Dance me outside
Ruzavier.pahsaknunk
Introduction
● Dance Me Outside is a novel by Canadian author W.P. Kinsella, first published in 1994.
● The novel explores the experiences of Indigenous people living in a Canadian reserve,
highlighting themes of identity, cultural conflict, and societal challenges.
● The story is told through the eyes of Silas Ermineskin, a young man caught between his
traditional roots and the influences of the modern world.
Plot Overview
● Silas Ermineskin, the protagonist, lives on a reserve in Canada and struggles with the tension
between his Indigenous heritage and the encroaching Western culture.
● A significant event in the plot is a violent altercation between Silas and a group of non-
Indigenous people, which creates a ripple effect in his life and his community.
● Silas’ relationships with family, friends, and outsiders become a crucial part of his journey of
self-discovery and understanding his place in society.
Major Themes
● Cultural Identity: The novel addresses the complexity of Indigenous identity, especially the
struggle to preserve cultural traditions while navigating the challenges posed by modernity.
● Conflict and Violence: Tensions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are central to
the novel, with violence serving as a metaphor for the historical struggles Indigenous
communities face.
● Belonging and Community: The theme of finding one's place within both the Indigenous
community and the broader society is explored through Silas’ relationships and personal growth.
● Healing and Reconciliation: The story suggests that both personal and societal healing is
necessary for true reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous communities.
Key Characters
● Silas Ermineskin: The protagonist who grapples with his cultural identity and personal desires.
His journey of self-discovery drives the plot.
● Frank: Silas’s close friend, who also struggles with his identity and the pressures of life on the
reserve.
● Cynthia: A significant character who represents both romantic interest and the potential for Silas
to reconnect with his cultural heritage.
● Non-Indigenous Characters: Characters from the outside community that represent the societal
forces and conflicts Silas and his friends must face.
Setting
● The novel is set in a small, isolated Indigenous reserve in Canada, where Silas and his community
face economic and social challenges.
● The surrounding non-Indigenous town contrasts with the reserve, emphasizing the divide between
the two cultures and the misunderstandings that arise from it.
Style and Literary Techniques
● W.P. Kinsella uses a mix of humor and serious reflection in the novel, making the complex
themes more accessible.
● The narrative style is straightforward, yet it contains moments of magical realism and symbolic
meaning, which deepen the novel’s exploration of cultural issues.
● The use of dance as a metaphor is central to the novel, symbolizing freedom, cultural expression,
and the connection to one's heritage.
Symbolism
● Dance: Represents freedom, cultural expression, and a way to reconnect with Indigenous roots
and identity.
● Violence: Serves as a symbol of the larger historical and contemporary conflicts between
Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
● The "Outside" World: Represents both the modern, Western world and the challenges it poses
to traditional Indigenous lifestyles.
Conclusion
● Dance Me Outside is a poignant exploration of the complexities of Indigenous life in
contemporary Canada.
● Through its vivid characters and exploration of cultural identity, the novel sheds light on the
struggles faced by Indigenous peoples while emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and
understanding.
● W.P. Kinsella’s work remains an important contribution to Canadian literature, offering both an
insightful narrative and a critical examination of Indigenous issues.
