Britlyn Delahoussaye, a social dancer and instructor.
Hailing from the outskirt country lands of Vermilion Parish, past the Erath welcome sign, “Home of the Fourth of July Celebration & D.L. Menard,” where only two basic Cajun steps are danced- the jitterbug and two-step. Although it took a hurricane (Andrew) for me to take my first steps, one of my first memories is dancing in the living room to “Give Him Cornbread” by Beau Jocques. Nicknamed “t’poulet,” as I most certainly sang and danced around like a little chicken and put on amateur performances at family gatherings.
From festivals to crawfish boils, Cajun music was played in the background and performed about the towns. It never felt “placed,” as it would in cities, rather ingrained. As the music moved in everything we were doing. From watching the crawfish squirm in the ice chest, to helping mawmaw knead the sweet dough pies, or taking a sip of cold beer after climbing off the tractor.
Everyone danced about the same. It was all fairly simple.. a Cajun jitterbug or two-step, underarm turn, sweetheart and dip. A little waltz every now and then. Nothing fancy as most were long-time partners, merely having a moment, a little shuffle in step together.
In 2009, I packed my bags for the big hub city to attend UL, where I was immersed amongst various cultures and made friends who were passionate about partner dancing. We’d dance in living rooms where I’d learn Latin steps then head to Club 337. (Moment of silence) Soon after, Cajun Jam Wednesdays and weekend Cajun & Zydeco nights at The Blue Moon Saloon, Artmosphere, Feed & Seed and local events became a part of my routine. And I danced with everyone. Learning more moves & sequences, staying quick on my feet with following, and navigating the strength in my body to lead. (Over) Ten years later and I’m still in those spaces, still like a little chicken, alongside locals and tourists in revelry. Filled with joie de vivre!
I have had the privilege of instructing dancers in Cajun, Zydeco, Latin and East Coast Swing over the past 12 years. As well as choreographed first dances for weddings. I strive to create a welcoming, safe, and spirited environment in dance. Where laughter and building connections is encouraged.
A special thank you to Clare Cook and her team (Savannah and Taylor) for the warm welcome at Basin Arts!
Upcoming lessons from 6-7pm at Basin Arts:
Bachata: Wednesday, April 9th & 16th
A special Latin variety dance lesson in preparation of Festival International: Wednesday, May 23rd
Cumbia: Wednesday, April 30th, May 7th & May 14th
Photo by April Courville with A Dannette Photography
Who makes up your art circle?
My passion of social dancing would not be without our local musicians. Your time, talent, and dedication has influenced the trajectory of my pursuit in partner dance. It has garnered friendships on and off the dance floor. And, most importantly, sustained the magic of our culture in unison with the community. A special thank you to the music venues, festivals, restaurants, social events and stage crew for all of your efforts that make it possible to highlight our local musicians.
How do you expand your art circle?
I have become a more well-rounded and expansive dancer through every single partner I follow or lead. With dance, there is no end. No conclusion of learning moves from a specific style. Because, as partners, we each have something to offer in the exchange.
Dancers of any level are welcome to our partner dance class. We are currently dancing Latin on Wednesdays from 6-7pm at Basin Arts.
What value do you see in having a creative community?
They say Disney World is like “no place on Earth” and “the most magical place on Earth”. Here in the states, Acadiana is a close second. It is no secret that the food, festivals, music and the hospitality of Acadiana cultivates the community. We, in great addition, are blessed with an expansive variety of creatives. Creatives who collaborate, support and celebrate each other. I cherish having stumbled upon and into the creative communit
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community? Dance is a means for me to contribute to the crowd’s engagement of the event. To help create an inviting, spirited space for locals and tourists to feel welcomed to dance or clap along. To exchange energy with and respond to the performers. The reciprocity is quite literally.. a song and dance.
Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund managed by Lafayette Travel
