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Les Batons

Dancing to live French & Breton music

Les Batons meets monthly for the joy of French and Breton music and dancing, on third Sunday afternoons, except December, July and August. There are usually around 35 regular dancers and musicians, and everyone is welcome to come along and join us.

A room full of dancers, dancing in couples

The first hour is a music session starting at noon. There is a bring-and-share buffet, then session musicians and guest bands playing for dancing until 17.00. The venue is Hollingbourne Village Hall in Kent, ME17 1TR.

Tea and coffee are provided, and there are two pubs nearby, but no shop or cashpoint. Admission is £7 cash in the pot for both dancers and musicians.

A large circle of dancers

We look forward to seeing you!

Dates

In the 2024 - 2025 season we welcome:

The Bal starts at 13.30 with music from the session band. Guest bands play two sets during the afternoon.

Couples dancing, with a selection of musicians playing in the background

Dancing

Our dances are mainly from central France and Brittany, to tunes that may be traditional or written more recently. Some are danced in circles or small groups, others in couples, or in the long lines that are typical of Breton dance.

Several couples dancing a bourrée in a line

Many of the dances have simple steps, and you do not need a partner or previous knowledge, as there will be other dancers ready to help, answer questions, or guide you around the floor. It's best to have smooth-soled shoes that are comfortable and make turning easier.

View from the stage, showing 3 musicians playing for dancers

Our afternoons are informal and friendly gatherings, and so musicians and dancers can listen, learn from and respond to one another.

Music

Many talented musicians enjoy playing the French dance repertoire. We welcome musicians at all levels of experience, and on any instrument.

The music practice session is led by Alison, who circulates a list of tunes in advance. These can be accessed by downloading our tune book here.

Musicians playing a wide variety of instruments, facing each other in a circle

The music session is from 12.00 - 13.00 in the hall.

Venue

Hollingbourne Village Hall,
Eyhorne Street,
Hollingbourne,
Kent ME17 1TR

Hollingbourne is just off the M20 at junction 8. By car, turn up the lane next to The Windmill pub. The hall is ahead, with parking behind it.

By train, Hollingbourne station is 20 minutes from Ashford International on the line to London Victoria via Maidstone East. It is 15 minutes walk to the Village Hall.


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Contact

To join Les Batons mailing list and receive reminders of events, to contact Alison about the music session, and for other enquiries, email [email protected].