Ginny Gonneau

Ginny Gonneau is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. She was born in Thunder Bay, raised in Barrie and now resides in Ottawa. Ginny is an enthusiastic and talented Métis jigging workshop facilitator and performer. She learned from many talented Métis dancers, including Yvonne Chartrand, Maddy McCallum, Bev Lambert, Bruce Dumont and Jamie Koebel (now Morse). In 2009, Ginny began training with national award winning Master Métis jigger Yvonne Chartrand and performing in her dance company with the Louis Riel Métis Dancers. In 2010, she was cast in a Métis dance instructional DVD directed by Yvonne Chartrand and Métis Elder and dance caller Jeanne Pelletier. In 2012, Ginny performed at the largest Métis dance festival in Canada, ‘Back to Batoche’ with the Olivine Bousquet Métis Dancers of the Oshawa Durham Métis Council proudly representing Ontario. She continues to dance as a mother of two young girls with her family based in Ottawa.

Curriculum Links

Understand expressions of Métis culture and identity through music and dance; explore how dance keeps culture alive and reflects identity; identify how dance builds community and Métis culture is reflected in Métis dance; blending of dance traditions; active listening skills, patterns of music; rhythm; identify unique dance elements of traditional Métis jigging.

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Traditional Métis Jigging

A unique dance developed by the Métis people combines the intricate footwork of Native dancing with the instruments and form of European music. Celebrate the unique history and culture of Métis people featuring the 'Red River Jig' the unofficial Métis anthem, other popular Métis fiddle songs such as the ‘Heel-Toe Polka’ and finishing with the crowd pleasing, energetic 'Orange Blossom Special'.

Participants: Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12	Maximum: 150
Discipline: Dance, Music
Time and Price: One performance: 30 minutes, (incl. Q & A) $315 + HST Two performances: same school, same day $540 + HST

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An introduction to Métis culture

Hands on presentation geared to younger students, introducing symbols and artistic expressions of Métis culture. Ginny will present a Métis jigging demonstration to traditional Métis fiddle music, story reading, and show and tell of Métis items such as Métis flag, sash, moccasins, wooden spoons and beadwork.

Participants: Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, Grade 1	Maximum: One class
Discipline: Dance
Time and Price: Half day: three 30 minute sessions $345 + HST Full day: six 30 minute sessions $420 + HST

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Red River Jig Workshop

Students are introduced to traditional Métis jigging through the most famous Métis dance, the 'Red River Jig', the centerpiece of Métis jigging. The artist begins each workshop with a performance then students learn to dance the basic jig, as well as the history of Métis jigging. All elements are combined in a dance circle where students will dance three changes of the 'Red River Jig' Older grades will also be introduced to the ‘Heel-Toe Polka’ and the 'Orange Blossom Special'.

Participants: Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12	Maximum: 30
Discipline: Dance, Music
Time and Price: One hour session $235 + HST Half day: two 1 hour sessions $345 + HST Full day: three 1 hour sessions $420 + HST