In our attempt to keep Acadian culture alive and growing, Frederick l'Ecole des Arts, Inc., is bringing back and old tradition -- "Bal de Maison." These old fashioned house dances, where the countryside was filled with sounds of the fiddle, accordion and sometimes t-fer and harmonica, were a special form of entertainment and ritual. Many couples courted and were matched as the mothers, with cautious eyes, sat on benches set against the walls surrounding the dancers.
Some houses were constructed with a sort of "temporary" wall that was taken down for the bal de maison and then re-installed the next day. Yes, the Bal de Maison was that important when transportation and entertainment was hard to come by.
Riders on horseback visited farm houses and announced the upcoming event. Many gentlemen dressed up with stiff ironed shirts and ties. Ladies could be heard foot pedaling their old sewing machines as new dresses were designed and constructed.
Food was provided not only by the hosting family but the Bal de Maison was probably the original potluck in the Acadiana area.
Join us on the 4th Saturday of every month at the Town Market Rural Arts Centre located at 1013 Neblet in Arnaudville. Bring your favorite covered dish and share not only good food but good company and be part of a Bal de Maison.
Special thanks to Seola Arnaud Edwards for her contribution to the French language, her dedication to uncovering the history of Arnaudville, her involvement with the LSU French Department, and for the books she has published. The above watercolor by her son Paul Arnaud Edwards was used on the cover of CHEZ LES ARNAUD, ANTOINE ARNAUD ET ODEIDE ROBIN By Seola Arnaud Edwards, Copyright 1993. "There's a house" poem above was also found in Seola's book. Bien Merci!
