Manterola and Alkain began their dance journey at the Danbolin music school's dance workshop and continued with the Harribil dance group. Manterola has been with the group for five years and Alkain for fourteen, deciding a year ago to partner for 'dantza suelto'.
“"It is very demanding, but from the beginning, we decided that we would give our all in every competition, that we would strive as much as possible in rehearsals, and that we would not treat this as a pastime."
Despite achieving good results in their debut season, the couple does not have high expectations of finishing in the top three for the upcoming season. Their primary goals are to improve technically, learn to engage the audience, and integrate steps seen in the Aristerrazu and surrounding pilgrimages into their dances.
“"Since competition steps are always very similar, and we want to do something more special, we want to recover old steps from the town and its surroundings to use them in competitions."
Furthermore, they hope to see more 'dantza suelto' couples emerge from Orio and aspire to be role models for younger dancers, much like Eneko Dorronsoro and Marijo Salsamendi. Dance is a profound feeling for them, and they intend to continue as long as they can.
Manterola is currently studying psychology, while Alkain has studied fashion design and is pursuing a master's in teacher training. Both express a desire for a dance-related profession in the future, despite the challenges.
