kickoff

6:15 PM Traditional Basque Dance + Music Performance #1: Aurreskua

6:50 PM Traditional Basque Dance + Music Performance #2: Mutxikoak

7:25 PM Traditional Basque Dance + Music Performance #3: Biribilketa, Fandango, and Arin-Arin

7:45 PM Audience Dance Lesson, Community Dancing, and Book Giveaways

8:15 PM Closing Remarks

ABOUT KDA

KDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the arts as an essential part of community life in California’s Central Valley. Through programs like Taste of Dance, KDA celebrates cultural diversity, supports local artists, and creates inclusive experiences that help to enrich the region while promoting cultural vitality.

ABOUT KERN COUNTY BASQUE CLUB

The Kern County Basque Club is a vibrant community organization that preserves and celebrates Basque heritage in California’s Central Valley. Founded in 1944, the club hosts the annual Basque Festival and other gatherings that feature traditional dance, music, sports, and cuisine, while fostering intergenerational connections among Basque families and the broader Bakersfield community.

ABOUT CSUB INSTITUTE FOR BASQUE STUDIES

The California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) Institute for Basque Studies advances scholarship, education, and public engagement focused on Basque history, culture, language, and the Basque diaspora in the American West. Directed by Dr. Steven Gamboa, the Institute supports research, lectures, and community partnerships that highlight the significant contributions of Basques to Kern County and beyond.

ABOUT WOOL GROWERS

Wool Growers is a historic Bakersfield institution and iconic Basque restaurant, serving traditional family-style meals since 1954. Known for its authentic cuisine, communal dining tables, and deep ties to the local Basque community, Wool Growers has long been a gathering place where culture, hospitality, and hearty food come together. 

 

 

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Jen Thompson

Vice President | Board Member

Jennifer Thompson is a proud Bakersfield native who fell in love with dance before she even started school. She grew up training under the guidance of renowned local instructor Georgia Peck, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for movement and expression. Jennifer pursed her academic education with equal enthusiasm, earning both her BA and MA in English from National University. For over 20 years, she has worked as an English teacher with the Kern High School District, where ahe has inspired generations of students with her love of literature and language. Recently, she has decided to begin a new chapter-transitioning from teaching English to teaching dance. She is thrilled to channel her passion into helping build and strengthen the fine arts program, where she can continue to inspire students through the transformative power of the arts. In addition to her work in education, Jennifer has proudly served as a board member with Kern Dance Alliance for the past four years. She loves the opportunity to bring dance to her community, spreading joy and encouraging creative expression in people of all ages. Outside of the classroom and studio, Jennifer has raised two grown children who are now pursuing their own passions-a journey that continues to inspire her both personally and professionally. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, diving into a good book, and-of course-continuing to take dance classes herself.

Marcie Hronis

President | Board Member

Marcie Hronis is a distinguished author, dedicated arts advocate, accomplished business proprietor, and renowned interview specialist who resides in the vibrant community of Bakersfield, California.

With a dance career spanning nearly two decades, Marcie honed her craft through rigorous classical ballet training under the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance, achieving the pinnacle of her dance education with a distinction in the Advanced II examination. Marcie’s artistic journey included a passion for modern dance, where her formative training was shaped by the profound influences of Lester Horton and Martha Graham.

As the proprietor of Marcie Hronis Communications, she has garnered accolades and recognition as an award-winning interview coach, serving a diverse clientele across the nation.

Marcie is a published author, having penned the highly acclaimed vegan cookbook titled “Believe it or Not” available worldwide on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Wal-Mart.

Furthermore, Marcie has assumed the esteemed position of President of Kern Dance Alliance, stepping into this role in 2023 following the legacy of Andrea Hansen. Her enduring commitment to the organization is exemplified by her role as a founding board member. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role as one of the co-creators of ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY, Kern County’s exclusive adaptive dance program in collaboration with the League of Dreams.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marcie shares her life with her husband, Demetri, and together, they are parents to two children. Both of their children are engaged in pursuits ranging from classical dance, singing, and piano, to the expressive world of painting.