Cajun and Zydeco Dance Videos

This video features detailed instruction of the Cajun two-step, waltz, and jig. Along with the instructor, five dancing couples demonstrate each of the dances. The instruction takes you from the very basic or novice level through the intermediate/advanced level. Each move is explained very deliberately. The complex moves are illustrated several times with the instructors in various positions (facing camera, back to camera, side to camera).
Two-Step: Includes basic step, dance position with partner, techniques for foot turns with partner, and detailed illustration of the movement of the dance on the dance floor. You will also be introduced to the Shadow Dance as a special feature.
Waltz Instruction: Includes basic step, dance position with partner, techniques for foot turns with partner, a number of hand, arm, and turning movements while dancing, and detailed illustration of the movement of the dance around the dance floor.
Jig Instruction: Includes basic step, dance position with partner, and the structuring of a type jig for a dance of about three minutes There is no prescribed sequence for the jig dance. The three minute dance instructed in this program is designed to give you a series of hand and arm movements with minimum repetition of the various moves. If you don't learn the hand and arm movements, you don't have a dance, as the movements are the essence of the dance.
Lagniappe (something extra): Included is 15 minutes of several demonstration dances. This portion is designed to provide you with examples of the liveliness of Cajun dancing and to acquaint you with some group dances that can be done to the jig step. These featured dances are: a fast paced single couple Jig, a four-some (two couple) dance, an eight-some (four couple) dance, a five couple type of Cajun folk dance, and a combination of a five couple train and Mardi Gras umbrella dance. 102 mins. DVD Region 1.

Good news for aspiring Zydeco Dancers!!! Zydeco Dance From A to Z has just been released! Zydeco is an infectious accordion-driven dance music of the Creole and African-American communities of southwest Louisiana and gulf coast Texas. This is a DVD that brings together the time-proven videos, Learn to Zydeco Dance Tonite and Advanced Zydeco Dance, into one comprehensive package. Dance instructors Ben Pagac and Debbie Shaw regularly explore the southwest Louisiana Zydeco dance halls and bring to the viewer not only the authentic steps, but also the joy and sprit of the dance. The teaching method is relaxed, clear, and easy to follow. Part one breaks down the fundamental step, demonstrates the subtle Zydeco weight shifts, explains partnering, and provides more than twelve moves and step variations. Part two progresses with more than 20 challenging moves and variations. The entire DVD clocks in at 90 minutes, so there is a lot of valuable material covered. Additionally, the DVD is professionally authored with menu buttons that allow you to selectively jump to desired sections without having to scroll. 90 mins. (2006) DVD-All-Region.

With instructor Greg Benusa and partner Marian Fite. This DVD Includes: Zydeco Dance instruction - beginning, intermediate and advanced (14 moves); Waltz Dance instruction - beginning and intermediate lessons; Line Dance Zydeco Cha Cha; over 18 moves and 60 minutes of dance instruction; many lead and follow tips; and reference chart to quickly locate moves. 60 mins. (2005) DVD-All-Region.

Dance Video

Shop

Cajun & Zydeco Dance Videos

With instructor Greg Benusa and partner Marian Fite. This DVD Includes: Beginning Zydeco Dance instruction; intermediate Zydeco moves (3); beginning Cajun Waltz; beginning Cajun Two Step & Jig; intermediate Cajun Jig Moves (3); practice music suggestion list; and many lead and follow tips. Zydeco Steps covered: Basic Zydeco Footwork; Closed Position; Dance Frame; Open Position; Closed to Open Position; 360's; Double Gator Stomps; and Zydeco Swivel's. These are practiced first to very slow tempos and then to normal speed tempos. Includes Alternative teaching methods: Step together Step Touch; Slow quick quick Slow; and Counting 1-8 counts. Cajun Waltz Steps include: Basic Waltz Footwork; Frame; and Lead & Follow Tips. Cajun Jig Steps include: Basic Footwork & Weight Changes; Ladies Wrap; Side to Side; and The Pretzel. Cajun Two Step include: Basic Footwork; Frame; Push and Pulls for Connection; The Wrap; Side to Side Wraps; Hip to Hip; and Lead & Follow Tips. Instructor Comments: "This is the video I wish I would have had when I first started learning Zydeco & Cajun Dances. The basics of each dance are slowly broke down and then practiced at slow and then faster tempos. If you're at a local dance or if you take a trip to Louisiana, you can see all of these dances and now understand what these dances are and how easy they are to learn." 60 mins. (2008) DVD-All-Region