Thunderbird American Indian Dancers' Pow-Wow

Invited by song and welcomed with prayer, the audience gathered to experience the history, creativity, and resilience of the First Americans. Celebrating 42 momentous years, the Thunderbird American Dancers' Dance Concert and Pow Wow is once again thrilling audiences at the Theater for The New City. This series of performances generously supports a college scholarship fund that has awarded nearly 400 scholarships to Native American students.

Featuring a diverse cast of dancers representing many Native American Nations and traditions from New York, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico, the evening is a celebration of community and collaboration. Weaving storytelling, music, and dance, this event intended for the entire family, will leave audience members more knowledgeable and more hopeful than when they entered. With the organization's Director, Louis Mofsie, expertly bridging all elements of the show together, children and adults are ensured a delightful experience.

Audiences are invited into the performance space by the resounding vocalizations of the Heyna Second Son Singers and Ensemble. Despite language barriers, the music clearly indicates an evening where culture and tradition will be shared, respected, and enjoyed by all. Elaborately dressed in custom regalia, the dancers expertly moved through each performance. All the dancers are volunteers, and the love and commitment to their craft are evident in their work and the joy they express while dancing.

Beginning with the "Robin Dance" from the Iroquois of New York, this dance highlighted the quick and light steps that would be associated with such a dynamic bird as the robin. During the "Round Dance" audience members get the unique opportunity to join the performers on stage as they learn three new steps accompanied by live music. This is a special delight as it encourages conversation, community growth, and sharing, elements that are sourly needed still.

The "Smoke Dance" highlighted the distinction between dances traditionally done by women and those done by men. Louise Mofsie explained the history and significance of the dance prior to the showcase; he stated that the Iroquois used to live in longhouses that had a hole in the ceiling to allow for the smoke from the fires to leave the buildings.

When there was insufficient wind to move the smoke up through the ceiling, the women would gather close to the fire, encircling and dancing around the pit. The resulting breeze from their circular movements would gradually force the smoke up to the ceiling and out of the roof.

The second half of the "Smoke Dance" was traditionally called "Striking the Stick." Men would gather after a battle to regale each other with their tales of bravery and courage. Each man would take a turn by grabbing a long stick and hurling it to the ground. This action and resulting noise would gain the attention of the others, who then proceeded to kneel as the warrior told his story. Once finished, the men would stand and dance in a manner that mimicked fighting and playful challenging. This would continue until each man had the opportunity to "speak" -- or rather dance -- his story.

One dance of great significance was the "Stomp Dance." As told by Mofsie, during the 19th century, Native American children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and mandated to attend Indian Boarding Schools. This traumatic process stripped the children of their language, culture, and faith.

In an attempt to cling to their cultural heritage, children from different Nations would secretly gather away from school grounds. With no common language, the children had to figure out a way to communicate, survive, and resist with each other; this is how the "Stomp Dance" came into being.

It was born out of oppressive circumstances and highlights how people from varying backgrounds can be united through the power of song and dance. Proving, as Mofsie stated, that dance and music are a universal and timeless language no matter who you are or where you go.

"Thunderbird American Indian Dancers' Dance Concert and Pow-Wow" runs through February 5 at Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue at Tenth Street in New York City. For tickets or information, call 212-254-1109 or visit http://www.theaterforthenewcity.net.