Smoke Signals
November 1990 ' ' page 14
Dance Theatre Sells Out
The American Indian Dance Theatre, featuring 34
dancers representing 12 North American Indian Tribes,
recently appeared at Western Oregon State College in
Monmouth, Oregon to two sold out performances.
"The shows were a tremendous success for the
college's Fine Arts Series and for all the people in
attendance," said Britta Lion Franz. Franz is the new
Executive Director of the Edgar H. Smith Fine Arts
Series at Western Oregon State College. Franz worked
with newsletter editor Brent Merrill of the Confederated
Tribes of Grand Ronde on bringing some local flavor
and traditions to the event by setting up a tee-pee
(owned by Tribal member Joann Mercier) and arrang
ing for an appearance by Grand Ronde's own drum
group "The Spirit Mountain Singers".
A group of 20 Grand Ronde elders were at the per
formance as well as a number of Tribal youth and
representatives of the Royalty Court. "The drum group
was excellent and added just the right touch to the
event," said Franz.
The dance group lived up to its billing as "a major
theatrical attraction" and then some. The dancers were
energetic and inspired and the costumes they wore were
a mix of brilliant color and traditional authenticity.
Of particular local interest were performers Martin
Pinnecoose and Arlie Neskahi. Both dancers attended
Chemawa Indian School in Keizer, Oregon and both
have family in the area. Pinnecoose lives in Salem.
The event was sponsored by Praegitzer Industries in
Dallas and the U.S. Banks in Monmouth.
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Artist Michael Gentry displayed his Native works
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Martin Pennecoose, a Salem, Oregon resident, performs during the American Indian Dance Theatre's show.
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This traditional battle of the drums performance was outstanding.