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The dawn serenade of the festivalgoers.
As they begin to play, everything around them comes to a halt. Better than a canon firing, its a 'bagad' sounding the first notes of the music festival of Cornouaille in the vibrant heart of Brittany. The 'bagad' Penhars from Quimper, comprising of bagpipes, traditional pipes and percussion, had the honor of charming the passers-by, leading them on foot to the cathedral where regional products were awaiting them. The 'bagad'varied their sequences to great affect, alternating between walking to the music and pausing at a square or beneath a window. The affect was also showing on the musicians. Annaig is fifteen years old and the only female in the group in which she plays the Bombard, a small breton flute. She started playing at the age of nine and is not willing to give it up. I have always loved it, she says cheerfully, and the public reception gives me just as much pleasure. Cultural ambassador at fifteen years of age, will anything stop her? |
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Small dancers becoming big dancers.
The step is unsteady but the eye is watchful. Today at Laennec place, breton dancing is being learned. The festival is the first opportunity for many to see traditional breton crafts first hand: music, crepe making, embroidery, singing and the breton language. The dance workshop is open to both adults and children but today it is reserved for the latter, the possible dancers of tomorrow. Step to in front, step behind, series of twelve and then series of eight, it is not always easy for the little ones to coordinate their moves. However, with training from the organizers, the presence of instructors in the ring and with the help of the singing, they will soon be Breton's number one dancers.
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