Art

Art forms typical of the Basque diaspora are done very extravagantly and publicly, including authentic colors and dressing, due to a desire to be accepted into American culture by displaying a culture that is somehow 'worthy' of envelopment (Goirizelaia). This relates to the desire of the Basque population to share their traditions with others, and extends to the nature of Basque neighborhoods as continuous with the remainder of the city that they exist in as opposed to being an isolated, solitary confined community. What began as a profession of art form for the sake of acceptance has become a general friendliness toward others due to the possibility of promoting diversity within the larger community of Basque sects, according to Goirizelaia.

Early accounts of Basque dance display it as a post-drinking activity that involved two people "competing as to who could leap the highest and fall on his knees with the most grace," early on displaying a tendency for the dramatic which would extend itself to a presence in the tragedies and comedies performed at the Basque festival in the future. Basque dance is much more about how the movements communicate one's specific emotional response to a song or play than to a specific set of steps or a specific form that must be followed. This results in a style of dance that invites outside participation, and that encourages new interpretations of Basque music as opposed to those that feel as if specific dances of old should be preserved (deAlaiza).

Basque poetry commonly precedes the consumption of Basque food prepared by txoko communities. It also precedes Basque processions such as weddings and funerals, proving itself as an important framing device to all large meetings of Basque people (Ault). Modern Basque poetry has evolved into a street-corner performance style resembling slam poetry or rap battles; a style which encourages the participation of youth in Basque culture, while predominantly dealing with urban or rural themes atypical of the people.