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!
The regulars…
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The 14 July is Bastille Day, the French national holiday, and it’s a celebration that gets the whole of Paris dancing at a multitude of popular – and often free - dances. The biggest of all, drawing thousands of people, takes place at the Bastille itself (4th) and boasts internationally-famous performers, and some of the other arrondissements organise theirs too. Above all though, don’t miss the firemen’s balls, held in some of the city’s fire stations. From Paris or abroad, people of all ages flock here to kick up their heels until late into the night.
On these evenings, the music can vary widely from accordion to waltz, and from slow dances to wild and woolly rock!
See What's on and www.paris.fr
- Swing at the Caveau de la Huchette
The first club to stage jazz following the Liberation of Paris, the Caveau de la Huchette welcomes dancers from all over the world since 1946. It awaits you in its vaulted cellar (where the Knights Templar formerly assembled) to get you moving to bebop, early rock, Dixieland or boogie-woogie. Immensely popular with regulars and visitors to the city, this is a swinging Paris hot spot.
Le Caveau de la Huchette
5, rue de la Huchette (5e)
01 43 26 65 05
www.caveaudelahuchette.fr
Every two weeks (on Saturdays), the trendy venue that is the Elysée Montmartre (18th) hosts a ball. Neither a nightclub nor a traditional French dance, these affordable evenings (15 euros) are a kind of big enjoyable get-together drawing a whole range of people. Come along to trip the light fantastic to the sound of songs from any time between 1955 and 1995, performed and sung by a talented and colourful band. Parisians of all ages are great fans.
L’Elysée Montmartre
72, bd de Rochechouart (18e)
01 42 23 46 50
www.elyseemontmartre.com
They have taken on a new lease of life (in every sense) as they are now a big hit with Parisians; so on grey or not so grey Sunday afternoons, here are a few places to dance tango, salsa and musette. Each venue has its speciality. Here are just a few:
Le Club 79
At the heart of the Champs-Elysées, it is the top spot with young seniors, who favour the musette (waltz, java, tango etc.). Takes place on Sunday from 2.30pm to 3am in the morning. 11€ including a drink, 14€ after 8pm.
22 rue Quentin Bauchard (8e) M° George V
Tél. 01 47 23 68 75
Le Bario Latino
A few steps from the Bastille, in the decor of a Cuban villa, the salsa is king. Also with a lesson that starts at 1.30pm. Then on to more serious things with the afternoon dance session, from 4pm, to music mixed by a DJ, of great latino orchestras. Dance lesson: 10 €, entrance fee: 7€ without a drink.
46 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine (12e) M° Bastille
Tél : 01 55 78 84 75 .
Le Tribar
Here, the Argentinian tango is a sure bet; every Sunday from 6pm and high-heeled shows are a must for ladies! You can improve your technique with lessons that begin at 6.30pm, and the evening finishes around 10pm. Free admission. Dance lesson: 12€ with a drink.
20 rue de Lappe (11e) M° Bastille
Tél 01 47 00 10 83
- Also see
- Join the dance!
- The regulars…
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