‘Why We Dance’ Series: Janine Desmoulin
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 Janine Desmoulin, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg
I dance to connect with my Anishnaabe way, to further discover my identity and the way of my ancestors. I dance to find guidance while walking the Red Road as I surrender to the battle of mental health and addiction.
Five years sobriety and over the past five years, I’ve danced! Women’s Traditional is the style that has chosen me. It allows my spirit to be one with Mother Earth and reminds me to take small steps forward, not back, and be easy with myself.
Most recently, I’ve begun dancing women’s Jingle. I have danced to heal and continue to dance to help heal others. Every step is a prayer and every prayer is intentional.
I have learned to laugh and love deeply as a dancer and even picked up a couple of moves on the way. My brother, Everlasting Day ”Kaabe Ghiizhik”, who is now in the Spirit World, used to watch me dance Woman’s Traditional and he said to me once, “It’s like NASCAR out there, everyone is going around and around… you’re losing! Even the Elders dancing are lapping you!” I told him, “I don’t dance fast and when I dance, I’m praying for patience to come, it’s okay if they pass me”.
This life is not a race I want to win, it’s something I want to be able to sit back and appreciate.
Prayers down each time I enter the circle; to have patience when my feet just want to run. Guidance to continue to learn to sit with myself, my thoughts and find appreciation for the struggles that have gotten me to this beautiful place… dancing.
Miigwech,
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