Call to Cajun/Zydeco Dancers

[MegaJFester]

So...feels like each year there are less and less folks out at Fais do do for some cajun/zydeco dancing. Or any other partner dancing for that matter
I know the VIP tent thingee doesn't help sicne it cuts into space. Sore subject.

...but wondering who out there is planning on doing some dancing at the Fest this year? Any "must-dance" sets so taht I can catch you for one? I even remember someone putting together a beginner lesson one year early in the day? I didn't make it that day...but sounded like a great idea. Anyone doing that this year?

Any suggestions for evening dancing would be great as well! I know about Rock n Bowl and Mulates...but open to more suggestions.

[bluesbaby]

I wish! I get all intimidated when I see the peeps who really know how to do this. Unfortunately, if I don't pay close attention, my feet automatically slip back into the Texas Two-step. And then the Zydeco guy I am dancing with gets this glazed look in his eyes when he realizes I will never get it right. hahaha! Its definitely fun to watch, though!

[MegaJFester]

Hey - if you can two-step....you can do anything cajun and zydeco comes in time. I learned by watching and then finally getting the guts to jump in - very patient partners at that stage suffered through with me. But glad they did. You should come try again - I promise there are great teachers out there that would love a dance partner!

[piscesgirl]

I will definitely be doing some cajun-dancing, cher! An absolute can't miss for me is D.L. Menard. He's playing this year on second Sunday.

Where y'at, Lostcajun?! I got ya penciled in for some two-steppin' and waltzin'.

[piscesgirl]

Cajun dancing is actually really easy. You just have to listen to the rhythm of the music and the steps fall right along with it. Now, getting all fancy with the turns is a-whole-nother-thing altogether.

[bluesbaby]

I will definitely be doing some cajun-dancing, cher! An absolute can't miss for me is D.L. Menard. He's playing this year on second Sunday.

Where y'at, Lostcajun?! I got ya penciled in for some two-steppin' and waltzin'.

THERE'LL BE WALTZING?!?!?! Oooohhhh! Me like!!!

Janice

[piscesgirl]

Heck yeah, girl! All Cajun dancing is really either a two-step or a waltz. You can do that!

[Moon]

Heck yeah, girl! All Cajun dancing is really either a two-step or a waltz. You can do that!

I don't know. I've had people try to teach me and I just can't seem to get it. I just get out there and make a fool of myself. That's as much fun.

[MegaJFester]

You know what....if you try, and wind up that grooving to your own thing works better for you...power to you! At least you tried - but as long as you're having a good time - all dancing's good in my book! I'm always grateful to be out there no matter who the dancing partner is or what steps they're doing!

Will be at D.L. Menard as well - love a good Cajun waltz!

[Moon]

Long time readers might recall a similar thread where I described what happened last year when a nice lady tried to teach me how to Zydeco dance. It was quite embarrassing but still a lot of fun.

[CEfromLA]

The closest we've ever come to getting divorced was when we took dance lessons......

[MegaJFester]

Moon - I might remember that story....but I'm still wiling to teach/dance with you if you ever decided to go another round :)

[Staxsun]

I'd probably dance more if the dance floor didn't get smaller and smaller and hillier each year. Also, there's just way too many people pushing to the stage now. The VIP tent is in the way, and the flat area just ain't flat no more.

[MegaJFester]

I'd probably dance more if the dance floor didn't get smaller and smaller and hillier each year. Also, there's just way too many people pushing to the stage now. The VIP tent is in the way, and the flat area just ain't flat no more.

I know. I miss the dance "floor" the way it used to be years ago. Wish we could lobby for that with the Jazzfest powers that be. It isn't really conducive to dancing anymore....but heck, I'll try anyway ;)

[stlbarb]

stand with you feet about 6 inches wider than shoulder width apart. knees slightly bent. stay loose. bounce like you're hanging from a clothesline. you're going to stay centered (where your chi is), and just move your hips over your knees.
i suggest you not move you feet until you get the zydeco rhythm.
once you get the beat, you feet will follow. don't go up on your toes like you do for cajun. it will make you hips do that big sway out to the side. keep your butt in.
some people like to start with the double beat, i like to end with it.
so shift your weight to the beat of the music. once you partner up, you will have to be shifting in the same direction as your partner, so one of you will be going left, one going right. there are probably rules about all of this, but i'm not a dance nazi.

zydeco is an eight count (although i think some of those east coast folks dance about 16 beats in the same amount of time)
1 right
2 left
3,4 right, right
5 left
6 right
7,8 left, left
repeat

this is just how i figured it out. i doubt anyone actually teaches it this way.

if you've done any type of swing or ballroom dances all the fancy moves will come easy. but the beat and the syncopation can be challenging. practice in the privacy of your home.

