Breton Dancing Classes

It has been said that in everyone there is a budding Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers waiting to be discovered. So what better way to release this potential than to participate in a bit of Breton dancing, with the added bonus of getting fit? I regret I am no Fred Astaire, but do enjoy having a go and being hurled around the floor by some substantially built Breton farmers wife can be quite exhilarating. 

 

In Brittany nearly every village has a Breton dancing club that meet regularly in the local ‘salle des fêtes’, village hall. The member’s skills range from beginner to professional and newcomers are always welcome. An annual membership fee of around 30 to 40 euros will cover the cost of weekly lessons which usually last about two hours. It is a great way to meet people from the loca l community and get involved in the many dances held throughout the year.

 

Most Breton dances involve step patterns performed as a group and there are similarities with Line Dancing. Dances often involve large groups of people forming a circle linked by their arms or small fingers, stepping in time to the music. The dances are performed to traditional Breton music, produced by a range of musical instruments, many originating from the music’s Celtic origins.

 

The most notable of these instruments is the Bombard; this is a conical-bore double-reed instrument similar to the oboe. It is a "lip reed" instrument, having an exposed double reed played directly in the mouth. The bombard has been in use since the 15th century and is often accompanied by Breton bagpipes. I think it is fair to say that the music may not be to everyone’s taste as it can be rather shrill.

 

Throughout the year regular dances are held in local villages, often during religious festivals and include a picnic style sit-down meal, these are called ‘Fest Noz’. After the meal guests are invited to dance to the accompaniment of a small local music group. It can be great fun and unlike the UK there is no reticence from the attendees to participate in the dancing. I am always amazed at the fitness of the elderly Bretons who can really whirl around the dance floor.

 

Closely associated with Breton dancing are the ‘Cercle Celtique’ groups who are amateur groups who participate in regional Breton dancing competitions throughout the summer months. These groups compete in full Breton costume reflecting the particular region or Celtic connection.

 

Through July and August Brittany comes alive with dance and music festivals, the largest Celtic festival in the world being Lorient's Festival Interceltique. http://www.festival-interceltique.com/index_en.php We attended this with our dance group and have to admit, I was amazed at the numbers of people attending, it was like going to see a major pop group at Wembley.

 

So if you are in Brittany this summer keep an eye open for a fest noz and get the feet moving , you will love every minute.