Part Two is here.
Melodeonist Chris Ryall spent August of 2013 at Fête Embraud (La Chavanée) and Grand Bal de l'Europe St. Gervais. He shot a lot of video. He writes:
"The collection was intended to inform some of the ... shall we say, 'different' ... versions of these dance rhythms heard in UK pub sessions. The general focus on the dancers and their movement is intentional. If your play of a melody 'informs the feet' ... it is probably about right!"
Some of the videos are posted on Facebook (possibly requiring Flash); others are on YouTube. The first batch of videos presented here focus on French dances. Breton dances will be featured in the next post.
French Dance Videos
Basic French Waltz (played faster and smoother than English waltz)
Scottiche (note "skip")
Another Scottiche (delightfully light - Accordzéâm)
Mazurka current "Bal" style (generally 9/8)
Another Mazurka -- Accordzéâm - great accordion solo
Mazurka Morvan style "simple, straight 3/4)
Circassian Circle - same as UK - sometimes even to the same tunes!
Another Circassian Circle
Medley of Various Dances (Lucas Thebaut says this set was made up = non Trad)
Bourrées
Labels: Auvergne, bourrée, Chris Ryall, dance, Embraud, Etienne Loic, La Chavannée, mazurka, Morvan, Video, waltz