 Created in 1965 by Jean Roche, the group "La Bourrée Gannatoise" became the Auvergne region representative at the World Cultures Festival in Gannat and various cultural international events.
By taking advantage of the great cultural diversity of the 2 major provinces surrounding the town of Gannat, "la Bourrée Gannatoise" produces a folklore that is both diverse and rich: that of Bourbonnais to the North and that of Auvergne more to the south. This variety is also present in the "Bourrée", one of the oldest dances in Central France the Bourrée is in triple time, animated and full of drive; on the other hand in the Bourbonnais region, the Bourrrée is in duple time and the rythm is more gentle, in harmony with the nature of the inhabitants. Mountain people dance it as well as farmers from the plain.
 The costumes are different from one village to another: that is what the group emphasizes by wearing about 10 different costumes from St Bonnet, near Riom, to Aurillac, Mont-Dore, Issoire, Gannat, Châtel de Neuvre,...
The goal that has driven the Bourrée Gannatoise is to protect this small part of landscape which gave birth to it and not to waste the heritage which is its due, but instead keep it at its best, make it flourish and spread the knowledge to others. Ambassador for the Auvergne region, this group has crossed the borders many times to present its music and dance outside France.
 In the old days, the region of Bourbonnais had an important instrument workshop at Jenzat, and was thus the breeding-ground for many hurdy-gurdy and bagpipe players. Hurdy-gurdy masters were as famous as the master bell-ringers in the great novel by George Sand.
Since 1966, each Easter Monday, the Bourrée Gannatoise has continued the most ancient celebration in Gannat in honour of its patron Saint, St Procule.
Intangible patrimony protection
From ethnographic sources, la Bourrée Gannatoise takes part in the protection and promotion action launched by the National Association for Cultures and Traditions.
This group also presents a repertoire of unique choregraphed dances accoppanied by an evolving music as the tradition is synonymous with evolution.
Schools
- At the traditional dancing school, pupils are divided into 3 groups according to their age and ability:
"very young"
"middle"
"older pupils"
By attending rehearsals regularly, the participants can make a lot of progress until reaching the stage... and the public ! Each dancing group works with a teacher in charge of the group, who will be assisted by one or two dancers from the Bourrée Gannatoise.
At the Municipal Music School, a new section of traditional music has been created (hurdy-gurdy, diatonic accordion, etc...); this section is under the direct responsibility of the Municipal Music School Director.
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