Thursday, a group from Canada taught free Acadian step dancing lessons today as part of Festival International.
"Acadian step dancing –it’s a little bit hard and a little bit loud," says five-year-old Elodie Dugas-Holly.
Learning Acadian step dancing is connecting Elodie with her roots. Her mother is from Nova Scotia, where the group teaching the dance lessons hails from.
"I think it’s important because we have similar traditions," says Mylene Comeau, of Congrès Mondial Acadien, who helped to teach the lessons.
The step-dance group is in Lafayette with Congrès Mondial Acadien. They attend Festival International regularly, and this year they’re in town promoting their own event for families of Acadian descent, happening next year. Learn more about that event here.
"The 10th to the 24th of August, there’s family reunions, youth events, big celebrations, huge shows to showcase all of Acadian artists and Louisiana artists that we’re going to bring over," says Comeau.
Elodie’s mom says it’s important to bring her daughters to events like festival and the Congrès Mondial Acadien to keep their heritage and traditions alive. Her passion seems to be rubbing off on Elodie too, who can’t wait for the weekend ahead.
