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Dancing in Paris 
Join the dance!
Every evening from May to September when the weather is fine, the garden of the square Tino Rossi (5th) is transformed into an open-air dance floor. Salsa, rock, tango, traditional dances from Brittany and elsewhere, every amphitheatre has its speciality. Newcomers are welcome to try a few steps of tango, from 7pm (or 8 or 9pm depending on the day), in this magical setting right on the banks of the Seine. Then, all the tango aficionados from the French capital and beyond will join them for a dance that goes on until midnight. Don’t hesitate to go along: admission is free and this typically Parisian summer event will give you the chance to meet new people in a friendly atmosphere, beneath the lights of the passing boats and the gaze of their passengers.
Along the canal bank: the Canal Opus On the banks of the Canal Saint Martin (10th), the restaurant and concert venue Canal Opus, to name but one, stages tango balls on some Sundays, for beginners and experts to strut their stuff at the Milonga Florida dances, organised by the “Baïres de Retour” association, from 5pm to midnight.
During the months of October and November, Paris (and its region) becomes the capital of tango for the occasion of the 9th edition of the Paris Banlieues Tango festival. This includes concerts, dances and balls of course, but also debates, workshops, readings, films and exhibitions - the list of events where you can tango with the Parisians to your heart’s delight is quite impressive.
Organised by the arrondissement town halls (mairies), associations or local councils, these welcoming local dances are a highlight of Parisian neighbourhood life. Watch out for the “bal musette” in the place Sainte Catherine (4th) on 21 June or the Bal de la Bourse (2nd) in the autumn.
Every last Friday of the month at 8.30pm, the La Bourrache association host a hospitable folk dance. Here you’ll be introduced to the wide range of traditional dances from Brittany (gavottes), the Poitou or the Basque country, and also those from all over the world thanks to a different group each time. The participants will be delighted to teach you the steps of these dances where everyone can join in, making for a friendly atmosphere.
The festive Bringuebal dances regularly draw a varied audience ready to have a good time. The singers and musicians launch into songs from the French popular repertoire, and those who want to join in do, while the rest head off to the dance floor… Each of the Bringuebal dances has a specific theme and participants often dress up with gusto. Great fun guaranteed!
Every first Sunday of the month, this musical group takes up residence in the 11th arrondissement and more precisely at the Alimentation Générale - a very lively neighbourhood bar with a large dance floor. This is more than welcome, as children can then have their own little corner to jig around in at their own rhythm. And rhythm there certainly is! All dance styles are reviewed and corrected by this group that is not lacking in imagination. As well, you will be served a complimentary couscous, or some other exotic dish (drinks however are not included).
Just save the dates, as of now: in 2008, it will be on 6 January, 3 February, 2 March, 6 April, 4 May, 1 June; at 6 :30 pm, it is dancing for children and adults, and, at 8:30 pm, it is dancing for adults and children!
The Mission Bretonne organises get-togethers known as “fest-noz” all year round – those traditional Breton dances with their unique atmosphere. Everyone can join in with these dances, so the regulars will take newcomers by the hand and Parisians will invite visitors to step into the circle.
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Wherever in the world you may be, dance is a universal language which breaks through the barriers and allows residents and visitors to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Paris is no exception to the rule and be it tango, salsa, traditional dances, bebop, folk or an outdoor knees-up, you can happily dance together without the need for conversation, especially when the dances involve a group of people and the more experienced participants will help you to put your best foot forward!
Dance on the banks of the Seine
