When you think of Montreal and Quebec, many things come to mind: hockey (Go Habs Go!), artists (Riopelle, of course), the city’s modernist architecture and the brownstones of the Plateau, poutine, pontoon boats on the lakes, and lumberjacks in plaid shirts.
But—and it seems obvious when you think about it—Quebec is also a land of farmers and cowboys, andWestern andcountryculture plays a huge role in theQuebec zeitgeist.
And the best time of year for everyone who takes part—and for allcountry music lovers—is summer: the season of Quebec rodeos… But since we might not have time to head out to the countryside every weekend for the smell of dust and horses, and for the line-dancing nights that end at dawn, we’ll start with Wednesday nights at the Jardins Gamelin.
Heel, toe, spin, clap!
Every Wednesday this summer, the very urban Jardins Gamelin—right in downtown Montreal—is hosting line dancing classes with Spurs, a company specializing in queer and super-inclusive line dancing.
And yes, you can go even if you’re new to country music, and even without a cowboy hat or spurs .
Between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., on the way home from work or before a (well-deserved) cocktail, you can stop by to learn the line dances of the region’s cowboys and cowgirls—with a very cool Montreal twist. And if you’re really uncoordinated, you can always find some inspiration there for your late-summer rodeo outfits .
Practical Information
Where? Jardins Gamelin, Place Émilie-Gamelin, at 1500 Berri Street / Berri-Uqam metro station
When? Wednesday evenings this summer, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. / For the Jardins Gamelin schedule, check out @gamelin.qds
What? Free admission
