About Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe
Get to know us!
Who are we?
The Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe exists to expand the knowledge of Indigenous cultures and traditions within Red Deer and surrounding area.
We strive for a diverse membership, where each participant has the opportunity to learn the positive aspects of Indigenous cultures through a variety of interactive events, workshops and performances.
The cultural teachings are directed toward our youth in the belief that they are our future. The goal of the Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe is to give children and families a chance to learn about or to maintain a connection to Indigenous cultures and traditions.
What do we do?
The Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe Society preserves and promotes Indigenous cultures and heritages. All ethnic backgrounds are welcome. This serves to give all community members an opportunity to share and learn in culture. RDIDTS offers children, youth, adults, elders and families the opportunity to stay connected to their cultural roots and traditions through their traditional inherent language(s), dance, singing and drumming.
The Dance Troupe is available to perform at community celebrations and events, festivals, galas, conferences and schools throughout the year. Community practices are held bi-weekly. At practices, we offer teachings and demonstrations of all Indigenous dance styles following the traditional Pow-Wow protocol.
Our dancers learn Mens and Ladies Traditional, Grass, Jingle, Fancy, Hoop, Couples, and Round Dances. We also offer hand-held and gathering drumming, and we enhance the skills of performers by bringing in diverse presenters, teachers and elders from our community.
Workshops are offered to learn various beading techniques to make, enhance, and preserve regalia. We offer members and the community opportunities to participate in First Nations ceremonies, such as sweats, feasts, round dances and Pow-Wows. Participation in our programs and services creates a sense of inclusion and understanding of Indigenous cultures that promote reconciliation.
Board of Directors
Diane Gardipy
President
Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe
Tracy Meneen
Secretary
Red Deer Indigenous Dance TroupeRuth Hutzkal
Treasurer
Red Deer Indigenous Dance TroupePatrick Mitsuing
Red Deer Indigenous Dance TroupeJessica Pope
Red Deer Indigenous Dance TroupeMeet some of the team that work tirelessly behind the scenes.
The success of the Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe comes from all of you…our membership and all the families that come out to all of our events and workshops.
Marrisa Mitsuing
Program Coordinator
Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe
Corky Larsen Jonasson
Elder
Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe