La Poussiere
 This week our exploration of dancehalls with filmmaker and folklorist John Sharp  takes us to Breaux Bridge where we visit La Poussi�re and learn how a tornado almost  closed the doors of this historic dancehall for good.
 

 La Poussi�re is a long rectangular hall with the majority of the floor space dedicated to  the dance floor. Along the wall and edge of the dance floor are tables, many  designated as reserved by a plastic sign holding the name of a regular. Those regulars,  mostly older, make a weekly trek from all over the southern portion of the state to  visit and dance. The old time atmosphere, great Cajun music, a colorful cast of  regulars, and the well-worn dance floor make a trip to Breaux Bridge to visit La  Poussi�re a genuinely good time.

 

La Poussiere

 
On January 10, 2013, a tornado peeled back the roof of the La Poussi�re dancehall. The  damage was extensive-water logged ceiling, busted sheet rock, roof, rafter, and  electrical damage, as well as destroying the entire kitchen. Facing thousands of dollars  in repair bills, the owners, Lawrence, Judith, and Nicole Patin were distraught. The hall  is a family tradition started by Lawrence's parents in 1955. Running a dancehall had  always been a time consuming second job for the family, so immediately after the  storm they were faced with a tough decision-whether or not it was time to close down  La Poussi�re for good.


 
La Poussiere


 
Unknown to the Patins, a plan to cover the repairs was hatched before the damage was  even assessed. A few of the musicians who consider La Poussi�re a second home got  on the phone and arranged a benefit concert with an all-star lineup. By the following  Monday, local companies had started the repairs. In less than one month the doors  were once again open for business.

 

La Poussiere
 

 Click here to read the full Cajun Country Dancehalls series. Be sure to  subscribe to our blog for new posts each week.








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