Rivarennes is a small village of Lower-Berry, located near Saint-Gaultier. It isa “Square Bourrée.” During the second part, dancers will go around doing a special grand R and L.
Presented in 2007 by Michèle Brosseau and Germain Hébert. View the pdf here.
This bourrée means “straight bourrée from the strong country.” It comes from the region of Sancerre in Upper Berry, which is called the “strong country” because of its energetic dances. Pierre Panis and Paul Bouart taught the dance to Louise and Germain Hébert, who introduced it at the 1968 Folk Dance Camp at The University of the Pacific, Stockton, California. Bourrées are the “real” French dances, and although their origin is unknown, they are widely spread throughout French territory.
Presented in 2007 by Michèle Brosseau and Germain Hébert. View the pdf here.
In 1992, we met a nice group from Brittany at Heritage International in Corwall, Ontario. We present their version of this famous dance. The name refers to “Saraband,” a devilish dance. Many versions exist. A few patterns here are unique… Bagad is a musical formation.
Presented by Michèle Brosseau and Germain Hébert in 2007. View pdf here.
An easy mixer from the Nantes area. It’s a variation of the popular dance called “Circassian circle.” Learned from Hubert Sellier, Montréal, January 25, 2005.
Pronunciation: lah sham-pah-LOHW-zha
Music: CD “Cocorico,” Band 9. 2/4 meter
Formation: Circle of cpls, all facing LOD. Inside hands joined in W-pos. Outside hands are free.
Presented by Michèle Brosseau and Germain Hébert in 2007. View pdf here.
The dance set to this song about the lark wishing to marry the finch is based on the basic widespread Quebec dance figure called Coupez par 6, par 4, par 2. Adapted by France Bourque-Moreau.
Translation: The wedding of the birds
Pronunciation: lah NOHSS dayz wa-ZOH
Music: 2/4 meter CD: Yves & France Moreau Stockton Folk Dance Camp 2009, Band 16.
Formation: Four (4) cpls in a square.
Presented by France Bourque-Moreau in 2009. View pdf here.
A round bourrée with a “waltz” chorus. Morvan is located between the departments of Nièvre and Côte d’Or. It is a mountain area (Massif du Morvan) a bit isolated and has a bourrée style of its own.
Pronunciation: lah vee-RAWN-day
Music: CD “Cocorico”, Band 5 3/8 meter
Formation: Circle of cpls in single file, all facing LOD: M are in front of their ptr. M’s hands are free; W hold their skirt.
Presented by Michèle Brosseau and Germain Hébert in 2007. View pdf here.
This dance is a mazurka that originated in the south of France during the Occitan Kingdom and is now danced all over Piedmont. The song to this dance was written by Charloun Rieu, pioneer of the modern provençal literature and poetry, who covered on foot all the Alps to spread the provençal language and to delight with his songs “The Shepherds and The Peasants.”
Presented by Roberto Bagnoli in 2009. View pdf here.
A caribbean version of the popular french quadrille. Settlers brought their dances along with their tools and belongings. We learned only the first part called “Pantalon.” There are 4 or 5 parts in total. Source: Group “Canne à sucre,” Héritage 1997 International, Lachine, Québec, Saturday July 5th.The dance is “called” in “French Creole” for our dancing pleasure.
Presented by Michèle Brosseau and Germain Hébert in 2007. View pdf here.
Here are three easy dances from the department of Deux-Sèvres, formely a part of Poitou. Learned from Michel Piot, Pont-Chrétien, April 1972.
Pronunciation: SWEET-tuh day duh-SAYV-ruh
Music: CD “Cocorico”, Band 11. 2/4 meter
Formation: Quadrette: one cpl facing another cpl.
Presented by Michèle Brosseau and Germain Hébert in 2007. View pdf here.
