A group of students from Ajagutak School in Tasiujaq have signed up for a unique challenge: dancing their way towards school engagement, success and leadership.

Earlier last year, a lucky group of students from Ajagutak School in Tasiujaq were given the opportunity of a lifetime: to participate in an ongoing academic success program focused on dance, that culminated in a two-week trip to perform at the annual dance showcase held in Toronto.

The community dance program is hosted by Outside Looking In (OLI), an Indigenous non-profit that uses dance as an incentive and reward to motivate students to stay in school, improve their academic performance and develop higher self-esteem, self-reliance and self-discipline.

“We are an organization that likes to establish relations and return to communities. Through our different programs we are able to support students as they grow. We offer our community dance program, a future leaders program that counts as school credit, and a mentorship program that supports students that need a hand figuring out what they want to do after school,” shared Queenie Segubin, OLI senior project manager.

Participating in the dance program is a privilege and there are specific criteria for the students involved. Students must attend class, maintain a specific grade average, and behave like role models for their fellow classmates. They must also attend practice, Monday to Friday twice a day, hosted by a professional choreographer from OLI who travels to participating communities.

Frances Agro, Ajagutak principal, noticed a difference in the students right away. “It’s encouraging other kids to come to school. The students selected are acting as leadership models because by being a part of this program, they’re encouraging others to see what they are doing and get involved. And by that we are not just celebrating the students, we are celebrating the community, we are celebrating Tasiujaq.”

If students meet the criteria established, they are invited to participate in the Canada-wide annual dance showcase in Toronto. For two weeks, students along with their chaperone, experienced the behind-the-scenes of what it is like to be a professional dancer. They participated in dance workshops, interacted with fellow Indigenous students from across Canada, and prepared for the show from start to finish, including new choreographies, hair, make-up, stage lighting, and so much more!

We are so proud of our students from Ajagutak School who have dedicated their time and energy to participating in this initiative! If you are interested in finding out more, please visit Outside Looking In on Facebook.