Among the lively music and dancing that takes place Friday nights at the American Legion Hall off of Wooddale Boulevard, it seems hard to believe a culture is fading away. “Cajun culture is so unique to Louisiana, it would be a real shame to see it fade away,” said Clarence Moritz, a computer programmer from Baton Rouge who also hosts a Cajun Radio show Saturdays on WBRH. “The music and dancing is so important to keep the culture together.” And that is just what the Cajun French Music Association is bringing to Baton Rouge. Every Friday night, the group offers Cajun dance lessons and a chance to enjoy the music and dancing which are staples of Cajun culture. “We’re just trying to keep Cajun music alive,” said Ralph Marino, president of the Baton Rouge charter of the CFMA. “It’s important people get to experience it because it’s fun, lively and easy to dance to. Anyone who can count to three can Cajun waltz and anyone who can count to four can Cajun two-step.” Marino said it is important that University students attend events that promote Cajun culture because of the tradition involved. “It’s a relic and the purest of art forms,” Marino said. “It is still played the same way today as it was played years ago by our fathers and grandfathers. It is also a pretty good alternative to whatever else college students would be doing.” Moritz said students at the University are receiving the opportunity to learn about a culture that cannot be found anywhere else. “Cajun dancing and music brings in such a welcoming atmosphere that is unique to only here,” Moritz said. “You won’t experience this at any other college.” As the dancing begins, strangers become dance partners, as two teachers play music and give lessons on Cajun dancing. Although many couples attend the dance, Ron Stewart, a member of the Les Danseurs de la Capitale de Baton Rouge dance troupe that is sponsored by the CFMA, said singles are welcome to attend as well. “You don’t have to have a partner to come in and dance,” Stewart said. “But if you do choose to bring a partner, it is a pretty cheap date.” The CFMA hosts the Cajun dances every Friday night. Dance class takes place from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and the band starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $6 per person. Stewart said the Friday night dances bring in people from all ages and backgrounds. “We get both old folks and young folks, Cajun dancers and people who have never danced in their life,” Stewart said. “But if they are old enough to walk we can teach them to dance.” Liz Humphries, an accountabilities specialist at La Belle Aire Elementary School and a member of the dance troupe, said Cajun music is more youthful than she previously thought. “The perception that I had was that it was old folks music,” Humphries said. “But it is so energetic and full of life. It’s peppy and uplifting and you can’t help but smile when you hear it.” Patsy Collins, a registered nurse from Natchez, attended her first Cajun dance Friday. Collins said she is happy to see so many young people attending the dances. “If the young people don’t come, the Cajun culture is going to be lost,” Collins said. Elva Daigle has been attending the dances hosted by the CFMA since 1999 and said she would hate to see her husband’s heritage fading away. “My husband is a full-blooded Cajun and I think it is such a beautiful heritage,” Daigle said. “I enjoy it so much and it is sad to think that if it is not passed down, others will not be able to enjoy it as much as I have.” Daigle said the dance troupe attended the STRIPES event for incoming freshman. “The freshmen loved it, but we can never seem to get them here on Friday nights,” Daigle said. “Sometimes they go to a movie, sometimes they go out to eat, why not come here and dance?”
—–Contact Kelly Caulk at [email protected]