My family dates
back to the 1780's in Avoyelles Parish,
Louisiana. Both sets of grandparents, Reggie
Hooter (German), Adele Stark Hooter (Cajun),
Elgie Bolnar (Irish), Eldy Mayeaux Bolnar
(French) lived a mile apart on Bayou Jacques.
These four cultures all spoke the Cajun
language. As a child my mother lived in a hut
made of bousillage (mud and Spanish moss) with a
dirt floor. I own seven acres on Bayou Jacques
between Dupont and Bodoc Louisiana. I
understand and speak the Cajun language. Cajun
is what I am, Cajun is who I am and proud of it.
I founded the
The CAJUN DANCE COMPANY in 1988 to help preserve
the Cajun culture and values of my parents and
grandparents. My dance partner, Karen Booth,
has taught Cajun dancing with me for the last 15
years. I am very appreciative of the knowledge,
loyalty and commitment Karen has given to our
cultural mission.
Jim Hooter.
