Joffreny Tours & Leisure

Exploring the Heart of France



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France Telephone: +33 (0)5 55 78 54 20 
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Cadanses Folk - Traditional French Folk Dance lessons every two weeks, dances throughout the year - come and join! . . . .

What is traditional French folk music and dance? Many of you will have seen the nice ladies and gentlemen at the Fetes in their flowery dresses and waistcoats performing a colourful display - but this is very much a historical reenactment of folk dancing at the beginning of the last century.

What we do is very much more up to date - and fancy dress is not required!

If you want to find out more, contact Greg or Cara on +33 (0)5 55 78 54 20

Introduction
The dances and many of the instruments are traditional, but "Les Bals Folklorique" (folk dances) and social occasions are very modern. There are dance associations throughout France (and the rest of Europe), which provide dance lessons and organise dances (Bals). Our nearest dance association is Cadanses Folk, who hold dance workshops every two weeks in the Salles de Fetes in Flaviganc, from 8.30 to 10.30pm.

Workshop Dates: 2007 - 2008
September 11th and 25th; October 9th and 23rd; November 6th and 20th; December 4th and 18th; January 8th, 15th and 29th; February 12th and 26th; March 11th and 25th; April 8th and 22nd; May 6th and 20th; June 3rd and 17th.

Membership - Cadanse Folk
The membership fees for Cadanse Folk are as follows:

  • Adult = 40 Euros per year;
  • Couples = 60 Euros per year.
The membership fee covers the hire of the hall, expenses for bands and dance teachers and subsidises the various events which are organised throughout the year - good value!

Bal Folklorique
Once you have learnt the dances you can go along to the many "Bal Folklorique" that you will see advertised in your area. These events very often include a dance workshop in the afternoon (Stage de Danse), followed by a very sociable shared picnic or regional meal before the concert, and a Bal in the evening. A great opportunity to meet and socialise with all nationalities. There are dozens going on around France, particularly in the centre. Check out the Music Trad website for more details of Bal Folklorique in your area (select the calendrier, then select your region). For the Limousin, you can also try the Mustradamus website, which is linked to La conservatoire in Limoges..

Traditional Music and Dance
The centre of France is overflowing with traditional folk music, characterised by dances like the Bourree, the Mazurka and the Scottische. The instruments are typically hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, melodeon and violin. Hotel Courbefy is potentially a great venue for music and dance workshops and we hope to be hosting many over the coming years.

Musicians and Instruments
The traditional instruments for French folk music are the Hurdy-Gurdy (La Vielle-a-Roue), Bagpipes (Le Cornemuse), Melodeons, and Violins, but you will also see other concert instruments and hand drums for percussion.

Dances
The dances include couple dances such as the Valse, Scottisch, Polka and Mazurka, Circle dances and many other group dances from around France. It is easy to learn the basic steps and get dancing, so come along to Flavignac and find out. Many local dances are are also taught such as the Sautieres (an energetic form of 3/8 Bourree), les Sept Sauts, and lots of Rondeaus and 3/8 Bourrees from the region.

Occitain
Many of the local dances are closely linked with the Occitaine language and culture, with many tunes based around Occitain songs (some quite bawdy!) So if you really want to impress the local folk dance fraternity, learn a couple of Occitain phrases!
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