Zydeco and Cajun dancing follow similar rhythms, born in the Bayou of Louisiana, and notably feature an accordion and often a fiddle (or two), generally with a rhythm guitar and a bass guitar (or stand-up bass). Stationary dances like Zydeco (or swing dancing) are generally done in the center of the dance floor to allow traveling dances, such as a Cajun two-step, to be done around the outside oval of the floor.

Zydeco music generally includes the distinctive sound of a rub board, or “frattoire” as it is called in French, and usually there is also a drummer keeping a lively beat. Zydeco dancing tends to be more energetic, with dancers tending to stay in one location while they dance.  The gentle percussive beat of the triangle, or “p’tit fer” as it is known in French, or just the bass, often keeps the beat in Cajun music. Cajun music tends to tell a story, with gentler dancing that travels around the perimeter of the dance floor, such as waltzes and two-steps.