Cajun French Music Association of Baton Rouge - Cajun Music & Dancing Thrives in South Louisiana
- Caitlen Odell
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 17
The Cajun French Music Association of Baton Rouge (CFMA BR) keeps a treasured tradition alive — one dance step, fiddle note, and accordion riff at a time. They offer a place where you can take a break from the routine and discover the joy of a tradition that feels like another time and place. With monthly Cajun Dances and Cajun Jams, the organization provides a vibrant, family-friendly space where locals and visitors alike can experience the living culture of Cajun music.
These events bring together young and old, locals and tourists, seasoned dancers and first-time learners - all connected by a joyful sense of community that’s increasingly rare in today’s world.
You don’t have to know how to Cajun dance to join in, either - free lessons are offered before every dance, so just show up a little early. CFMA’s events are a beautiful reminder that the spirit of Louisiana is best felt through its music, its people, and its unmistakable joie de vivre. We’re honored to share this interview with the organization and its President, JudithKaren Eymard, and learn more about how this fun and uniquely Louisiana tradition continues to thrive in the heart of the capital city.
Q: For someone who’s never been, what’s the vibe like at a CFMA BR Cajun Dance or Jam? What can they expect when they walk in?
A: You can expect a family-friendly atmosphere with top quality live Cajun music and people of all ages enjoying themselves either dancing or sitting and listening to the music. It is common for friends or family to gather at a table of eight to socialize and share snacks and beverages.
Q: What makes Cajun music and dance so fun and unique?
A: Cajun music is unique to Louisiana and derives from the folk music brought here by the French-speaking Acadians displaced from Nova Scotia. It started without instruments but later added acoustic and percussion instruments, especially the fiddle and triangle, and later incorporated the accordion which arrived with German immigrants to our state. It's described as having an infectious beat and repeating accordion notes.
With a live band playing there is an exchange of energy and enthusiasm between the musicians and the dancers that brings great enjoyment for all. Many generations of Cajuns place great value on this musical tradition as part of their culture.
The songs span a range of tempos from an easy-going waltz to energetic two-steps. For both of these styles the dancers travel around the room in a counterclockwise circle. During a two-step song there may be dancers doing a jig step that stays in the center of the circle -- not traveling. During a dance we usually have a few line dances that many people know or can easily join.
Q: Do you need to know how to Cajun dance to attend? And if not, what’s the best way for a newcomer to jump in and learn?
A: You do not need to know Cajun dance. Before the band starts playing at each dance, we hold group lessons (free after paid admission) to introduce attendees to the Cajun waltz and two-step. They are encouraged to join others on the dance floor. The experienced dancers are friendly and supportive toward those who are learning. Our dance instructors often provide coaching and tips to the newcomers during the dance.
Q: What’s one moment - a dance, a song, or a story - that really captures the spirit of a CFMA event?
A: Our events capture the Cajun "joie de vivre" (enjoyment of life). One well-known song that captures this spirit is "Jambalaya". A video performance by The Lee Benoit Band is at this link: https://youtu.be/sXZ-FMA_G_k?si=4hGpBpeU6SeYAZCh
Q: If you could share one message with Baton Rouge live music lovers about CFMA, what would it be?
A: We are the only organization in the Baton Rouge area that presents live Cajun music in a family-friendly atmosphere at a venue designed for dancing.
The Cajun French Music Association of Baton Rouge continues to carry the torch of Louisiana’s rich cultural legacy, offering not only great music and dancing, but a truly meaningful way to connect with community.
Each month, they host lively Cajun Dances featuring live local bands at The Ric Seeling Dance Studio. Admission is just $10 for CFMA members, $15 for non-members, $10 for students with ID, and kids 12 and under get in free - so it’s a perfect outing for the whole family!
They also hold monthly Sunday Cajun Jam sessions at the West Baton Rouge Museum, providing a relaxed, music-filled way to wind down your weekend.
To learn more, visit batonrougecajundance.com or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/cfma.BatonRouge for the latest updates and event details.
Written by Caitlen Odell
Founder & Owner, Red Stick Music
Caitlen curates the Red Stick Music live music calendar with a focus on excellence, integrity, and community building. She’s passionate about supporting local artists and strengthening Baton Rouge through music.
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