Bayou Dancer

About me:

• Bayou Dancer (official site)
• Bayou Dancer Chat Room
• The Bayou Dancer Post (blog)
• Bayou Dancer YouTube Channel
• Bayou Message Board
• Bayou Dancer Calendar of Events
• Bayou Dancer Yuku Profile

..CHAT SATURDAY MORNINGS, 8-12noon, and listen to "Zydeco Eh Pas Sale" on KRVS.org out of Lafayette, LA...

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Email me direct: david@bayoudancer.com

or Call:

612/226-1851 (cell)......David's Web Designs...

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In 1995 I was introduced to Cajun music, started learning the dance, and had a great time. Shortly there after, I learned about Creole zydeco music and dance, and I was hooked. The more I learned about this music and dance, the more I became passionate about it. It somehow strikes a real deep chord for me. The uniqueness, the connection to it's roots, the diversity, and the range and reach into contemporary music and dance all came together that gets me going and brightens my day. And, as a result, I'm certainly glad to share it. Hei Toi...

Cajun vs. Zydeco
I appreciate both Cajun & Creole zydeco music and dance. Many prefer to be a zydeco dancer, since it (generally) has a more contemporary sound (Rock and blues, as opposed to Western and/or folk). Creole Zydeco and Cajun seem to be two sides of the same proverbial coin. Both having the same or similar musical roots, yet are very uniquely different. Same thing for the dance styles, very similar (and too often considered and/or taught as the same thing) but very (I mean VERY) different when a person learns the actual feel of the dances. This comes from my learning, studying, and teaching them both. And the more popular the both get, outside (and inside) Louisiana, the more some bands (especially Cajun) play and blend both sounds together.

Yet, I have to say Creole zydeco is my favorite. I have twice as much zydeco music as Cajun.

Zydeco & Cajun dancer (13 yrs)
Dance instructor (6 yrs)
*It is very important to me that I've learned and teach the genuine styles of dance from Louisiana, out of care and respect!

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.... Bayoudancer.com and visit the Chat Room on Saturday Mornings.
Dedicate to genuine Cajun & Creole Zydeco, Music, Dance & Culture...

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My Favorite. It's not just the steps, but the feeling of the dance that makes it special.


I asked Flory to shoot this video with me, to have a demonstration clip for the folks here in the Twin Cities. Trouble is, less than halfway through the song the camera batteries died. It was nice that we were able to take spin on the floor, after teaching the lessons before the Saturday & Sunday dances.

Here, I'm practicing a passing backward turn, as well as a couple other moves. Flory does some nice foot work, as well as showing her trademark hip action, wow.

Lately, I've been thinking about the idea, and noticing dance moves that are more definitively masculine or feminine, and what they are. This is not to be divisive, but simply to understand, for the purpose of choice. Also, I've been realizing that I dance in a way that I want to understand what I'm doing. This may restrict my creativity in the moment, but opens it up in the long run, and allows me to know how to teach most everything I do.

This was shot during the music break at the Halftime Rec. where Donna and her Zydeco Passe were playing for the Krewe de Walleye.

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Dance Demonstration & Instruction

I started teaching lessons about 6 years ago, first helping other instructors, then leading the teaching at the Halftime Rec. in St Paul before the Sunday dances. Then at Four Season's Dance Studio near downtown Minneapolis, MN. Since then, I have taught at festivals, nationally, and at private events. I am very happy to share my passion for this music and dance, since I've learned some very good dance and teaching skills. It is most important to be genuine and effective.

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