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The floors of South Louisiana’s old dancehalls stayed full.

‘Dancehalls of South Louisiana’ April 9 at Jeanerette Museum

 

Although he is an Alabama native, University of Louisiana at Lafayette archivist John Sharp has thoroughly immersed himself in Louisiana life and history. In his latest project, he looks at the history of dancehalls in this area and the role they played and continued to play in our culture.

The result of Sharp’s work is a one-hour full-length documentary film entitled “Dancehalls of South Louisiana,” and the Jeanerette Museum is making it available for public viewing on Wednesday, April 9, at 6 p.m. Sharp will be on hand to introduce and discuss the film, and the public is invited to bring photos and stories of dancehalls. 

Sharp, who has lived in Lafayette since 2000, received his bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Auburn University and his master’s degree in communication and folkore from UL Lafayette. A storyteller and filmmaker, he was among the recipients of the 2012 Louisiana Filmmakers Grants awarded by Louisiana Economic Development.

The Jeanerette Bicentennial Park and Museum is located on the banks of the Teche at 500 E. Main St. in Jeanerette. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and can be reached at (337) 276-4408.

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