MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Residents at AdamsPlace in Murfreesboro received a surprise visit this week that quite literally elevated the entertainment. As part of the annual International Folk Fest, performers from France stopped by the senior living community on Tuesday, bringing centuries-old tradition, colorful costumes, energetic music, and a balancing act impressive enough to make even the most seasoned physical therapist nervous. Scroll down for video of the dancing.
The visiting troupe captivated residents, family members, guests, and staff members alike as dancers glided across the floor atop towering wooden stilts. Several audience members could be seen smiling, clapping, and rhythmically tapping their feet while watching the performers maneuver with remarkable precision several feet above the ground.
While the spectacle may look like something designed strictly for festivals and parades, the roots of the performance actually trace back hundreds of years to rural southwestern France.
According to historical accounts, shepherds in the Landes region began using tall stilts during the 1700s as practical tools rather than theatrical props. The swampy terrain made ordinary travel difficult, especially in areas where water often reached knee or waist level. By strapping on elevated wooden supports, farmers were able to cross wetlands more efficiently while also keeping an eye on scattered flocks hidden among thick vegetation.
In an unexpected twist of history, what once served as farming equipment eventually transformed into an art form.
By the mid-1800s, a massive reforestation effort dramatically changed the landscape of the Landes region. Large portions of marshland were drained and converted through the planting of expansive pine forests, creating what is now considered Europe’s largest man-made woodland area. As sheep farming gradually faded and the soggy environment disappeared, the stilts no longer served an agricultural purpose.
Fortunately for festival audiences decades later, someone apparently looked at the wooden leg extensions and thought, “You know what this needs? Choreography.”
By the late 19th century, stilt walking evolved into cultural entertainment, eventually becoming a celebrated symbol of regional heritage in France.
Dressed in traditional attire inspired by earlier generations, the performers wowed the Murfreesboro crowd with synchronized routines, graceful movements, and carefully timed footwork that looked difficult enough at ground level - much less while standing several feet in the air.
The French dancers are just one part of this year’s International Folk Fest activities taking place across Rutherford County. Throughout the week, visiting groups from around the globe are scheduled to appear at community centers, civic organizations, senior living campuses, and other local venues, offering audiences an opportunity to experience music, dance, and traditions from a variety of cultures without needing a passport.
The International Folkloric Society Planning Council, Inc. (IFS), headquartered in Murfreesboro, organizes the annual celebration. The nonprofit organization focuses on preserving and promoting cultural heritage through the arts while fostering international understanding through live performances and educational outreach.
Additional festivities are planned later this week, including “A Taste of Poland” on Friday evening at Cedar Glade Brews, located at 906 Ridgely Road in Murfreesboro. The event begins at 5 p.m. on June 12 and will feature food, fellowship, and international flavor as part of the ongoing celebration.
More information about the festival and upcoming appearances can be found through the International Folk Fest social media pages and community event listings.
