Stopping…LOUD stomping, so loud it shakes the old wooden, slippery floors that cover the surface of Whiskey River..
Clapping accompanied by the occasional shout echoing off the rain covered windows..
Movement, LOTS of dancing as people of all ages slide their boots to the beat of the accordion..
These are the things that I recall when I think of living in South Louisiana, specifically Lafayette. About 3 years ago, I found a passion for cajun/zydeco dancing. Every night from Thursday to Sunday (and Sunday afternoons as well) were spent sliding across the wooden dance floors scattered throughout the city….
Dancing is one of the things in life that I do when I want to forget the world. It makes me feel free, it makes me laugh, and it makes me burst with happiness from within. I have met so many wonderful dance partners, especially my friends Pat and Felix, that I SO look forward to seeing when I go dancing. One thing that dancing has taught me is that sometimes it’s better to follow…and NOT to lead (a strange concept for someone as headstrong as I am…but a valuable lesson all the same).
When I traveled to California this summer, it made me miss Louisiana, the music, and the dancing; and I have appreciated being home so much more since. Yesterday I was asked by UL Lafayette to photograph Michael Doucet as he jammed with 3 other students in the BeauSoleil home (which we spent building during my graduate studies in Architecture).
It was such a special moment for me an reminded me how I love the place I call home.
I am unable to release the images from yesterday until they are published in La Louisiane, so I thought this image would be appropriate. It was taken during Brandy + Steve’s wedding on New Year’s Day. 🙂
