Ottawa (Nov 24/04) - Kivalliq youth were among a group of Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) students who took part in a workshop on traditional Greenlandic mask dancing earlier this month in the nation's capital.

The workshop was facilitated by Sarah Nya Laakkuluk Jessen Williamson as a complement to regular studies on Inuit history and culture in Nunavut.

First year NS student William Tiktaq of Rankin Inlet said the one-day workshop was exciting.

He said he enjoyed stepping outside of himself to act out a role.

"The lady who taught us said there are a number of different emotions you can incorporate into the dance," said Tiktaq.

"You can be sensual while performing, but the big thing is to act like someone else, not yourself.

"The important aspect is to have fun while trying to get an emotional response out of your audience."

The students did most of the facial artwork themselves, helping each other out with the finer details.

Tiktaq said he saw Greenlandic mask dancing as a kid when a performance was held in Rankin in the early '90s.

He was intrigued by the way mask dancers perform and wanted to see if he could draw an emotional reaction from his classmates.

New-age style of music

The dance is usually accompanied by a peaceful, new-age style of music, but Tiktaq decided to bring a traditional Inuit drum into his performance.

"A couple of my classmates screamed and ran away from me, so I had a blast trying it out.

"I may even get a chance to travel to Saskatoon in the new year for a Greenlandic mask-dancing event that's going to take place there."

NS instructor Morley Hanson said Williamson comes to Ottawa a lot and is well known at the school.

He said her sister works at the school part time, and Williamson always drops by to say hello when in town.

"She carried out a research program here last year and is a very good friend of the NS program," said Hanson.

"Sarah knows the NS program well.

"She cares about what happens here and likes to help out when she can.

"This was the second time she conducted the Greenlandic mask-dancing workshop at our school."