Jigging Competition at the John Arcand Fiddle Fest

Men's Traditional Jigging Competition at the John Arcand Fiddle Festival in Saskatoon, SK.

As I wrote yesterday about the jigging workshops, I am at the John Arcand Fiddle Festival to learn about the traditional Métis Red River Jig.

After learning quite a few steps, I found myself agreeing to sign up for the jigging competition. I would be in the qualifying round and then possibly move into the finals the next day.

I thought, “Okay, I came all the way over to Saskatoon, why not jump right in?” So I officially put my name down and then promptly took myself out for dinner.

I woke up yesterday thinking, “What am I doing?” I would be competing against women who had been jigging for years. I momentarily debated pulling out or not showing up, but told myself I was being ridiculous. Yvonne, my workshop instructor, had told me the day before to “Just jump in; it’s the Métis way,” and I was here to study the Red River Jig for my cultural dance book, so why not just get up there on stage and give it a shot?

I giggled to myself on the drive there wearing sporty ¾ length pants, remembering all of the more traditional clothing I saw earlier. But it’s not common for me to bring Métis attire with me in my suitcase! My sporty pants and tank top would just have to do.

Men's Jigging Challenge at the John Arcand Fiddle Festival in Saskatoon, Canada.

Walking up on stage in front of three judges, a packed crowd and my fiddler behind me, I laughed at myself yet again. But the judges looked on, so I began to jig.

The competition part is to do as many traditional steps as you can, the winner being the one who does the most. It sounds easy, but add in moves that are disqualified, having to do everything on both the left and right foot, never stopping or losing rhythm, all the while trying to keep up with the speedy fiddler and remembering your next step.

Not only does it require strict concentration, but incredible stamina, as you’re up there on stage all alone, jumping without stopping and keeping your tiny footwork tight and light. Oh, and remember to smile and look effortless.

I got caught off rhythm a few times (that fiddle goes!) and repeated a step (as long as you don’t stop it’s okay, it just doesn’t count the second time around), but just kept grinning my face off. I was definitely glad of all my dance teachers growing up who taught me about stage presence and the power of smiling: it sure did take the focus off of my feet!

Accepting my Cheque from John Arcand for the Jigging Competition in Saskatoon, SK.

I made it through the preliminaries and was pushed into the finals. Today saw me up on the stage at the end of the festival getting my photo taken with John Arcand and accepting my 4th place prize: $100.

What I Liked:

• The environment at the festival is so friendly that it’s comfortable to be a newbie and still feel like you belong.
• The jiggers are incredibly welcoming and encouraging to each other.
• The experience reminded me of how much I love to dance in front of an audience. 
• The crowd is so supportive and cheers all competitors on, which is always encouraging.