La Jouvenco de Mont-Favet

Started in 1969, the Youth of Mont-Favet celebrate their history and culture through preservation of tradition. Centered in the commune of Avignon, the area is known for its cultural and agricultural wealth, having been in existence for 15 centuries, surviving the fierce Barbary Pirate Raids of the 16th through 19th centuries. Headed by Dr. Eric Peytie, they practice dances that gained popularity over 300 years ago. The Women wear clothing from the late 19th century which consisted of a flowery skirt with a large wraparound apron, or an Iou Cotillion a quilted skirt. And the boys wear clothing in similar cultural style to the girls.

The Dances could be classified into four different groups. The first category is the ballroom dances, those practiced in the salons and parlors of the Nobility and Military. These dances include a French Quadrille, an early version of the square dance, and The Marzurka a popular polka dance originating from Poland. And lastly, Fleuret, where dancers wield sticks, striking them on the ground in a pace more akin to a war dance. Then there is the Harvest and Shepherd Dances. The Shepherds took place in early spring when they were getting ready to move the sheep to the summer grazing grounds; these include the Dance of the Stick a step that combines dance and competition. As well as a dance that was actually outlawed by the clergy called Volta, where a young man discovers a girls petticoats; though the dance itself is very proper. The Harvest dances were used to invoke the gods of the fields to bring good luck and bounteous crops. A popular one called Rigoudon, involved the use of wooden shoes, and was practice all throughout Western Europe. Lastly are the Military Dances, these are filled with such technical demonstrations of skill and virtuosity, that if one was to perfect it, and desired to do so, they could earn the title

and occupation of Dancing Master. Also there is the national dance of Provence, Farandole, which dates back to antiquity. Along with the dance are the traditional instruments of the Avignon French. A three holed flute called a Galoubet, and a tambourine. The flute is played with the left hand while the Tambourine is beaten with the right. Originally thought to come from the Orient, it spread quickly to Europe in the middle ages and Renaissance and was changed by the local culture there.