History

Compaigni V’ni Dansi is a Vancouver-based dance group that fuses traditional Métis dance with contemporary arts. Formed in 2000 by Yvonne Chartrand, the group has been dedicated to preservation and innovation, successfully sharing the culture and history of the Métis with both Aboriginal and mainstream audiences since its inception. The company’s work has been hosted at numerous venues around the Lower Mainland, and is regularly featured at the Powell Street and Talking Stick Festivals. Today, Compaigni V’ni Dansi holds the distinction of being the only company in Canada to teach and perform both Métis and contemporary dance.

In order to realize their vision of preserving traditional Métis dance, Compaigni V’ni Dansi has worked hard to build relationships within the Aboriginal Community by holding Métis dance workshops and rehearsals through Métis Family Services and the Aboriginal Friendship Centre.

As Louis David Riel has spoken, “My people will sleep for one hundred years and when they awaken, it will be the artists that will bring their spirit back to the people…” Louis Riel was a peace loving man and didn’t want to go to war…He wanted a place for all cultures to live in peace… At Compaigni V’ni Dansi, we say “V’ni Dansi”, Come and Dance…