French Cultural Dance

French are by nature very fond of music and dance, and are credited to invent several of world-famous dances. France is known to invent Ballet dances way back in 1581. The French king Louis XIV passion for dances led to the establishment of the Académie Royale de Danse, which contributed significantly to development of new dance style and technique in the late 17th and early 18th century Europe. Ballroom and square dances also grew in popularity in France during this period. 

France has a very rich and varied dance tradition and almost every region of France has its own distinct forms of music and dances. Traditional folk dances and music are well preserved in several relatively isolated regions in the south France.

If you've some basic knowledge of French art and music, you must be familiar with some of the basic dance forms, such as Waltz, Polka, Mazurka, Marche, Scottish, Rondeau and the Bourree. Carols and Baroque dances are other popular traditional dances in France.

Carols are simple chain dances in which a linked line of dancers moved forwards, walking, running or skipping to their own singing. Other popular traditional dance types in France include Canarie, Forlane, Gavotte, Gigue, Menuet and Sarabande.