Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 3 and 8pm
Sundays at 3pm
Traditionally a gathering and sharing of events, Powwows have come to include spectacular dance competitions, exhibitions, and enjoyment of traditional foods.
At this year's Thunderbird American Indian Dance Concert and Powwow, a Hoop Dance will be performed by Marie Ponce (Cherokee) and Michael Taylor (Choctaw) with guitar music (by Rob Mastroiani) as well as drumming. Other highlights will include storytelling by Matoka Eagle (Santo Domingo, Tewa), a Grass Dance and Jingle Dress Dance (from the Northern Plains people), a Stomp Dance (from the Southeastern tribes), a Shawl Dance (from the Oklahoma tribes), a Deer Dance (from the Yaqui Tribes of Southern Arizona), and a Robin Dance and Smoke Dance (from the Iroquois). As the audience enters the theater, they will be serenaded by the Heyna Second Son Singers (various tribes). In the final section of the program, the audience will be invited to join in the Round Dance/Friendship Dance (in evening shows) and a Contest Dance (in matinees). After the program, the dancers stay for photographs and to meet the audience.
Matinees are kids' days, when children under twelve accompanied by a ticket-bearing adult are admitted for $1.00 (adults $10). At the conclusion of these matinees, young audience members are welcome to the stage to be photographed with the dancers. This component of the show was inspired by the troupe's school residencies.
Photo: Shawl Dance in Thunderbird American Indian Dancers' Dance Concert and Pow-Wow, presented by Theater for the New City January 31 to February 9, 2014. By Lee Wexler/Images for Innovation.
