Powwow and ballet classes for Indigenous youth in Edmonton prove ‘dance universal language’ – Edmonton Journal
Nov 05, 2023
Alberta Ballet is teaming up with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta (ISCA) to give Indigenous kids in Edmonton dance lessons in ballet and powwow, proving “dance is a universal language.”
The six-week program offers free hour-long dancing lessons every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. for students between the ages of eight and 12 years old at Alberta Ballet School studios once per week.
The first half-hour is assigned for ballet lessons and the second half is assigned for teaching powwow dancing.
Janis Galloway, community impact officer at Alberta Ballet, told Postmedia they were “thrilled” when the sport council approached them with the idea to collaborate, since their goals to reduce barriers to access dance classes and enjoy the physical, mental and social health benefits associated with dancing are aligned.
“No previous dance experience was required at all, no matter what age, we just wanted it to be an open space for kids to just come and try,” she said.
Not only will they receive free transit tickets but also a pair of ballet slippers and moccasins to dance in, Galloway said.
