Learn traditional Métis dancing, free

NEWS RELEASE

METIS NATION OF ONTARIO

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Métis dance workshop

The Métis Nation of Ontario in partnership with the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Council is proud to offer a free Métis dance workshop with the Métis Chicklettes.

Classes will be held in the evening on Friday, January 19, on Saturday, January 20 in the morning, afternoon and evening, and on Sunday, January 21, in the morning and afternoon at the Métis Nation of Ontario office at 26 Queen Street East.

Music and dance are the cultural heart of the Métis people.

Métis communities still enjoy an evening of fiddling and dance.

Métis fiddling is a style all its own with influences borrowed from the music brought by the fur traders but also mixed with native rhythms and melodies.

Unfortunately, this original style of dancing has been nearly forgotten.

The Métis Nation of Ontario and the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Council is offering this dance workshop in an effort to preserve the Métis dance style.

You are invited to take part in one of the six two-hour classes that will be offered to learn various forms of traditional Métis dance including the Métis sash dance, the broomstick dance, the duck dance, heel-to-toe polka, square dances and the quadrilles, all to the beat of traditional Métis music.

This entertaining workshop is available to individuals of all ages and promises fun for the whole family.

There is no charge for this workshop.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Space is limited so you are encouraged to pre-register no later than January 16 by calling (705) 254-1768.

For more information about this free activity or to pre-register for one of the six available classes, please contact Anne Trudel, culture coordinator for the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Council, or Donna St. Jules, community wellness worker for the Métis Nation of Ontario, at (705) 254-1768.

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