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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 1990)
Smoke Signals October 1990 page 5 American Indian Dance Theatre Program Opening: Vocal Solo Chester Mahooty Soloist Kevin Haywahe The spirit in the drum is awakened and the dancer begins. Grass Dance: Dancers John Meninick, Marty Pinnecoose, Norman Roach, Lloyd Yellowbird Drum Joe Bcllanger, Kenny Merrick Jr., Eric Sampson The Grass Dance is ancient dance and the basis of many men's dances. In the northern plains the elders would ask the young men to stomp down the tall grass to prepare the ceremonial clearing. The dance circle is formed. Traditional Dance Suite: Shield Dance George Shields, Andy Vasquez, Sheila Tousey Women Dancers -Ramona Roach Men Dancers Kevin Haywahe, George Shields, Morgan Tosee, Andy Vasquez Drum Joe Bellanger, Kenny Merrick Jr., Eric Sampson Most dances are traditional, but in recent years this has become a meaning for older dances and style of dress. The women in buckskin reflect the earliest participation by women in the dance circle. Men learned many dances and interpreted many things: the old myths, the hunt, animals. The dancers use three styles and rythms: Sneak up, Crow Hop and Ruffle. Rainbow dance: Dancers Fabian Fontenelle, Cassie Soldierwolf, Danell Tailfeathers,Lloyd Yellowbird Song Chester Mahooty The Rainbow Dance is from the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. The rainbow with all the colors of nature, is a demonstration by the Creator that life will continue. Man expresses his thanks for the rain to help the corn grow. ' Drun Call: Soloists Joe Bellanger, Eric Sampson Hoop Dance: Soloist Eddie Swimmer Drum Joe Bellanger, Kenny Merrick Jr., Eric Sampson The shapes of the hoop tell stories; how all natural things are connected, and change and grow. The dancer forms a butterfly, flowers, a turtle, an eagle and more. Mother Earth Round Dance: Dancers The Company Drum Joe Bellanger, Kenny Merrick Jr., Eric Sampson This dance was called the Circle of Life or the Owl Dance since it was often performed at night. Fancy Shawl Dance: Dancers Ramona Roach, Cassie Soldierwolf, Danell Tailfeathers, Sheila Tousey Drum Joe Bellanger, Kenny Merrick Jr., Eric Sampson Women rarely entered the dance circle, and not as soloists until recently, this dance originated as the Butterfly Dance and is very popular today on the northern plains. When her mate is killed in battle, the female butterfly mourns and goes into her cocoon, as interpreted with the shawl. Her emergence celebrates freedom and a new life. INTERMISSION Memory Dance: Soloist ' Andy Vasquez Shaman Marty Pinnecoose Drum Joe Bellanger, Kenny Merrick Jr., Eric Sampson The dancer pays homage to the drum and remembers his ancestors. Gourd Dance: Dancers The Company Drum Joe Bellanger, Kenny Merrick Jr., Eric Sampson Gourd dancing evolved from 19th century Southern Plains men's societies, but today Gourd Dance Societies exist all over the plains. Eagle Dance: Dancers Fabian Fontenelle, Kevin Haywahe, Marty Pinnecoose, Norman Roach, Eddie Swimmer, Dwight Whitebuffalo Flute Andy Vasquez Drum Chester Mahooty The eagle is a sacred bird to all tribes and a symbol of great wisdom and power. It is believed that eagles are . messengers between man and the creator. The dance varies from region to region. The company presents two versions: one from the northern plains and one from the pueblos. Buffalo Dance: Dancers Fabian Fontenelle, Cassie Soldierwolf,Morgan Tosee, Sheila Tousey Drum Chester Mahooty From the Zuni Pueblo, this dance explores the relation ship between man and animals. It is believed that one had to sacrifice so the other might live. The buffalo gave himself so the people would have food, clothing and tools to sustain life. The American Indian Dance Theatre cast album recording is released through Broadway Limited Records. Appreciation Song: Singers Joe Bcllanger, Chester Mahooty, Kenny Merrick Jr., Eric Sampson, Lloyd Yellowbird, Spencer McCarty A Warrior Society song from ancient times reflecting 800 years of history, this song is still sung today. Apache Crown Dance: Dancers Fabian Fontenelle, Kevin Haywahe, Eddie Swimmer Clown Morgan Tosee Drum Norwyn Wesley The Mountain Spirits descend at certain times to bless the people and heal the sick. Apache medicine men perform this ceremony, which became the Mountain Spirit or Crown Dance. The clown mimics and exagger ates the movements to aid in teaching. A Warrior Prepares: Soloist Marty Pinnecoose Warriors Norman Roach, Dwight Whitebuffalo Drum Joe Bellanger, Kenny Merrick Jr., Eric Sampson A man sensing danger, prepares himself. He begins with ancient steps and movements of warriors past, which have evolved into the modern War Dance or Fancy Dance. Fancy Dance Suite: Soloists John Meninick, Marty Pinncoose, Norman Roach, Dwight Whitebuffalo, Rick Cleveland Drum Joe Bellanger, Kenny Merrick Jr., Eric Sampson Based on traditional and Warrior Society dances, this dance has become a competitive dance for the modern warriors, a moment in today's pow-wows for the dancer to express himself with intricate footwork, spins and brilliant plumage. Company credits: Press counsel: Schecter ConeLes Schccter Bookings: NAMCO Booking KL DivisionKlaus W. Kolmar Production Assistant: Adolfo de Leon Licensing: J.G. Stanley Legal: Fitclson, Lasky, Asian & Couture X 2 t X ..... tv 7. ; 3v. Cm $ j VMlt ft,..X 9 111 i ri5 i 2 v
