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When:
Thursday, July 4, 6–9:30 p.m.
Where:
Spirit of Music Garden
Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago
Tickets:
Free! No tickets needed.
“...laissez le bon temp rouler!” says Buddy Bates (BB) to Picture this Post (PTP) about his upcoming July 4th dance instruction for Chicagoans of the Zydeco 2-step. Here is more about this fun event –
(PTP) How did you get started in this type of dance? How long have you studied it?
(BB) I’ve always loved all kinds of dancing. When I was going to school in New Orleans a friend drug me to a Zydeco dance class and I didn’t even know what Zydeco was. I just went as a favor since she couldn’t find any guys that would go with her.
After a couple of lessons, I was hooked by the infectious music and the freedom to freestyle while partner dancing. That was 15 years ago and I still love zydeco dancing.
Do you perform mainly in Chicago or beyond?
Both – I just got back from a zydeco vacation in New Orleans and Lafayette. The whole purpose of the vacation was to fit in as much zydeco dancing as possible – we even went to a zydeco breakfast!
Do you teach this type of dance all around Chicago or is this SummerDance unique?
I occasionally teach lessons at a studio but my profession is not dancing. It’s just a hobby that I love turning people on to.
What’s the most challenging part of teaching this type of dance in a setting like SummerDance with newcomers at all levels of dance experience? And what is the most fun part?
The most challenging part is teaching such a large group of beginner dancers and not being able to offer one on one instruction for everyone. The fun part is seeing the smiles and excitement when people learn a step.
Have you collaborated with this musical group before? How did that collaboration come about? How much do you rehearse for the Summer Dance events?
Most Zydeco bands travel extensively and are not associated with the dance instructors in the various towns they visit. Usually the venue books the band and calls up local dance instructors for the lesson. Having said that, zydeco dance instructors are also fans of the band – so we often recognize each other like long lost friends.
What other gigs (performance or teaching) do you have on your calendar?.
None – I have to go back to work after this like everyone else. (-;
Other comments that will give our readers a vivid mental picture of your group and whether this will be a fun experience for them?
People often confuse Cajun music with Zydeco. The both have some of the same instruments (accordion, fiddle, guitar, bass, and drums) but the music and the dance steps are very different. Cajun music is a little softer and the dancing is all from the waist up. The steps are repetitive, but there are lots of turns, dance positions and moves. Zydeco music is much more lively and the dancing is all from the waist down with people bustin’ out all kinds of moves and complicated steps. There are not as many turns or partner moves.
Photos courtesy of Buddy Bates
