Josey Digby, Nova Scotia

Fair address: Tri-County Regional Heritage Fair

Project: La Baie en Joie

Come and dance with me and learn about my Acadian culture. My name is Josey Comeau and I am proud to be a member of the French Acadian dance troupe La Baie en Joie. For the past forty years, La Baie en Joie has been entertaining audiences around the world while promoting and honoring Acadian culture.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I learned that Acadians were very creative when it came to making music. They transformed everyday objects, such as wooden spoons and cattle bones, into musical instruments. La Baie en Joie incorporates these instruments and other traditional items into their performances.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I learned that dancing can be more than just a hobby or a pastime. Dancing is a visual expression of culture. It is an opportunity to share those beautiful traditions that make us unique. Dancing is a way of keeping old memories alive.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

The traditional costumes I wear for dance are very different from the modern clothes I wear to school and at home. In the 18th century, Acadian women often wore white bonnets and blouses, black vests that laced in front, a shawl over the shoulders, and long skirts with an apron. Although I find the clothing today to be much more comfortable, I enjoy honoring the past by dressing up like my Acadian ancestors.