LA 2 step (quite diff from TX) is much easier. start there.

[Staxsun]

Put your right foot in,
Take your right foot out.
Put your right foot in,
and you shake it all about.......

[stlbarb]

I know. I miss the dance "floor" the way it used to be years ago. Wish we could lobby for that with the Jazzfest powers that be. It isn't really conducive to dancing anymore....but heck, I'll try anyway ;)

the dancers (as a group) can usually be found to the right of the stage whenever there is a cajun or zydeco bance. on occassion, the entire front of the fais-do-do is (still) taken over for dancing.

but you can dance anywhere! we like waltzing near shady camp where/when its not so crowded.

some dancers are snobs, and wont dance with beginners (unless you're really hot). but some dancers are old, and their knees only have so many dances per day, so they are particular. cant blame them.
ps - zydeco can be really painful when you're dancing different beats. bruises.

[MegaJFester]

[QUOTE=stlbarb;246635]the dancers (as a group) can usually be found to the right of the stage whenever there is a cajun or zydeco bance. on occassion, the entire front of the fais-do-do is (still) taken over for dancing.

but you can dance anywhere! we like waltzing near shady camp where/when its not so crowded. QUOTE]

True, true. It just FEELS like the dance floor is fading away....the tent seems to be cutting off more and room room and I do remember the crowd taking over most of the dance floor during more than one set last year. But hey - we're outside and dancing and it's fest time...so who am I to complain?

I like the idea of waltzing in the shade. Nice ;)

[Phatpapa]

Revmink offered lessons last year and I had every intention of taking him up on it but alas, I forgot about it.

[piscesgirl]

I agree, the dance pit at Fais-Do-Do has gotten smaller every year which really sucks. I wish they would rework that stage setup.

I'm not a big fan of zydeco, don't like the rhythm at all. It's nothing like traditional Cajun music.

I'm willing to dance with/teach-the-basics-to whoever wants to learn. My fiance says I lead all the time anyway. :)

[Staxsun]

I agree, the dance pit at Fais-Do-Do has gotten smaller every year which really sucks. I wish they would rework that stage setup.

I'm not a big fan of zydeco, don't like the rhythm at all. It's nothing like traditional Cajun music.

I'm willing to dance with/teach-the-basics-to whoever wants to learn. My fiance says I lead all the time anyway. :)

Au contraire, mon ami. The rhythm is actually derivative of cajun music. It's kinda hard to see these days. The frottoir (washboard) takes the place of the t-fer (triangle). There is a lot of addition taken from jures (field hollers), rhythm and blues, caribbean, and blues music, but the basis is definitely french traditional and cajun.

[stlbarb]

Au contraire, mon ami. The rhythm is actually derivative of cajun music. It's kinda hard to see these days. The frottoir (washboard) takes the place of the t-fer (triangle). There is a lot of addition taken from jures (field hollers), rhythm and blues, caribbean, and blues music, but the basis is definitely french traditional and cajun.

both are 8 counts. you can usually dance either style to either style, but one will usually fit better.

[piscesgirl]

Ooooh, oui, oui. You may be right, but I still think most of the current zydeco stuff I've heard sounds like crap. Just my opinion, but give me a traditional waltz any day.

[revjimk]

I'm bigtime into cajun & zydeco dancing, and yes, very disappointed that Fais Do Do stage has less dancers.
Fact is, most of the serious dancers go to Fest Internationale in Lafayette or Breaux Bridge the next weekend (I try to get away for at least one day)
But I'm a Jazzfest guy..... I tried to do a lesson last year (or was it the year before?), and I could do it again, I'll come up with a time later. Turnout was weak, tho, if you say you're coming, do it!
Bluesbaby, Moon, etc.: Don't get discouraged!!!! Its not "Dancing With the Stars" its all about fun... yes, its better to dance with someone good, but we were all beginners once. Just try to stay with the rhythm, and don't "fight" your partner, go with the flow. Let your partner know you're a beginner (as if they wouldn't figger it out!) and they should be patient. If not, they're not worth the effort
For more info on cajun & zydeco dances, google "Patsy Report" for Louisiana, or "Arn Burkhoff" for the rest of the universe. These devoted dancers are kind enough to compile comprehensive schedules for our dancing pleasure.
rev

[NeenAtlanta]

I don't know. I've had people try to teach me and I just can't seem to get it. I just get out there and make a fool of myself. That's as much fun.

