Breton Dancing is a part of Breton Culture. In this part of France, combining the counties of Finistere, Morbihan, Cote d'Armor and Ille et Vilaine, the heritage of the Breton people is rich, and the traditional dance forms part of this heritage, with Breton dancers having their costumes which represent the different regions from where they come. It's part and parcel of Breton life, and even without the costume and the formality, Breton dancing encourages people of all ages to join together and celebrate life. The colors, the hats and the different styles of clothing denote the town represented and it's always interesting to see aparade which highlights the differences.
In most small towns in this region, Breton dancing classes are available and to inscribe, all you need to do is ask at the local Mairee for details. Once you are a member, the benefits are very clear and the enjoyment begins.
Cultural understanding
The understanding between you and your Breton counterparts increases. You become aware of their traditions and begin to realize that there is significance to the steps used in the dance. These are not random and proud Breton dancers know the movements of the feet, and will explain the stories behind the different dances that are performed. Knowing a little about the past and what has brought people together for generations is a positive interaction with locals which can only increase the possibility of breaking barriers between people of different culture.
Learning the dances
The Bretons are very proud of their dances and you will be walked through the steps, arm and body movements which make up those dances. Since the dances are used at music festivals and get togethers even in today's world, that gives you more opportunity to join in and to feel more confident with your abilities. Learning the steps, the movements and rhythms helps you also to become familiar with the Breton music and recognize which music signifies which dance. The most popular dance to learn is the Gavotte which is the dance featured in many villages encouraging people to join.
The foot movements are difficult to master, and take some practice. Breton ladies will be proud to show you, and their attitude toward you is such that they feel they are giving you something very precious, so they are always willing to go over the more complex steps slowly, so that you can get the hang of them. The one thing about Breton dancing is that it really does flow with the music, and once you.
tap those rhythms with your foot, you begin to see where each step is included within the dance.
Creating a bridge between the new and the old worlds
Keeping Breton dance as an ongoing thing is why lessons have been offered to all who reside in Brittany. The Breton language is also being kept alive by justified purists who run schools where the language is explained to French children, who can then converse with older generations who speak Breton in their day to day lives.
Dance similarly bridges gaps between visitors or people who have arrived in Brittany and the Breton people. With more and more foreigners living in Brittany now than ever before, what this means is that the traditions are spreading and, instead of becoming dead, are becoming more and more popular.
Communication
This is the biggest advantage of Breton dancing. It goes beyond the language and allows people to get together with one aim. The Breton music playing in the village square encourages people to take part in a gathering unlike any other. The dances are not impersonal. Most involve a linking of little fingers, so that there is already a liaison between people. Circles of dancers gather and the warmth of the dance communicates in a way that words can't. For those who don't speak the French language, the dance classes allow a thorough involvement and communication in a way which is less restricted than a normal social situation where language is the focus. The focus with Breton dancing is upon having fun and keeping a proud tradition alive. In a dancing circle, the age range can vary from four years old up to the late nineties, and that's where the dance acts as a reminder that the essential element is doing something together which creates enjoyment. What better communication could someone expect?
Breton Dance is usually accompanied by the old traditional instruments, giving people a chance to step back in time and enjoy the traditional Breton music brought back to life, to the tapping of feet and the proud smiles of all participants. As a folk style dance, the Breton dance is more inclusive than other couple style dances, and it is this group element that brings out the advantages of closeness with others, and mutual enjoyment of the music and dance, no matter what your skill levels. Joining the class is just the first step toward many enjoyable moments.
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