One of the joys of living here in France is the enthusiasm shown by our local friends for traditional dance. Our dance club – Danse Pressignoise, with French, English, American and Dutch members, meets every week in the local Salle des Fetes. We learn Traditional English, American, Scottish and Irish social dances with varying degrees of success. 

On Saturday May 21st we held a Soirée Celtique for the community with food, drink, music from our band Celtiqua . This was followed by some social dancing. It was amazing how well people coped with the dances even though many had never danced before.

There were well over 100 people at this event which was very pleasing and somewhat surprising as there were other events on in the village. The evening opened with Celtiqua playing a 90 minute concert whilst people arrived and started their evening by enjoying the food provided by the Traiteurs who were situated on the car park in front of the Salle des Fetes. Burgers and Galettes were the order of the day.

There was a small interval with some games for the assembled masses of people and allowing the musicians to re-group. We welcomed Geoff Pollitt and Bernard Wattelet as guest musicians while I took to the floor to call dances and to support the new callers from our club Danielle and Dominique.

We have two teachers, our friend David Henderson and me, and we’re pleased to be growing some new teachers from the members of the club. From time to time we have visitors to the club. These could be unsuspecting holiday makers, or friends who are passing through or even a well-know caller (thanks Rhodri Davies.)



Well done to all the organisers, Phoenix en Claise, Musicians and Dancers, for creating an excellent evening.

The evening included simple dances such as:
She’ll be Comin’ Round the Mountain
Buggy Ride Jig
Circassian Circle
Lucky 7
Brian’s Reel

Celtiqua finished the evening by playing CATHARSIS by Amy Cann

Interested in Dancing?

Then please join us at the Salle des Fetes, Le Grand Pressigny on a Tuesday Morning.