Cajun dance enthusiasts bounce-step to an unmistakable sound.

Cajuns, also known as Acadians, represent a truly unique American cultural group located mostly in the state of Louisiana. With roots that stretch through Eastern Canada and then back to France, Cajuns are celebrated for a great many things, including their world famous cuisine. But for millions of people around the globe, it is Cajun and Zydeco music and dance that best captures the Cajun joie de vivre, and no trip to New Orleans would be complete without a visit to a music and dance venue.

Monique Christina was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana and has worked for her father's Cajun restaurant, Mulate's, on and off for over a decade. Today Christina holds a BS in accounting from LSU, and is President / Marketing Manager for Mulate's in New Orleans, known as "the king of the Cajun dine and dance halls." In June 2002, she published the Mulate's cookbook. Here she offers a peek into the world of Cajun dancing:

• A Big Easy must-see.
  If you're planning a visit to New Orleans, says Christina, seeing some Cajun dancing should be one of the top things on your to-do list. Three popular types of Cajun dancing are the Cajun waltz, the Cajun two-step, and the Cajun jitterbug.
  
• Bounce hop: basic step.
  According to Christina, the basic step of Cajun dancing is the bounce hop. The step involves bouncing up and down on one toe while stepping forward and stepping back.
  
• Jitterbug: fast.
  The jitterbug can be lots of fun to watch or participate in, since it's fast dance. There is a lot of spinning and a lot of movement.
  
• Cornmeal on the floor.
  Cajun dancers often put cornmeal down on the dance floor, calling it dance floor wax. The meal reduces friction and helps the dancers slide and glide around the floor.
  
• Make new friends.
  Coming out to see some Cajun dancing is a great way to meet some New Orleans locals. If you care to make friends, they can show you a step or two and let you in on other hot spots to check out while you're in town.

For more about Cajun dancing, music and culture, check out the following organizations or websites:

Mulate's
www.mulates.com

Cajun/Zydeco Music & Dance
www.cajunzydeco.net

Gary Hayman's ZydE-Magic Cajun/Zydeco Music & Dance Site
users.erols.com

Louisiana Cajun.com
www.louisianacajun.com