Experience the Magic of the McKennitt Mummers Dance: A Deep Dive into Newfoundland's Cultural Gem

Hello there, dance enthusiasts and culture vultures! Today, we're diving into the vibrant, colorful world of the McKennitt Mummers Dance, a traditional Newfoundland dance that's as lively as it is historic. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let's explore this incredible piece of Newfoundland's cultural heritage together. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and mckennitt mummers dance.

What are Mummers, and Where did they Come From?

Before we dive into the McKennitt Mummers Dance, let's take a step back and understand the broader context. Mummering, also known as Jannying or Bargaining, is an old Newfoundland Christmas tradition that involves people dressing up in costumes and visiting their neighbors, singing songs, dancing, and generally causing friendly mayhem. The practice dates back to the 18th century, with roots in both Celtic and English traditions.

The term "Mummers" comes from the word "mum," meaning silent or secret, as the participants would often wear masks or costumes to conceal their identities. This tradition was particularly popular in outport communities, where people would spend hours preparing their costumes and practicing their songs and dances.

The Birth of the McKennitt Mummers Dance

Now, let's talk about the McKennitt Mummers Dance specifically. This unique dance form originated in the small community of McKenne, located on the southern shore of Newfoundland. The dance is a lively, energetic jig set to traditional Newfoundland music, typically played on the fiddle.

The McKennitt Mummers Dance is believed to have evolved from the broader Mummers tradition, with local residents putting their unique spin on the classic Newfoundland jig. The dance gained popularity in the mid-20th century, thanks in large part to the efforts of local teacher and music enthusiast, Geraldine Doyle.

The Geraldine Doyle Factor

Geraldine Doyle was a schoolteacher in McKenne who was passionate about preserving Newfoundland's musical and dance traditions. She learned the McKennitt Mummers Dance from local residents and taught it to her students, who in turn shared it with others. Thanks to Doyle's efforts, the dance spread beyond McKenne, becoming a beloved part of Newfoundland's cultural landscape.

Doyle was also responsible for documenting the dance, creating written and recorded materials that have helped preserve the McKennitt Mummers Dance for future generations. Her work was instrumental in ensuring that this unique dance form would continue to be passed down, even as Newfoundland's outport communities changed and evolved.

The McKennitt Mummers Dance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we've got the history down, let's talk about the dance itself. The McKennitt Mummers Dance is typically performed by a group of eight dancers, four men and four women, arranged in two lines facing each other. The dance is made up of a series of figures, or "figures," that the dancers move through in a specific sequence.

Here's a quick rundown of the dance's basic steps:

1. 1. The Opening Figure: The dance begins with the dancers holding hands in a circle, moving clockwise and then counterclockwise, before breaking into two lines.
2. 2. The Right and Left Figure: Dancers take turns moving down the line, shaking hands with their partner and then moving on to the next dancer.
3. 3. The Cast Off Figure: Dancers face their partner, take two steps back, and then "cast off" their partner, sending them down the line with a quick push.
4. 4. The Balance and Swing Figure: Dancers balance on one foot, then swing their partner around in a circle.
5. 5. The Reel Figure: The dancers form a circle and take turns reeling around, showing off their fancy footwork.

Of course, this is just a taste of the McKennitt Mummers Dance. The real magic is in the intricate footwork, the lively music, and the sense of community that comes from dancing together.

Preserving the McKennitt Mummers Dance for Future Generations

As Newfoundland's outport communities have changed and evolved, so too has the McKennitt Mummers Dance. While the dance was once performed primarily in rural communities, it's now enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds across the province.

Organizations like the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society and the Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Foundation are working hard to preserve the McKennitt Mummers Dance, and other Newfoundland traditions, for future generations. They offer workshops, performances, and other events that help keep the dance alive and thriving.

How to Learn the McKennitt Mummers Dance

If you're interested in learning the McKennitt Mummers Dance, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. Here are a few tips:

1. 1. Find a Teacher: If you're in Newfoundland, consider taking a workshop with an experienced McKennitt Mummers Dance teacher. The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society can help you find a teacher in your area.
2. 2. Watch Videos: There are plenty of videos of the McKennitt Mummers Dance online. Watching these videos can help you get a feel for the dance and pick up some of the basic steps.
3. 3. Practice: Like any dance, the McKennitt Mummers Dance takes practice to master. Don't get discouraged if you don't pick it up right away. Keep practicing, and you'll see improvement over time.
4. 4. Join a Group: Dancing with others is a great way to learn and improve. Consider joining a local dance group or forming your own group with friends.

The McKennitt Mummers Dance: A Symbol of Newfoundland's Rich Cultural Heritage

The McKennitt Mummers Dance is more than just a dance. It's a symbol of Newfoundland's rich cultural heritage, a testament to the power of community, and a reminder of the joy that can be found in simple pleasures.

As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we're proud of our traditions, and we're committed to preserving them for future generations. The McKennitt Mummers Dance is an important part of that heritage, and we're grateful to all the dancers, teachers, and enthusiasts who help keep it alive.

So, the next time you're in Newfoundland, consider giving the McKennitt Mummers Dance a try. You might just find that it's the best dance you've ever done.

Happy dancing, and until next time, keep your feet moving and your spirits high!