Students from École Saint-Joseph (Espanola), École Jean-Paul II (Val Caron), École Alliance St-Joseph (Chelmsford) and École secondaire catholique Franco-Ouest (Espanola) took part recently in cultural workshops on traditional square dancing. The workshops were offered by celebrated Greater Sudbury master fiddler Paul Lemelin and accomplished caller Jean-François Berthiaume. Working as a pair, the two cultural talents provided students with a unique opportunity to experience traditional square dancing at a higher level.

Paul Lemelin’s square dance events showcase supreme mastery of his musical instrument. Working to promote his passion for the ubiquitous fiddle and its cultural importance, Lemelin has played the fiddle across the country and teaches young aspiring fiddlers in his own studio.

Jean-François Berthiaume is a Québec-based traditional caller who takes pleasure in keeping this element of French-Canadian folklore alive, instructing dance participants while providing a traditional evening of entertainment. As is the case for disk jockeys, successful callers must be able to read the mood of audiences and find the right rhythm to make them get up and dance.