Dance

Beyond the quaint

For visitors, Breton traditional dancing at summer festivals looks wonderfully picturesque and quaint, especially performed in old-fashioned costumes. But for many Bretons, the regional dances are an ordinary part of life they relish, and that they don’t need to get dressed up for. The fest noz, or evening dance, is a Breton institution – be bold, and join in one if you get the chance.

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Dancing for joy 

Breton dancing brought family and the community together for special events, such as a wedding or religious day, or even for certain domestic rituals, such as stamping down a new floor at home – beaten earth floors remained the norm in rural communities into the 20th century. Now, Breton dancing is kept up by scores of dancing circles. They compete at the big Breton festivals, such as Quimper’s July Festival de Cornouaille or Guingamp’s FĂŞte de la St-Loup in August.

Join in the fest noz

You’re thoroughly encouraged to join in a traditional-style Breton dance evening, or fest noz, advertised here, there and everywhere across Brittany. The Breton oboe sets the pace, with the bagpipe providing the background sound; possibly a violin player and an accordionist will add to the fun. These are very jolly events, held outdoors in good weather.

Form a disorderly queue

There’s a variety of Breton dances, such as the gavotte, or the an-dro, or round dance. Often, Breton dances take the form of a long line of dancers all joined together, moving like a great, wayward ribbon. You link with your partners to either side, sometimes taking them by the arm, sometimes simply by the little finger. Then the rhythmic steps and little jumps begin. The feeling of togetherness is strong, and a joyous atmosphere reigns – there’s almost a trance-like quality sometimes. With the more energetic show dances, participants throw themselves high into the air, making a spectacular sight.

Did you know ?

Breton dancing is popular not just in Brittany. There are many Breton dance circles in Paris too.