NNDT was founded in 1991 by Vaughnda. Vaughnda has danced since she was 5 years old. She has been a leader in dance all through her high school years while she attended Girls High School in Philadelphia. She received her BA from St. Leo University in Florida where she majored in Dance/Theater and had a minor in Arts Management. She graduated Cum Laud and continued to pursue her career in dance teaching Modern & Jazz Master classes in the local dance studios. Currently, Vaughnda appears in the film called "Who We Are" in the Lelawi Theater in the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI).
Andrew Lyn, Assistant Director
Nation(s): Blackfeet/Seminole/Carib
Drew was born in Philadelphia. He has been dancing since he was three years old. He started out with northern traditional dancing and then started grass dancing when he was 7. He is also an artist and owns & operates Xkloosiv clothing company. He hand paints tee shirts, jeans, hats, shoes and other accessories. Drew has also been chosen to be head man dancer for various powwows. He is a chicken dancer and has won many 1st place awards for his dancing. Andrew is featured in the movie "We Shall Remain" - Tecumseh's Vision episode II.
Brittaney Burnett, Miss Native Nations
Nation(s): Tuscarora/Blackfeet/Cherokee
Brittaney has been elected to serve as Miss Native Nations in 2004 & 2005. She has beeen dedicated in serving NNDT by traveling with the company and keeping her traditions alive by dancing and sharing with everyone. Brittaney graduated from Middle Years Alternative School (MYA), Bartrum Motivation High School and is now attending Kutztown University. Brittaney has also competed at many different powwows all over the country as a traditional dancer. Brittaney has blossomed into a beautiful young woman and we wish her well in her pursuit of education and life.
Pauline Songbird, Board of Directors
Nation(s): Seminole/Creek
Pauline is a native Floridian and she has been an educator for the past 30 years. She worked for the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia School Board until she retired in 2004. She has two daughters and four grandsons. She hopes that they will continue to learn and also pass on the knowledge she has given to them. Pauline has been a past recipient of the Lifetime achievement award from the Women of Color.
Raoule Hilton II, Props Manager
Nation(s): Seminole/Creek/Blackfeet
Raoule is currently the youngest member of the company. His academics is his focal point right now . He works very diligently on his homework while he is on the road traveling to the different performances. He attends the Huey School in Philadelphia. Raoule has been dancing since he was 18 months old. He has won many awards for his current style which is grass dancing. He competes in the teen age division even though he is 12.
Toni Seaflower - Traditional dancer
Nation(s): Lenape/Cherokee
Toni resides in Philadelphia and is a loyal and dedicated participant in Native American Indian cultural events and special events in the community. Toni has been honored on many occasions as head woman dancer at many powwows. Toni was the 2005 recipient of the NNDT lifetime achievement award for a lifetime of service to the Native American Indian community here in Philadelphia. She enjoys dancing!
Namorah Byrd, Educator/Storyteller
Nation(s): Chitimacha/Cherokee
Namorah is a poet, writer, storyteller, singer, musician and lecturer. Namorah has both her BA and MA in English Literature from Temple University in Philadelphia. Namorah has won awards for being instrumental in presenting radio programs in the community for the awareness of native issues and bringing native issues and events to the forefront.
OLLIN YOLIZTLI CALMECAC
"A place where through movement, blood flows inside the heart"
Nation(s): Aztec
OYC has performed with NNDT for three years as the resident performing group representing South American cultures and indigenous people. When they dance they praise the four points of the universe ans say thanks to Mother Earth. They performed with NNDT in the premiere performance of "Keep the Spirit Alive" at the Kelsey Theater in New Jersey in 2005, Graeme Park and the Rotunda Powwow.
OTHER PERFORMERS: Leon Wingate IV, Steven Katriel Wise, David Hughes, Gustowe (Ranger & Lunyunt), Black Horse Butte, Steve Conoway, Pocahontas Allen, Mark Bunting, Lia Gould, Mark Gould, Nathan Longhorn, Jay Hill, Josh Lamont-Hill, Dolores Stanford, Rachel Natividad, Joanne Steel, Carmelita High Elk, Joey Doughton, Cathy Cartwright, James Harmony, Mary Anne, Paradox, KC, Todd Lebeau, John Pingree, Ayla Pingree, Kelly Pingree, Tony Hedgepeth, Crystal Loudhawk-Hedgepeth, Aaron Hedgepeth, Tracy Hedgepeth, Antonio Grant, Michele Grant, Brunson Grant, Taryn Walking Eagle, Amanda Grant, Lynn & Allen Dehate, Peppi Eagle Wing, Red Blanket Drum Group (Will Mosely & Urie Ridgeway), Lamar Corbit, Claudia Defazio, Fallon Mount, J.C. Mount, Janel, Eddie Dimalanta, Rogorra Turner, Many Voice Singers (Cheyenne River), Erin Washington, Louie Paul, Nita One Bear, Ralph Ianuzzi, Rachel Natividad (Jr. Miss Native Nations 2005),
INTERESTED IN PERFORMING WITH US? DANCERS/PERFORMERS, PLEASE SEND A HEAD SHOT AND RESUME TO: vaughnda@nativeweb.net.
DRUM GROUPS PLEASE SEND A GROUP PHOTO AND A PERFORMANCE RESUME TO: delwin@nativeweb.net
NATIVE NATIONS DANCE THEATER
"We offer a variety of programs: Lectures, Workshops, Arts & Crafts, NNDT TRIO, Hoop Dance/Flute, Dance Demonstrations, Theatrical Productions, Mini Powwows up to a Full Scale Powwows & Residencies. We custom tailor productions and performances to the clients needs. We specialize in children's performances for schools, museums, fairs, special audiences and also theatrical productions for all ages. We operate all year round and offer musical, dance & educational programs for all ages. Artists interested in performing/travel call the #'s below.
To book us call (215) 747-6330 or (215) 391-8894-Delwin
Erin resides in the Maryland area and attends powwows regularly around the country. Erin is currently working on her Masters degree and is extremely proficient in computer programming and website designing. Erin has toured with NNDT since 2004 and has participated in many special events, parades and powwows. Erin also competes at powwows as a southern traditional dancer. Good Luck!
Elizabeth Rule
Miss Native Nations 2008-09
Crowned at a ceremony at the Rotunda on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. Toni Seaflower, Lenape presented and crowned Elizabeth.
