Jigging Our Health Dance Program

Running and walking are often thought of as the common options for exercise. Dancing such as jigging can also engage the cardiovascular system in a similar manner. Funded by a Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation Establishment Grant and a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefits of a Métis dancing as an exercise intervention. In collaboration with members of Li Toneur Niimiyitoohk Métis Dance Group, this research explores health benefits of Red River Jigging and Métis Dancing as interventions for 8 weeks. A health assessment is conducted before and after the dance program, including measures of physical activity, cultural connectedness, physical fitness (i.e. balance, flexibility, hand grip), and physiology (i.e. blood pressure and heart rate). Three Métis dance interventions are conducted separately, including Red River Jigging, Métis Square Dancing, and Métis Social Dances.