The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
They have taken first place in all five competitions they have entered. And now they are preparing to take to the stage at the Flin Flon Community Hall. Saturday, March 1, the Asham Stompers, a dance group based in Winnipeg, will be gracing the stage in the R.H. Channing Auditorium with their jigs and square dances. And although this is their first show in Flin Flon, Jason Mandes, with the Friendship Centre, says it wasnÕt from a lack of trying. ÒWe tried to get them two years ago...and we finally got them when they werenÕt booked,Ó he says. The Mtis dance group, who are trying to Òrecapture and preserve the history of the Mtis people through traditional dancing of jigs, reels and square dancing,Ó according their Asham Stompers website, has shared their talent on a wide base. The group has not only danced in festivals, but danced at a Winnipeg Blue BomberÕs game, the Dauphin Country Fest and the Morris Stampede. Mandes says having the Asham Stompers in town will be good for Flin Flon. ÒThere are a lot of different shows through the Art Council, but itÕs a good mix of entertainment,Ó he says, adding that it is Òimportant and it gives people a different perspective on things. ÒItÕs good just to have different performers.Ó The Asham Stompers will be doing the traditional dance of the Red Rive Jig, says Mandes. And itÕs combined with a variety of reels and square dance patterns. Although the dancers havenÕt been to the area before, Mandes says heÕs already hearing about how excited people are. ÒPeople have heard of them through APTN (Aboriginal People Television Network). and IÕm excited to have them here. ItÕs huge for us,Ó he says. And while the show hasnÕt even come to town yet, Mandes is already thinking he would like to have them back at some point. The Mtis began dancing, according to the Asham Stompers website, because they considered it a perfect way to cheer up winter evenings. ÒJigs, reels and quadrilles were danced in rapid succession, fresh dancers taking the place of those on the floor every two of three moments,Ó states the website. ÒA black-eyed beauty and a strapping Bois Brule would jump up on the floor and out do their predecessor in figure and velocity and above the thumps of the dancerÕs heels and the frequent Ho! Ho!. ÒIt was not uncommon for a dancer to wear out a pair of moccasins in one evening. The festivities continued until dawn when the fiddlers and dancers were all exhausted.Ó Mandes hopes to see about 300 people out for the show, which promises to be a good time for all. Tickets can be purchased through the Friendship Centre.
