First full course in Indigenous dance forms at UCalgary makes Canadian history

This semester, the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in the Faculty of Arts made history by offering the first full course to focus on the practice of Indigenous dance forms in a dance major program in Canada. Titled Indigenous Dance Forms, the class signals a significant step in diversifying the dance curriculum and providing students with an immersive experience in Indigenous dance traditions.

During Fall 2024 Block Week, the course was taught by Sandra Lamouche, a Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree woman) from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. A multidisciplinary creator, artist, writer and storyteller, Lamouche is a champion hoop dancer, an award-winning educational leader and a two-time TEDx speaker. As a Knowledge Keeper, Lamouche brought a wealth of knowledge to the students, enriching the course's offerings.

Lamouche's primary focus was on land-based practices and body-centered knowledge, particularly in relation to hoop dancing and powwow — two dance forms that have been central to her practice. She guided students through the history, protocols, and intricate movements of these forms, providing both theoretical and embodied learning experiences. Students engaged deeply with the traditions, techniques and stories that inform Indigenous dance practices, fostering respect and appreciation.

This appreciation was evident in the student commentary on the class. Sandra Songwe, a fourth-year sociology major who took the course, said she valued how the class showed her "Indigenous dance [is] a profound mode of selfhood, spirituality and belonging for the community, as well as … a vital connection to the past, present and future.” 

Maia Zinselmeyer, a third-year dance and biology double major, found the class had a profound impact on her. In her words, “This course was beyond perspective changing. It provoked an entire shift in my mindset, not only in how I view my dance practice but my work in science as well. It instilled in me the imperativeness of land-based and decolonial learning, and has made me reflect on and reform how I intend to pursue higher education, moving forward in an eco- and Indigenous-knowledge centered manner.”

Lamouche, too, remarked on the enriching nature of the teaching experience. “Teaching this course was a huge accomplishment and a great boost for Indigenous dance, culture and history at the University of Calgary,” notes Lamouche. “It is an impactful move towards reconciliation, decolonization and helped create a safe and inclusive environment for students.” 

Dr. Melanie Kloetzel, PhD, division lead for Dance, who has worked with Lamouche as a collaborative researcher for the past three years, was thrilled that Lamouche could bring her knowledge to the students. 

“The course emerged as part of SCPA’s efforts to decolonize the Dance program,” said Kloetzel. “We wanted to ensure that students had the opportunity to understand Indigenous movement practices that support relationality and reciprocity with this land. It was a true privilege to have Sandra launch this course and share her wealth of knowledge with the students.”

The course's success is a testament to SCPA’s commitment to creating more inclusive, representative, and culturally rich dance education opportunities. It serves as an important step toward broadening students' understanding of dance as a diverse, multicultural practice and the role it plays in Indigenous cultures worldwide.

Moving forward, the Dance division plans to offer this course as a concurrent 206/343, encouraging both dance majors and non-majors to enrol. This ensures more students, regardless of their academic background, will have the chance to learn from Indigenous dance traditions and contribute to a growing appreciation of these forms in the broader community.

The introduction of the Indigenous Dance Forms course marks a milestone for SCPA and dance education in Canada, paving the way for future generations to explore, understand and respect Indigenous dance traditions in their journey as dancers, artists and individuals.