Traditional dancing in France à la Vintage Postcards


These vintage postcards feature The Bourrée which is is one of the oldest dances in Central France This merry dancing style of Auvergne is in triple time and is animated and full of drive. These vintage postcard stars are certainly kicking up their heels.


This traditional dance was popular with everyone! Kings as well as farmers danced to this type of lively music. The polka is actually said to be a descendant of this dance.

Both Bach and Handel wrote bourrées as orchestral suites. The more contemporary Chopin wrote a number of pianos bourrées too! But, to me a true bourée dance needs a hurdy - gurdy accordion, sabots (wooden shoes), and gallons of wine!

Are your feet tapping to the music yet?

1 cool cats commented:

Anonymous said...

What a unique and wonderful dance... and what a unique and wonderful daughter I have! Thank you for this foray into the bouree!