Postcard from 1910
I was lucky enough this summer to see a performance of the traditional Auvergnat dance called 'La Bourrée'. This couples dance first appeared in the Auvergne in the XVI century. It is believed that the dance got its name from the small logs that were burned on the fire around which the dancers twirled.
The bourrée is a happy dance. Since it was traditionally performed in wooden shoes, the steps involve a lot of stomping of the feet and allowed men to show their strength.
The songs which accompanied the dance were mostly sung in the Auvergnat language, which is a dialect of 'occitan' a romance language.
I hope , dear reader, that you don't mind my little history lesson. There is just so much about the Auvergne that I love.
Below are lyrics from a traditional Bourrée.
La borrèia auvernhata
La borrèia en Auvernha
La borrèia li va plan
Escotam la cabreta
Del païs limosin.
Lentament en plaça
Dançam-la per dos
Dançam-la per quatre
Et totjorn de son mièlhs.
………………………
Refrain
Per bien la cantar
Viva la limosina !
Per bien la dançar
Viva les Auvernhats !
……………………
La borrèia auvernhata
Es la flor del païs
Se dança per quatre
Se dança per sièis
A Brioda sèm dotze
E quaranta à Sant-Flor
Les espos et les esposas
Li tờrnan totjorn.
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