Jigging contests continue the winter festival tradition online
CBC News | February 20, 2022
Categories: news
One Manitoba entrant hopes to get back to in-person teaching soon
Renée Lilley · CBC News · Posted: Feb 20, 2022 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: February 20
This weekend is full of fancy footwork as winter festivals include jigging as part of their festivities, with some holding virtual contests.
Jigging is a traditional Métis dance with elements of First Nations, Scottish and French-Canadian step dancing. It has an upbeat tempo and is known for fast, intricate footwork.
Brittany Ducharme, 29, from St. Laurent, Man., has been jigging for years as part of Métis dance groups and as an instructor to young steppers. She submitted a video in a virtual jigging contest held by the Prince Albert Winter Festival in Prince Albert, Sask.
Ducharme said she posted her video to step out of her comfort zone.
"I just wanted to participate and to remind myself why I jig," she said.
Ducharme has not been able to dance with her class for a while due to pandemic restrictions. She's hopeful now that restrictions are about to lift in her province she'll be able to get back to teaching.
"For me, dancing is a huge part of our culture," she said.
"Being able to bring that back, even just to our community, it fills my heart with pride… hopefully they'll pass it on for generations. It's very uplifting for me."
Trina Joseph, vice-president and indoor events co-ordinator for the Prince Albert Winter Festival, said the second year of the virtual jigging contest has been popular.
"In Canada in general, you have such a large Indigenous population, so First Nations and Métis people, that's just part of their history," she said.
Joseph said the online group has seen admirers from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Northern Manitoba Trapper's Festival
Virtual jigging was also part of the Northern Manitoba Trapper's Festival in The Pas, Man., celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
The Pas Friendship Centre executive manager Dena Johnson said jigging is a staple in the community.
"The Trapper's Festival wouldn't be Trapper's without the jigging competition," she said.
"Everybody tries their feet at jigging at some point in their life as long as you live in the North and you're attending these festivals. We all give it a try, good, bad or otherwise."
Johnson said there will still be in-person jigging at some point during the festival. She said winners for the youth contest will be announced on Tuesday.
