Music and dance

The Bèlè, an African legacy and a jewel of Martinique’s cultural heritage, is at once a dance, a form of music and an instrument. It takes several forms, including the Bèlè Lisid, which originated in Les Trois-Îlets, Les Anses-d’Arlet and Le Diamant, and is characterised by its formation in a ‘won’ (circle) or in a scattered formation. Danced in pairs, it can involve between 2 and 12 participants and emphasises improvisation, interaction with the musicians and great freedom of movement.

Originating during the era of slavery, the Haute Taille is a traditional dance derived from the 17th-century quadrille. Led by a singer known as the ‘commandeur’, it is based on a lively interplay between voice, music and the dancers.

These traditions are still very much alive today at festivals: the Tanbou Lézans Festival in Les Anses-d’Arlet, dedicated to percussion, and the Haute Taille International Festival in Le François, which brings together dancers from all over the world. Whether you’re a spectator or a dancer, these events offer a unique immersion in the musical and choreographic soul of Martinique.