Yup - count me in among the "jumpers and spillers". I've taken several zydeco dance lessons, but it seems to play havoc on my knee, so I just go out and do my own groove and the real dancers don't seem to mind.

[jck]

I am also "freelancer".....My wife and I have probably taken 10 beginner's classes before and have never progressed to the next level. On top of that I have a broken foot in an air cast...seeing doctor in a week but watch out for the tall guy with the cast on because I WILL BE DANCING!

[stlbarb]

I am also "freelancer".....My wife and I have probably taken 10 beginner's classes before and have never progressed to the next level. On top of that I have a broken foot in an air cast...seeing doctor in a week but watch out for the tall guy with the cast on because I WILL BE DANCING!

welcome jck, shake it anyway ya wanna! just try not to spill MY drink.

i have to laugh because your handle looks like this on the threads list
jck

and i thought it was 'ick'. :D

[Borzy52]

With all due respect to those more skilled than my wife and myself...Who cares how you dance? The important thing is that you ARE DANCING. My personal philosophy is, "There's very little chance I will ever see any of these people again in my life". Just have fun and don't step/fall on anybody.

Borzy52 aka Milwaukee Polka King

[mwgirlonherown]

With all due respect to those more skilled than my wife and myself...Who cares how you dance? The important thing is that you ARE DANCING. My personal philosophy is, "There's very little chance I will ever see any of these people again in my life". Just have fun and don't step/fall on anybody.

Borzy52 aka Milwaukee Polka King

Ya' heh deh! I think you are the first threadhead I noticed from Milwaukee!

[revjimk]

Someone said:"I just go out and do my own groove and the real dancers don't seem to mind."
No problem with that, in fact thats exactly what I did for about 20 years. First started listening to zydeco about 1974, didn't really learn to dance until '94.
But trust me, its more fun to do it right with a partner.
Plus, guys, there are lots more women who dance than guys.... Don't get discouraged. There are some "not so hot" dance teachers out there, maybe you had one. I try to keep it simple & make sure you get it. I've taught some rhythmically challenged, uncoordinated folks, & if they didn't give up, eventually they became passable.
No pressure, I'll teach if you wanna learn, if not, "groovy"...
rev

[Belle]

Anyone who wants to learn to dance for next year just go to the Crawfish Fest..they have a big dancefloor with instuctors...I am doing it this year. Prolly by myself though :o

[MegaJFester]

Anyone who wants to learn to dance for next year just go to the Crawfish Fest..they have a big dancefloor with instuctors...I am doing it this year. Prolly by myself though :o

There's also Rhythm & Roots in Rhode Island Labor Day weekend. Lessons every day. Great way to learn.

[MegaJFester]

I'm with rev and piscesgirl....come on out be happy to give beginner lessons. Not the best teacher, but I'm patient and promise I won't step on your toes. And if you're frustrated - we can dance freestyle like no one's watching...:)

[babyzyde]

Of course when you're like me and have been conceived at the Fais Do Do stage, it comes natural. Last week in NOLA I saw this T shirt- Dance Like Nobodys watching.

[revjimk]

"Crawfish Fest"??? I'm guessing you're referring to Arnone's fest in Joisey.... to me "Crawfish Fest" means Breaux Bridge, 2nd weekend of JF
Never been to Arnone's gig, but judging from what I see on the Net, seems to be getting better & better. I'd love to go, but it takes place before school is over here in Denver, and I need the $$$ (I'm a sub teacher, glorified day laborer)
Maybe I'll get there this year, tho.... some z-dancers went last year & dug it...
Who's teaching the lesson?
Right after JF is the Gator by the Bay fest in San Diego, not just C/Z but blues, rockabilly, etc.... and PLENTY of dance classes, check out their list of instructors (google it)
rev

[Borzy52]

Ya' heh deh! I think you are the first threadhead I noticed from Milwaukee!

Hey there MWgirlonherown! From the address, looks like you've gone East Coast on us. No matter - former resident, I take it. Milwaukee: A Great Place On A Great Lake! And one incredible town for live music. Will see/have seen in recent times: James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Robbie Fulks, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, and Junior Brown. Plus great local bands like The Uptown Savages, Paul Cebar and a recent incarnation of The Western Box Turtles. Good stuff.