One of Prince Albert’s most popular dance groups the Northern Prairie Dancers were full of energy during the city’s weekend aboriginal festivities.
Following a well-received performance during Thursday’s Aboriginal Day celebrations in Kinsmen Park, the group of young dancers amazed another crowd outside the Northern Lights Casino opening for travelling dance group the Asham Stompers.
“They love dancing, as you can tell by the smiles on their faces,” the group’s team manager Marlene Bear said proudly after one of their performances.
“They really love dancing. You see them walking down the hallways dancing every which way.”
Employing various dance techniques, including square dance and jigging, the well-dressed group of dancers range in age from 13 to 19. That is, with the exception of two-year-old Josh Montgrand — a tyke that was full of energy on Saturday, sharing his unique and energetic dance with crowds.
Although they come from throughout Saskatchewan, the dancers currently reside in Prince Albert and attend either St. Mary High School or W. J. Berezowsky School.
These students are not just dancers, Bear points out, but role models as well.
This year, the Northern Prairie Dancers are initiating a new mentoring program, wherein dancers will take on younger children, from age 7 to 10.
They love dancing, as you can tell by the smiles on their faces. - Northern Prairie Dancers team manager Marlene Bear
“It’s not babysitting … they’re mentoring them to dance like this,” Bear said, motioning toward the stage.
In addition, the Northern Prairie Dancers are open to playing fundraisers free of charge, such as their upcoming July 14 performance outside of Price Breakers to raise money for muscular dystrophy efforts.
The following day will see the group opening for a Terri Clark and Yvonne St Germaine show in La Ronge.
Following the dancers’ performance on Saturday, emcee Darrell Prokopie pointed out a donation jar set up at the event’s entrance for those interested in helping the dancers renovate their hall.
Too modest to bring it up herself, Bear explained that the group is allowed free use of the hall, located downtown on 10th St. E., as long as the keep the aging building up and running.
For more information on the group’s fundraising efforts, bookings, or their mentorship program (which is currently accepting applicants), Bear can be contacted by email at northern.prairie.dancers8@gmail.com, or by phone at 960-6087.
