‘Why We Dance’ Series: Corrina Airn

In an effort to lift everyone’s spirit during this time where we are all staying home, the Anishinabek News did a call out on social media for dancers to submit their stories.  The summer series is called:  Why We Dance.

Everyone dances for a different reason.  Some are just learning.  Some feel that it’s a connection to their home and culture.  Others dance for healing or to celebrate a personal triumph.  And some are competitive dancers. Whatever the reason, our hearts lift up as we see them enter through the Eastern Doorway and join the circle.  Pow-Wow dances are expressions of self and spirituality, history and culture.  There are many different types of dances and many different styles of regalia to go with the dances.  Dances tell important stories – both personal and cultural. 

The Anishinabek News hopes this series brings you light and hope during these times of uncertainty, and inspiration to keep moving forward on your journey – whatever it may be; or maybe even dance.   

By Corrina Airn, Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation

I am both Jingle and Fancy dancer. I dance because it’s a part of me; ever since I was able to walk, I was dancing. I started out as a Jingle Dress dancer, but once I was 12, I wanted to be a Fancy dancer because I just loved how fast it was and how beautiful it was.

I had never missed a powwow growing up, except for one year about six years ago, I got in a car accident and broke my pelvis, back and left femur. They told me I wouldn’t be able to walk again. But I proved them wrong! I laid in the hospital bed and just listened to powwow songs and would tap my feet. It kept me strong and made me believe that I would dance again. Powwow season was passing by and I would just cry because I hadn’t missed a powwow and this was the year I would miss one.

Now that I’m up and walking, I dance harder than I ever have; sure it hurts, but it just shows you how strong I am.

I dance not only for myself, but for my family— I dance from their strength and faith. I dance because it’s a part of me, it makes me who I am. I can’t imagine not dancing.

I am currently teaching my niece, who absolutely fell in love with dancing, and now I have a son who is just over a year old who I can’t wait to teach and tell about what each dance is for. He already loves listening to powwow music and loves being at powwows, I can’t wait for him to stand beside me and his cousins in the circle and just go.

He gives me more purpose in life, and to see him dance will be one of my greatest achievements in life because it will mean I am doing something right. He is my new reason for dancing.
Half of our family dances, others craft or cook. The half that dance are all beautiful, I love dancing with them, just smiling, laughing and just going off each others energy.

Powwow time on our reserve is full of life. There are many energies to go off— just full of life and happiness.

There is so much more I could tell you about why I dance, but these are the main ones. These are the ones that make me, me.

Thank you.

P.S.: The one picture attached with the mismatched regalia was the very first time I was up and dancing. Because I had lost so much weight, I didn’t fit into my regalia so I borrowed a friend’s shawl and bought a skirt to wear. I will never forget this day.