From the Yorkshire Evening Post, Thursday 24 February 2000
The Burley Gurdey
BY MATTHEW TAYLOR
AFTER the beef war, relations
with our Gallic neighbours
were at a low ebb.
But one Leeds-based group is doing
what it can to restore a sense of
l'amour with our cross-channel
chums.
Traditional French country dancing is the latest craze to sweep the city
, and Yannick Minvielle is leading
the charge.
French-born Yannick is part of the
Les Panards Dansants - the dancing
feet group - which holds a monthly
get-together at Burley Lodge Centre in
Leeds.
And she says the French folk night
proving a runaway success.
It is very popular, said Yannick,
of Bradford.
"Last time we had about 25 people
come along and more are showing an
interest every month."
Traditional
The group tackle traditional
French folk dances like the Bourrees
and the Mazurkas, but Yannick says
they have much more to offer.
"There is music with traditional
instruments like the hurdy-gurdy and
bagpipes as well as singing it is very
jolly. And if anyone knows a dance
they want to teach the rest of us, they
are always more than welcome."
The group's next meeting is on
Monday, March 20 at 7.3Opm at Burley Lodge Centre.
"Everyone is welcome to come
along and have a go. It's a celebration
of French culture"
