Traditional Dance

Like so much of Metis culture, Metis dance is a creative blend of European (French, Scotch, and Irish) and Indian heritage. The most distinctive of the Metis dance creations is the Red River Jig. This jig is a special fiddle tune that is danced in two parts. In one part, a traditional jig step is performed while the fiddle plays a high section. When the fiddle switches to a lower section, the second, fancy footwork, part of the dance is performed. It is common for this energetic jig to be played, while dancers compete with one another to dance the most quick, complicated footwork.