Aklavik (Aug 14/06) - Deanna McGee's, favourite dance is the jig - and it's taking her places.

Since learning the quick-stepping dance three years ago, McGee has been performing at festivals and gatherings around the Beaufort region.

"I like wearing the moccasins because they look nice," said the 11-year-old Grade 5 student from Aklavik.

Deanna McGee: 11-year-old travels for shows and contests.

Last week, she attended the Midway Lake music festival.

The week before, she flew to Inuvik to dance at the Gwich'in assembly.

While her mother said she is sometimes shy around new people, McGee has no problem getting on stage and dancing for a large audience.

"You have to be fast," she said, explaining the secret to jigging.

Like many children in Aklavik, Mcgee receives lessons from Annie Buckle, a linguistics and preschool teacher who has been teaching the jig and other dances for years.

Buckle said she learned to dance from watching competitions.

"I am trying to pass on the traditional dances," she said, adding that everyone in the community can benefit from learning music.

Buckle added that jigging is a very social event, which always makes people smile.

"It's a nice occasion. It pulls people together," she said.

It is for this reason she has dedicated her time to students like McGee, for whom dancing is a very positive hobby.

McGee's mother, Gladys Stewart, said she is very proud of her daughter's accomplishments. "It's really exciting for me to see her do this," she said, adding it is nice to see children take up traditional dances and culture.

Next week Deanna will be performing at a Gwich'in assembly in Aklavik wearing her favourite moccasins.