Get ready for the Festival!
Learn the basics of traditional French-Canadian dances in a relaxed environment. Want to learn the basics of French-Canadian dance to dance well at the Festival du Voyageur? We offer three dance sessions that will demystify French-Canadian dancing and gigue. Myriam Leclerc, a dance teacher at the CCFM, will hold the sessions. What’s on the agenda?
- Session 1: Square dance
Back to back, swing, crochet, refoulade, farandole. Learn the basic formations to be able to dance a square set, one of the traditional dances that is part of the French-Canadian repertoire.
- Session 2: Jig
What is a la gigue? Explore the various rhythms and footwork that make up the basic elements of the French-Canadian jig as well as the Métis and Irish gigue.
- Session 3: Musical spoons and foot tapping
The “foot tapping” and the musical spoons are key elements of traditional Quebec and French-Canadian music. Learn the basic techniques to be able to accompany the musicians during a jam session or a Festival show.
- Clothing and shoes:
You will need to bring athletic shoes or dance shoes with leather soles (tap shoes are optional) as well as exercise clothing (loose fitting and allows movement).
Biography of Myriam :
Passionate about dance and folklore, Myriam Leclercq is a French-Canadian dancer/choreographer of jig and dance. A member of the Ensemble folklorique de la Rivière-Rouge (EFRR) since 2003, Myriam has participated as a dancer in several activities and festivals such as the Festival du Voyageur and Folklorama. Today, Myriam is the artistic director, rehearsal director, choreographer and performer of the EFRR adult troupe. In addition, for over 12 years, she has been teaching and leading workshops in jigging and traditional dance throughout Manitoba and Canada, sharing and transmitting the French-Canadian joie de vivre to all.
Supported by: 
