Metis dance society opens new studio in Edmonton

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The dream of the Metis Cultural dancers is a reality with the opening of their new dance studio where they will continue to build on years of dancing while keeping the Metis culture alive through teaching others.

The dance studio walls feature the artwork of Morris Cardinal and lots of room to learn how to do the Duck Dance, Reel of Eight or the Red River Jig. Upstairs is the boardroom where the meetings of the Edmonton Metis Cultural Dance Society are held.

The group of dedicated Metis dancers have been together for more than 10 years, but the society was only formed a year ago, said Georgina Donald, who is the president of the society.

"We are a non-profit society and the centre is a dream finally come true for us," said Donald.

The society fundraises through selling posters, Metis sashes and plans to market a video that will teach Metis dancing to anyone is in the works, said Donald. The dancers have traveled across Canada and to parts of the United States promoting the traditional dances and music of the Metis.

Brent Potskin, who is 23 years-old, learned about the traditional Metis style of dancing from his family on both sides. Potskin will be teaching at the centre and he is one of the original members of the dance group that started out at the Friendship centre.

"I've been jigging since I was in pampers and now both of my daughters jig," said Potskin. His two daughters, Elizabeth and Paige Potskin, who are four and three years-old respectively, have developed a keen interest in Metis dancing.

The dances are about Metis traditions and the history behind the culture. The Metis sash comes from the French Canadians in Quebec who were called voyageurs. The roots of Metis dance steps have come from Celtic and Scottish cultures.

Some of the steps are recognized by the Metis Elders and their origins and meanings are explained to the young dancers, said Potskin.

"Our dancing as Metis people is distinct, that is what is taught to us from our Elders.

We are going to tell a story about the Metis people through dance-something like River Dance. That will happen sometime next year," said Potskin.

Potskin is looking forward to working with people at the new Metis dance centre.

He maintains Metis dancing is not difficult to learn and beginners are basically walked through the steps. The Metis dancers from the centre will also be working with other groups from places throughout Canada and the United States.

"Last year was our best year for dancing. We danced in Ottawa for Canada Day and up until then no one from around Ontario saw traditional Metis dancing the way we do it. We just blew them away," said Potskin.

The Metis dancers have developed several dances that profile their stepping ability, The Orange Blossom Special, the Sash Dance, the Broom Dance and the Cotton-Eyed Joe. A personal goal of Potskin's is to teach the world about Metis culture and what better way to do it than through dance.