Older & Reckless #42 workshop series

Dance has been an integral part of our survival and cultural evolution into this century. A tool of self- expression, dance is ceremony and prayer. It is through our varied art practices that we are able to reclaim our spirit acknowledging and transforming hardships that we have endured for hundreds of years including abuse, loss of land, language and family structure.  This workshop/presentation will create cultural awareness and a greater understanding of who we are and where we are coming from as Indigenous people. Participants will be moved and connected with a better understanding of our First Nations Culture. Culture is an extension of our nature and spirit alive and well in this 21st century.

This workshop is open to all, experienced and non-experienced movers alike!

The topics are:

As a mover/dancer you become......

As a choreographer you become........

As a dance dramaturge you become...........

As an out-side-eye you become.........

As a critic you become.............

As an audience member you become..........

As the mother and/or friend of a choreographer and/or interpreter you become.........

Every body falls into one/some/or all of these categories - much to consider. The dance community is only as creative, potent and exciting as all its members make it.

PLEASE BRING paper or a notebook and a pen to this workshop.

First Nation's "traditional" dance is actually a long history of perspectives and moves born out of environment, community, creativity, and spirituality. Many continue this journey in our ever-changing world through finding ways to honour our traditional teachings, but also adapting and evolving. Using powwow dance, especially the hoop dance, as a base, this workshop will be a sharing of this exploration and an introduction to certain perspectives. Open to people of all backgrounds and nations.

History and colonization fail to recognize that there was an innate spiritual connection between land and our bodies. Leroy Little Bear (Niitsitapi/Blackfoot) shares that sacred landscapes hold their own songs. Although some tribal nations remain connected to their original sacred land territories (such as the Anishinaabe of Manitoulin Island) many nations have been relocated due to colonization rule. A question that comes to mind, is when there is a disconnection between the land and our bodies, how does that impact our innate ability to receive those songs. In recent times, the Jingle dress was sent to the Anishinaabe people to represent healing to the people, through the songs and dance.

Karen, a long time Anishinaabe Jingle dress dancer will share from her Jingle dance philosophy and yoga teacher background, an Indigenous movement class and discussion on seeking one’s inner compass. Open to people of all backgrounds and nations.