Tuffetête Plough Arts Centre, Torrington Review: Rosanna Rothery

WHO'D have thought a pocket of French culture would be taking off in the depths of North Devon? Yet here I am surrounded by Breton dance devotees at Torrington's Plough Arts Centre. I'm doing my utmost to follow the nifty footwork of Jenny Dodwell in moves traditionally danced by the people of Brittany in the 19th century. Originally such steps would have been danced by rural folk, say, when the earth floor of a new house needed to be beaten down. Yet here we are in the 21st century emulating the nimble footwork evoking the earthy, hypnotic feel of dances from the past.

A lot of the time we link arms or fingers in circle dances, a practice common to many cultures for strengthening community and encouraging togetherness. Certainly human bonding is happening all around me! Teenagers and grandmothers alike burst into fits of giggles as they try get to grips with the dances of central France while instructor Jenny tries to stop us from mixing up our bourrées with our Scottisches.

The reason for this gathering of Francophile folk? It's all down to a new band, Tuffetête, who have a passion for the music of Brittany and central France. In just a few months they have impressively mastered French traditional music, showcasing their skills on an array of folk instruments (fiddles, melodeon, whistles, guitar, cello, percussion and bouzouki to name a few). Their technical ability, enthusiasm and energy is commendable, especially after such a short time.

Introducing some not-often-heard instruments and giving the evening that certain "je ne sais quoi" are visiting musicians Pip Osborne on Uilleann pipes; Jonathan Shorland on bagpipes and bombarde; and local fiddle player Becki Driscoll who surprised us with her previously unknown bassoon skills.

If you, too, fancy a bit of French culture and some fun easy to follow dance moves, Tuffetête run monthly dance sessions at Huntshaw. www.myspace.com/truffetete