Friday Music

French stilt dancing—called échasses dancing—originates from the Landes region of southwestern France, particularly around towns like Mont-de-Marsan and Saint-Sever.

Stilts (échasses) were originally practical tools for shepherds navigating the swampy, marshy terrain of the Landes. The stilts (up to 5 feet high) allowed them to move more easily through water, watch over their flocks, and travel longer distances.  With the passage of time, the shepherds and rural people began using stilts in festivities and demonstrations, turning them into a performing art.

The dancing involves traditional folk movements—hops, kicks, twirls, and coordinated group steps—all performed while balanced on stilts.  Dancers typically wear traditional regional attire, including berets, vests, and wooden shoes attached to the stilts.  The music is performed on traditional instruments like the boha (Gascon bagpipe), flutes, or accordions.  

Nowadays,  performance troupes like Lous Esquiroûs or Les Échassiers de l’Armagnac keep the tradition alive, performing across France and internationally at festivals and cultural events.  Stilt dancing is a proud tradition and part of thee region's cultural identity and history.