Rose Latulipe

By Crusader1307

A Tale which has both French Canadian and later French Louisiana origins, The Tale of Rose Latulipe can be dated to 1837 and was often cited as a ‘’cautionary tale’’ for young Women. While dancing was an acceptable form of socializing and a way to ‘’meet’’ the opposite sex in a controlled environment, too much dancing was seen as ‘’bad form’’ – especially for a Woman (unmarried). As Rose’s Story goes, She was so pent up with energy, that when She finally went to a local dance, She swore She ‘’would not stop dancing’’. She danced and danced with everyone. But a ‘’strange, tall – but handsome Man’’ approached Rose and asked for a ‘’twirl’’. Agreeing to the request, Rose found that The Man could ‘’dance and dance’’ (non-stop) as well. They continued this way until They ended up out on the Veranda. The Man revealed Himself to be none other than The Devil, who came when Rose made Her ‘’Oath’’. One version of Her Tale, has ‘’Old Scratch’’ leaving with her Soul when the Sun rose. Another, has Rose being rescued at the last minute by a Priest. Forcing Rose into a Convent, She would eventually die there. Rose’s Tale is often seen as the classic example of the turn of phrase ‘’Dancing With The Devil’’.