January 7, 2015
Students from École Saint-Joseph (Espanola), École Jean-Paul II (Val Caron) Catholic Schools and École secondaire catholique Franco-Ouest (Espanola) will participate in cultural workshops on traditional square dancing on January 8 and 12, 2015. This learning activity will be offered to students at École Saint-Joseph (333 Mead Blvd, Espanola) on Thursday, January 8, ) and to students at École Jean-Paul II (1795 Main St., Val Caron) on Monday, January 12.
The workshops, organized by identity development facilitator Lynn Mageau-Gauthier, will be offered by celebrated Greater Sudbury master fiddler Paul Lemelin and accomplished caller Jean-François Berthiaume. Working as a pair, the two cultural talents will provide students with a unique opportunity to experience traditional square dancing at a higher level.
Paul Lemelin’s square dance events showcase supreme mastery of his musical instrument. Working to promote his passion for the ubiquitous fiddle and its cultural importance, Lemelin has played the fiddle across the country and teaches young aspiring fiddlers in his own studio.
Jean-François Berthiaume is a Québec-based traditional caller who takes pleasure in keeping this element of French-Canadian folklore alive, instructing dance participants while providing a traditional evening of entertainment. As is the case for disk jockeys, successful callers must be able to read the mood of audiences and find the right rhythm to make them get up and dance.
The Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario offers a French Catholic Educational Program that is widely recognized for its excellence. The CSCNO provides a quality learning environment and academic program that runs from early childhood to adult education, with some 7,000 students in 27 elementary and 10 secondary schools.
Source:
Paul de la Riva
Communications and Community Development Coordinator
Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario
(705) 673-5626, ext. 294
(705) 677-8195 – cell phone
paul.delariva@nouvelon.ca
