jota

American  

[hoh-tuh, haw-tah] / ˈhoʊ tə, ˈhɔ tɑ /

noun

plural

jotas

1. a Spanish dance in triple meter, performed by a couple and marked by complex rhythms executed with the heels and castanets.

2. the music for this dance.

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jota British  

/ ˈxɔta /

noun

1. a Spanish dance with castanets in fast triple time, usually to a guitar and voice accompaniment

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Etymology

Origin of jota

1840–50; < Spanish, probably Old Spanish sota dance, derivative of sotar to dance < Latin saltāre

Example Sentences

“We danced a jota — that was a country dance. And we played castanets. My mom let me put on lipstick — I was so thrilled.”

From New York Times • Jun. 25, 2021

Children grow up learning to dance the jota and boleros and to play works by Mozart and Stravinsky, with flamenco coursing through their veins as well.

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2014

Falla's score is a gem, and the orchestra zipped through its fandangos, seguidillas and final jota in solid but sparkling style.

From The Guardian • Jul. 26, 2013

Glinting flutes and harp set up the rhythm of a jota, strings scurry, the xylophone rattles, and Ravel explodes his whole, massive orchestra as the Rapsodie sweeps to a close in exuberant, gloriously splashy celebration.

From The Guardian • Aug. 29, 2012

He opened it, and, dripping in dazzling color from the wrapping paper, was La Clavel’s mant�n, the one in which he had first seen her insolently dancing the jota.

From The Bright Shawl by Hergesheimer, Joseph