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
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