Noson Llawen - Fest Noz

[stifyn]

The traditional Noson Llawen and Twmpath whilst still exist are not as common as in years gone by. One reason being that not many Welsh people are familiar with traditional dancing. In Brittany their equivalent the Fest Noz is stronger than ever as can be seen from some of the following clips. The Welsh and Bretons being so similar culturally I cannot help wonder why dance and music is so vibrant there as opposed to Wales. I know one theory is attributed to religion in Wales when dancing and music was frowned upon which gave rise to the twmpath, where villagers used to congregate on a twmp outside of the villlages to dance out of sight of the parish ministers. A similar situation occured in Ireland also where religion frowned upon dancing which led to the current Irish form of dance where arms are kept to the side and feet are not supposed to be raised above knee level. Despite this, Irish dancing and traditional music is thriving as also in Brittany as can be seen from the following clips.......if you are still interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw_EuuxT ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bN1P5MR ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LoHylFZ ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw_EuuxT ... re=related

[Arwen]

I watched the last one (pressed for time this morning). I'm quite impressed at the musicians managing the steps whilst playing.

[stifyn]

Yes me too. I would be more concerned about what my fingers would be doing as opposed to my feet and would probably fall over.
If that impressed you, then you should check out the guy with the red hair and sunglasses in a video I came across some time ago. It is a video of the Chieftains and guests and the red haried fiddle player is one of the guests. He does not start dancing until the end of the tune at around the 2 minute mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejS7VwClddw

Any live music on in Ty Tawe tonight ??? I am there this evening as I have been invitited by people I helped out recently in the local elections. They have laid on a buffet I think and some free drinks. Cant refuse that can I I am hoping there will be a good turnout so that I can meet some old friends that I have not seen for some time.