Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Mar 15/04) - For once, students were encouraged to get off their chairs, dance around and put aside math, science and geography.

That's because they were given lessons from two members from the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers.

Drummer and vocal performer Brian Rogers and dancer and vocal performer Wendy Smith are sharing their sounds and steps with students at Sir Alexander Mackenzie school for the month of March.

Two weeks ago, the duo gave instructions and told stories about the various dances they introduced.

"(By doing this) it keeps the language alive and keeps this a part of the kids' every day lives, so it's not out of the ordinary," said Rogers.

Judging by some of the giggles from students, drum dancing is not a usual occurrence for this generation.

Nevertheless, by the end of the class, Smith had the kids mimicking the movement of a beautiful migratory bird, during her rendition of the Goose Dance.

"When the men dance (this dance) they appear more muscular and are supposed to show off their strength," she explained. "For the women, they are more graceful and humble."

Prior to that, Rogers kept the kids entertained by demonstrating the Seal Dance after sharing a brief tale about its origins as part of the Inuvialuit's seal hunting ritual.

Though these classes are an introduction to drum dancing and are done as a group, Rogers and Smith say that accomplished performers usually pair off and engage in friendly competition when dancing.

Competition and perfecting the dances aside, music teacher Jerry Woolridge says he appreciates the efforts of Rogers and Smith.

"It's just great to have them here sharing something like this with the students," said Woolridge. "It's an opportunity for kids to be exposed to their culture and it's a lot of fun."

Woolridge says that while this program has been going for several years, this year the plan is for students to put on a special performance of the dances they have learned.