Austria
With a series of video portraits, TV journalist Sibylle Tiessen takes us on a captivating journey into a world full of exciting projects, cultural diversity and authentic stories on Mallorca. Supported by TUI, the TUI Care Foundation and Majorca Daily Bulletin, viewers learn more about the island from a whole new perspective, from inspiring stories of locals to social, artistic, ecological, scientific and political aspects.
Episode 17: The significance of Mallorcan folklore
The floor vibrates from the many jumps and movements that are performed with a lively step at the School of Music and Dance in Palma. The dancers are very different and yet they have one thing in common: they radiate pure vitality and joy. "That's exactly what the 'Ball de Bot', the traditional Mallorcan dance, embodies: joie de vivre," explains the school's director, Gabriel Frontera.
However, this was not always the case. "It was our school founder, Bertomeu Enseñat, whose research made it possible for Mallorcans to dance together today," says Enseñat'ssuccessor Frontera, now 71. But once the dance was popularised among Mallorcans, the next step could take place: "We brought the dance back to life from the stage," says Frontera proudly.
"Many people see folklore and traditions such as folk dances as fossils of bygone times that are performed here and there but have nothing to do with real life," says Frontera. "But folklore is alive and well on Mallorca. We are the folklore, that is our identity," he emphasises.
"The great thing about the Ball de Bot is that anyone can learn to dance. Origin, age, religion or political views are irrelevant." He emphasises the word "origin". Maintaining the island's cultural identity is important to him. "I want visitors to get to know and love our culture. But how can they do that if they never come into contact with it?"
The island is in the process of losing its identity and culture. "Only if the traditions are loved, lived and upheld will they have a chance of survival."
