Louisiana is a state firmly divided - into the northern area, which is much like other areas of the Deep South, and the southern half, which is Cajun and Creole country. The people of southern Louisiana developed Cajun and Zydeco music and dance, which have become integral parts of the region's culture. Of course, there are plenty of other kinds of dance to be found in the Pelican State, too.
True Louisiana-Style Dance
To really appreciate Louisiana's fun-loving culture, visitors should check out Cajun and Zydeco dances. Traditional Cajun and Zydeco music works perfectly with such dances as the Cajun Two-Step and swing dances. The popularity of this unique music and dance has spawned numerous Cajun and Zydeco organizations in southern part of the state, in places like Morgan City and Baton Rouge. These organizations sponsor public dances, festivals, workshops, and performances throughout the year. Visitors to New Orleans's French Quarter can also view street dancers and performers in Jackson Square on nearly any given day.
For a real down-to-basics feel for Cajun and Zydeco dance styles, visitors will do best to check out local dance halls and restaurants, where live music is often played. These are great places to soak up the local sounds and steps. Watching is fine, but you don't have to be born on the bayou to get out on the dance floor. New dancers are welcome, and most find it a fun and enjoyable part of the south Louisiana Cajun experience.
Louisiana's hotbed of festivals provide other places to see these dances styles as well. Held throughout the year, particularly in the southern part of Louisiana, these affairs celebrate the region's unique culture, traditions, and food. Street dancing is often a highlight of many of the numerous festivals and parades, including Mardi Gras. To really delve into the Zydeco style of dance, visit the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival, held each summer in Opelousas. You'll experience authentic Cajun and Creole dance, music, and food. The Dance Festival on the Bayou, held in May in Slidell is yet another opportunity to see local dancers of many different styles. Memorial Day Swamp Pop Music Festival showcases Louisiana musicians, along with dance and crafts, in Robert.
For those who can't get down to South Louisiana, visitors can experience a true Cajun boil at Mudbug Madness, Shreveport's largest festival. While this festival, held in May, showcases the ubiquitous crawfish boil, you can dance all weekend long to Cajun, Zydeco, and jazz music. You'll be in good company, as the festival draws over 50,000 people each day.
Dance Gumbo
Louisiana's festivals celebrate other traditions besides just Cajun. The Merryville Heritage Festival, held in late March, is a festival of music, dance, and entertainment celebrating the area's heritage dating back to the 1800s. For a change of pace, take a trip to the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival, held in March in Monroe. Held at the zoo, this festival features music, dance, and more in tribute to the area's Scots-Irish heritage. Louisiana is home to many other festivals, held nearly year-round. A quick check with the local chamber of commerce or visitors' center can give a listing.
Other cultural dances in Louisiana include the dance performed by the Chitimacha Indian Tribe. The Sovereign Nation of Chitimacha celebrates life with ceremony and dance, performing throughout the year at various events. Their performances usually involve traditional costumes and drumming.
Classical dance thrives in Louisiana as well. Up north, travelers can enjoy a night out at the Louisiana Delta Ballet or the Twin City Ballet, both located in Monroe. The Twin City Ballet company presents several performances throughout the year, in addition to a holiday show and an intensive summer dance program with the University of Louisiana at Monroe. In Shreveport you'll find the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet, a semi-professional dance company with a full season of performances. There's also USA Dance Shreveport, which is a member of the governing board for ballroom dance and holds regular workshops and dances.
Visitors to the Baton Rouge area will find classical dance performances at the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, which performs throughout the year and is currently ranked as an Honor Company with the Southwestern Regional Ballet Association. Another respected dance company is the Of Moving Colors dance company, a modern dance organization.
The New Orleans area offers a wide variety of performance dance styles, with the New Orleans Ballet Association leading the pack. Performances by such well-known touring companies as the American Ballet Theatre, Noche Flamenca, and the Houston Ballet contribute to the city's prestigious dance calendar. Companies in the area include the internationally-flavored New Orleans Ballet Theatre and the Tsunami Dance Company, innovators in modern dance. For those interested in ballroom dance, A Gumbo of Ballroom holds a competitive event each June in Baton Rouge, where spectators can cheer on their favorite couple.
One other notable dance event is any performance of the Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band. This band does more than play- it performs on a grand scale, known nationwide for its funky dance moves, fast stepping, and of course, its music. The Tiger Marching Band has performed worldwide, including at numerous college football games. They have been featured in everything from Coke ads to professional football games and the Superbowl.
Louisiana's rich mix of cultural heritage and traditions comes through in its variety of dance styles. Festivals and dances at various venues offer a slice of life into local Cajun culture, with many events held year-round across the state. From classical ballet to foot-stompin' Cajun, visitors to Louisiana will find plenty of dance to enjoy.
Music plays a major role in the culture of Louisiana.
