'thes dansants'

[KezzaBailey]

what does this mean

[shaneystar]

Tea Dances.

[Peter Pedant]

Shaney is right but there is more to it than that.

The dansant - is an English phrase not French. A dancing tea doesnt mean anything to the Frogs.

The dansant was a place and time for meeting for Bright Young Things - or even Flappers (Golly!) during the twenties. I think it was 4- 6 pm and I cant remember if alcohol was allowed. Very racy. There would be a band and the most modern dances were performed - Charleston, for one. The girls would be wearing the latest fashions - cloche hats and slip like dresses, with beads (Oh bodey-oh-do beads, I think)

I cant remember if Evelyn Waugh mentions a the Dansant in Vile Bodies 1926 - or Decline and Fall. he certainly should have.

I was born in the wrong age.

[jno]

I believe these were where poodlefakers were to be found PP? Dear dead days.

[maximo]

Well, the "Frogs" do know about it, and it IS a french word to begin with, even if'it's been borrowed ! Although you're right about the meaning of the expression, I think I should add that they're still alive and kicking,although they're mostly for older people nowadays. They are organised  by associations and are a lot of fun for some older people who wouldn't go out much otherwise. My grandparents used to go to them. The music is mostly waltz and such.  

[Peter Pedant]

well the Frog I worked with - [Breeeeeax] said it wasnt, and one cant very well reply, Yes! Yes! it is, you frogs dont know your own culture !

[maximo]

I AM a "frog" Peter ! And I remember my grandparents going to those "thes dansants" when I was younger ! So they DO still go on, although maybe not where my fellow "frog" , your friend , is from. Different regions , different customs. RRRRAAAAA !!!