Les Danseurs

Dimanche å rue Mouffetard. I hope the dancers on Mouffetard are back now that the lockdown has ended. 

City Daily Photos Theme Day - Music

How could I offer any other musician but Christian Bassoul! I met him and his band of singers and dancers in June, 2009, when my family found them on rue Mouffetard. For many of my trips to Paris, I make sure I"m there on Sundays. He is a Parisian treasure.

Today, I join my City Daily Photobloggers for this fun Theme Day! 

Michael

I"ve been photographing this guy dancing on rue Mouffetard since 2009. He's a flashy dresser and great dancer. We've never spoken, but I do believe I might have taken him a print. His favorite dance partner was a tall blonde who dressed to the nines. I hear she moved away a few years ago and now  he dances with several of the regular ladies. You can find them every Sunday around 11 -12. Don't miss it. 

City Daily Photo Theme Day - Young At Heart

Chère Nellie, who I photographed for several years when she joined the dancers on rue Mouffetard.

Today, I again join my City Daily Photoblogger friends around the world. Have a look HERE to see their great images! 

Dimanche à rue Mouffetard

The locals who gather on rue Mouffetard each Sunday, are really good! I guess they get a lot of practice. 

La petite danseuse

What a delight to have a dance with Grand-père on rue Mouffetard.

Ma chère maman

Sunday on rue Mouffetard, waiting for the singing and dancing to begin, I spot this.  Another reason I love being a photographer. Capturing precious moments like this makes it all worthwhile.

Duet

Sunday on rue Mouffetard

Christian Bassoul, who is  always on hand to play the accordion, and Viviane, who dances and often sings a solo.

Chaussures de danse

This lady was lost in the music as she danced with a small jazz band performing near the Métro in Montmartre.


Meeps, my chat noir,  proudly announces her very own 2013 Calendar, now available on Red Bubble!

Après la danse

After the singing and dancing on rue Mouffetard, many of the participants adjourn to smaller cafés up or down the street to have lunch and continuing the dancing.  I discovered this quite by accident as we climbed Mouffetard this Sunday. I hear Monsieur's accordion and poked my camera in the open door.  I was a little to shy to go in and pull up a chair, but who knows, maybe next trip I'll do just that!

Partenaires

Michel and Gisèle

I've photographed this colorful couple dancing on rue Mouffetard since 2009.  He is always dressed in such unusual attire that I sometimes forget to notice what she's wearing although it seems to be white most often.  I've had the opportunity to speak with some of the others but never these two.  I don't think they're married but seem to meet up each Sunday and usually dance together.  Maybe if I get another chance, I'll find out more!

Les partenaires

I have been photographing the Sunday dancers on rue Mouffetard since 2009.  I've observed that the dance partners change often each week.  Madame here, is often my subject.  I think her partner was very appreciative, don't you?

L'accordéoniste IV

What's dancing in the street on rue Mouffetard with out the obligatory French accordion?? Of course Christian Bassoul is the originator of this neighborhood gathering, but I've found others that take his place from time to time.

100 French Strangers- Christian Bassoul

 French Stranger #82

In the early 1900's street musicians would sell sheet music to the people on the streets of Paris and everyone would sing.  Meet Christian Bassoul, the man who has revived that delightful tradition.  One sunny Sunday morning, June 2009,  as we walked down rue Mouffetard on our way to the Jardin des Plantes, we came across a crowd of people having the most wonderful  time singing favorite French songs and dancing with each other and willing spectators.  Since that time, whenever I'm in Paris on a Sunday, you will find me right there.  I wouldn't miss it.  This past January, I took some  prints from previous trips and shared them with some of the singers.  Viviane, who I've photographed many times, spoke some English and was very kind to spend time with me.  Today their leader  and accordianist Christian Bassoul.  You can see Christian in this YouTube video from many years ago here. 

I have made contact with Viviane and hopefully Christian as well. I will be sharing many more photographs here.  Being able to correspond and share my photographs with them is a special gift for me.

This Time Last Sunday...

... I had spent about an hour and a half talking with the dancers at rue Mouffetard and sharing some photographs I have taken of them for the last 3 years.  Genie, Holly, Mary and our sweet Paris friend Anne, then adjourned to a café across the street,  and as we sat upstairs having lunch, I took a peek out of the window and decided to try a long shot through the glass.  I love the movement and seeing it all from a new perspective.

You might recognize one of my favorite dancers that I posted here.

Partners

The dancers on rue Mouffetard each Sunday have provided me with endless pleasure and many photographs.  You met this lady and gentleman here.  Today, they dance for you.

Paris Rouge LIX - Partners

Today, one of my favorite portraits. If Madame looks familiar, she should. I have photographed her three different visits to rue Mouffetard, as she danced with first one man , then another.  Is it any wonder. I think she is fabulous.  She was a late addition to my book, Paris Rouge Through My Lens.

I think Françoise Hardy should sing for you today right here.

Dimanche Sur Rue Mouffetard IV - La Grande Dame

This lovely lady is in her 90's and from what I was told, she is there every Sunday rain or shine, year round. I photographed her last summer right here. This day she was doing a French line dance and having a swing with the dancer I featured yesterday. I think she is just ......grande!

I will be offering another 5 week series of photography classes, here in Birmingham, on Monday, July 26 from 1-3pm.

These classes are designed for amateur photographers that want to take better family and vacation photos. Contact me if you are interested.

Dimanche Sur Rue Mouffetard III - La Madame en Rouge

Today, a lady that I just loved photographing. Joie de vivre!

I will be offering another 5 week series of photography classes, here in Birmingham, on Monday, July 26 from 1-3pm.

These classes are designed for amateur photographers that want to take better family and vacation photos. Contact me if you are interested.

Dimanche Sur Rue Mouffetard II - Le Joueur d'Accordéon

Today the accordion player. Trés sérieux!