The Métis Jigging class had a very enthusiastic response on its opening night. (Submitted photo/Cierra Alexandersen)

By Nigel Maxwell

Culture

A toe tapping good time

Feb 7, 2020 | 4:00 PM

A proud part of Métis culture is now the focus of a new class being offered once a week at Prince Albert’s Army and Navy building downtown.

Close to a dozen children took part in the first jigging class Thursday night, and a handful of people took part in the later class geared for ages 13 and over. Coordinator Cierra Alexandersen said she was amazed at the overall response.

“It was supposed to be a small event that I was going to put on just out of my own pocket, but then it just grew and there was lots and lots of interest,” she said.

The eight week program is being funded by the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, and Métis Nation Western Region Two. Alexandersen, whose husband plays fiddle, said she wanted to make sure her own children learned how to do the traditional dances.

“We go to Batoche, we stay out there, and they learn all types of dancing but we just haven’t gotten done the jigging,” she said.

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Alexandersen said the plan was to start small, but hopes to one day offer an old time dancing class.

“It would be really, really cool if we could see a dance group come out of this,” she said.

Instructor Angel Prosper has been dancing over 25 years, and has experience teaching in many communities across the province including North Battleford, Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation.

“Most parents are excited to bring back that culture to the community and to learn how to Red River Jig again because it’s something that is starting to die out now,” she explained.

Prosper now dances with the Creeland Dancers and said she could remember a time when there were a lot of younger dance teams competing at events, but added it’s not the case anymore. When asked which group is the most easy to teach, she said the children and the adults respond differently.

“I found kids are more enthusiastic about it and wanting to bounce around. As for adults they are kind of like let’s slow it down,” she laughed.

Amanda Lafaver enrolled her nine-year-old son in the class and expressed her appreciation for what was being done.

“It’s nice to sit and watch him dance and learn it because my mom danced it, my uncles and aunts all danced it, and my cousins so it’s important for him to learn it and see it,” she said.

Anyone interested in learning more about the classes can contact the Métis Nation Western Region Two office.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell