Zydeco for cardio vascular fitness.

Much to my delight I have discovered here in Oregon there are 2 zydeco events given monthly. I stumbled on one and went and sat and just enjoyed listening to the music. It was difficult to tell if the people were having a good time or not because at home there is a lot more exuberance in the movement.

But I will keep going every month just so I can have some movement and build up my cardiovascular stamina. I will not do much however until after surgery and healing time, but I expect by spring I can be rocking away. Zydeco music is so infectious and happy even if you are sitting you will find yourself tapping your feet or doing something which means there's movement and energy burning.

So if you are looking for something fun and not staid and serious here you go. I've posted several You Tube links that will give you some idea of the music and the dance. Take your time and be mindful as in any thing of your body and your abilities in health.


Though I would love to, because of my knees I have to modify movements but I can without a doubt do a Cajun Waltz which is absolutely lovey when done in a traditional circle. You will see grandpa dancing with granddaughter or son with his mother etc. It is very easy on the knees.

This video is showing it as a line dance for a change of pace:
Cajun Waltz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRqQAaNf2rg&feature=related

Basic zydeco movement...Very basic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m_3MBn_TXs&feature=related

Much better to get the basics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDgbEOnaksE&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06DybByY3hE&feature=related

Now for a Zydeco line Dancehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iie91k_eZwk&feature=related

Another line dance though could have been with more flair. It is slow enough though for you to get the footwork.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQJWh_XX7s8&feature=related

Age nor size has to be a hold back. The steps can be modified for you own level. In the background you can see people doing a Cajun 2-step
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbzzVWVgBmI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bXCIscKBWI&feature=related

What I like about this one. They are demonstration many of the turns you can learn:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6Lk2ZpMnu8&feature=related

and here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUtC7I_XGFs&feature=related

For the record it is not uncommon to see women friends dancing together though as there are usually not enough men to go around. At a Fais do do (Fay-doh-doh) which is defined as
1. A French colloquial expression equivalent to “nighty-night”.
2. A traditional French lullaby;
3. A township gathering where the children are put to bed in the nursery while the adults party in the dance hall.
4. A Meeting place for people, music & flavor from around the corner & around the world.


For those in good shape:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87lSxFnmzwk&feature=related



Ya Ya info

The late Boozoo Chavis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3bvnRV-Zek&feature=related Now if I can only find Lynn August to download

The late Beau Jacque performing my all time favorite song of his "Cornbread"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM7EGkHoJkw&feature=related



For those who do not know the difference Zydeco a North African word translated as "snap bean" orgins are African. The grandfather of R&B, Blues & Soul. Zydeco was the music of African enslaved people who while not permitted to play music of Africa at the risk of death,took Cajun music and mixed it with African rhythms

It's Cajun music with soul & rhythm. There is a call & response between instruments.

Cajun music is indigenous to Cajun people who are the descendant from those who migrated here from Nova Scotia, Canada, originally exiled from France for religious beliefs.

The two musical forms are often interchanged many with creolized words from Africa & from France.