Group photo of Encore du Vent Dance Troupe with their signature “Poodle Skirts” – beautiful and vibrant colours. Front row (left to right): Shelley LeBlanc, Jenna LeBlanc, Hannah Harris and Ashley Roach-Poirier. Back row: Evelyn Doyle, Paulette Roach, Bernell Richard, Kathleen Chiasson and Denise Timmons.
-by Rosie Aucoin-Grace
As spring is attempting to make an appearance, Mother Nature holds the reins so to speak, and winter weather keeps hanging around. It’s that crazy “I wore the wrong coat” time of the year, while fluctuating unpredictable temperatures lingers on.
The Encore de Vent Dance Troupe, a title that signifies “Wind Again” which is typical for this region especially our phenomenal “suêtes.” Ironically, they had to cancel their shows on the weekend of March 14th due to unforeseen circumstances, including a suête, stormy weather. The following weekend, they performed on March 21st La Place des arts Père Anselme Chiasson at École NDA during yet another rainstorm as the wind howled again. Once inside the theatre, one was captivated by this boundless group of energetic dancers.
With such a diversity in their dance material, an array of colourful costumes especially their signature Poodle Skirts, their incredible energy and joie de vivre, it was a great combination. The number of dancers in the troupe has always fluctuated. Some come and go; others have been there since the beginning. Currently, they are nine members: Ashley Roach-Poirier, Bernell Richard, Cathleen Chiasson, Denise Timmons, Evelyn Doyle, Hannah Harris, Paulette Roach, Shelley Leblanc, and Jenna LeBlanc. For a few of these dancers, due to their age, are referred to as “senior power”.
The leader of the Encore du Vent Dance Troupe is Ashley Roach-Poirier. It is simply amazing how she can juggle being a carpenter by day, performer by night as a dancer/singer/ musician/composer, Zumba instructor and the list goes on. Whatever the task, she gives it her heart and soul to succeed. It is easy to see with her iconic bubbly, energetic and positive attitude how she can inspire others to participate in various activities including dancing. We spoke about the troupe, and she said, “We have been dancing since the year 2016! The group was founded to allow for adults to continue their passion for dancing and throughout the years; the dance troupe has done various concerts. We hold to heart our love for the traditional Acadian step dancing and incorporate some different genres and styles of dancing. We always look for opportunities to learn new genres”
Poirier continued, “We are always open to anyone who wants to join our small but mighty group. We encourage anyone who loves to dance to come see us. We are open to all levels of dancers; we just want to share our love for dance.”
Dancer Evelyn Doyle spoke highly of the dance troupe and enjoys being a member, “I love the social aspect, the camaraderie, the laughter and the exercise. I enjoy the challenges, pushing myself to learn new steps and choreography. It is very rewarding to see and hear the crowd getting into the performances and cheering us on. This year in the concert, we did nineteen dances integrated with lively disco music, the jive, salsa, Acadian step dancing, Irish jig, the waltz – valse-clog, hip hop, performing with black light and more. I love our vibrant costumes and dancing to some fine fiddle tunes and even oldie but goodie songs. We just love having fun on stage!”
I spoke with the only male dancer in the group, Bernell Richard, who spoke about his experience with the dance troupe, “I love to dance, no matter the type, I will try it. I heard there was an adult dance troupe through Ashley and when she invited me to join in, I explained that I don’t step dance. With her encouragement and guidance, I joined and really enjoyed my first concert with the troupe.” He continued, “Since then, I enrolled at the Mabou Dance School for a week where they taught me some step dancing and I have been building up ever since. It makes me more useful to the troupe. We have a lot of fun, and the girls are very patient with me. When I don’t know the steps, they give me tips and help me get it right.”
“It takes much commitment, lots of practice and time, but it is all worth it in the end. I love the variety of dances and when I can learn something new, I enjoy it even more. I especially enjoy the waltz and the jives. Ashley is a wonderful instructor, and she spends so much time on the choreography. We appreciate her very much, she is what makes this group, the key person,” says Richard.
“I would like to thank everyone who came out to see us perform, who continue to support us. As well, we are very grateful those who helped us with the concerts: Muriel Chiasson (costumes), Shelby Deveau (lights), Andrew Poirier (technician), Cory Chiasson (photographer), Jason Eddy (video), and to the volunteers who collected at the door, and sold water and 50/50 tickets. We could not to this without all of you,” says Roach-Poirier.
Bravo to the Encore du Vent Dance Troupe – well done!