NATIVE NATIONS DANCE THEATER - American Indian Educational Programs and Performing Arts

Native Nations Dance Theater is an educational program of Native Nations Productions, Inc. NNDT is recognized as the Nations resource for exceptional educational and outreach programs with offices in Philadelphia and South Dakota. NNDT was developed for the purpose of educating people about the presence of Native American artists and culture in their communities. Native Nations has presented to Millions of people Nation wide apearing on radio, television and films. They have performed at over 500 schools World-Wide including Abu Dhabi, Central Asia, Canada, the Eastern Caribbean, Greece, Kosovo & England where they also performed for members of the Royal Family. Some of our members are featured in the film "Who We Are" showing at Lelawi Theater in The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. Members of NNDT were also selected to appear in the PBS television Special "Tecumseh: We Shall Remain" airing in 2009 directed by Chris Eyre (he also directed Smoke Signals). NNDT received the Spirit Community Award in 2005 from the Rudolph Steiner Foundation and Spirit the 7th Fire for their community efforts.

NNDT is a professional touring dance company and the only one in Philadelphia that specialises in educational presentations for children & teachers, theatrical productions for the stage, conferences, ceremonial openings, museums, schools, colleges & various organizations. It is the mission of NNDT to present authentic American Indian themes to institutions of higher learning and audiences Worldwide.

A core group will present a program at your school or organization and they will provide an educational program of your choice including: a Mini Powwow, a full scale Powwow, a two or four week Artists in Residency program, The TRIO show, Historical lectures/seminars w/ Q & A, our Martin Luther King -Multicultural Presentation, "Express Your Dreams" (explaining the history between Africans and American Indians), Craft Demo's, Traditional dance, Contemporary dance, Singing, Drumming, Flute playing and Arts & Crafts.

Children will learn hands on activities, the round dance, snake dance and will have a better understanding of American Indian people and their culture. These presentations usually run about 45 minutes or longer according to your request. Depending on your needs NNDT performers can perform in the classroom or in the theater/auditorium. Our programs are also suitable for all ages of various educational levels and can be performed indoors or outdoors.

NNDT performers conduct their lectures/performances in traditional regalia or garb. The themes are all based on Native American Indian legends and oral traditions. Your annual support and pledges help keep the Native Spirit Alive and helps NNDT provide these community activities, powwows, events and theater productions. Contact us today to receive a Free presentation along with our MINI POWWOW @ (267) 634-6068 / (215) 747-6330 OR EMAIL vaughnda@nativeweb.net /wanbliziwi@aol.com . Thank you. Please choose from our programs below and we can tailor a program for your budget. To download info. & pics go to our press room.

PERFORMANCE PACKAGES

PACKAGE IARTISTS IN RESIDENCE - "SENSATIONAL!"

* KEEP THE TRADITIONS ALIVE! 2-3 presenters in the Classroom)

History tribes, housing, foods, geography, dance, flute, art, crafts, Q&A Presentation 45-60 minutes in classroom - Minimum 3 days

* POWWOW- 3 different performances during the school year

Includes a Music, Dance and a Craft Workshop

*Package I is designed for 25--30 children at a time in a classroom.

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PACKAGE II DANCE PERFORMANCES - "EXCITING"

* TRIO PERFORMANCE (3 PERFORMERS)

Featuring dance, drumming, Flutist, dancing and audience participation

* EXPRESS YOUR DREAMS - Multicultural Dance Performance

Dreamcatcher craft included as a workshop for up to 25 children

5 performers- 45 min presentation

* AMERICAN INDIAN DANCE PRESENTATION 4-7 PRESENTERS

Explanation of dances, live music & dance performance

Presentations 45 minutes - 1 hour

single or double shows available - Special Discounts for Seniors & Boy Scouts

Package II is designed for the capacity of the auditorium/theater

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PACKAGE IIINNDT "MINI POWWOW" *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED*

(INDOOR OR OUTDOOR) 3-8 PERFORMERS

(Includes live drumming, singing, dancers, student

participation, and VENDOR)

- Performance times vary from 45 min., 60 min .or 90 min.

- SINGLE - DOUBLE - TRIPLE PERFORMANCES (SAME DAY)

Package III is for small or large audiences

A Craft Workshop can also be included with this package

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PACKAGE IV "PAU WAU - KEEP THE SPIRIT LIVE"

A Theatrical performance including dancers, drummers,

flutist, storytelling, musicians, singers and story narration)

*Students - Q & A after the performance

*NOTE: Run time approx. : 1 hour & 45 minutes - (INDOOR ONLY)

Packages IV for small or large audiences on stage performance only

**CALL (215) 397-4740 or EMAIL for INFO. vaughnda@nativeweb.net **

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PACKAGE V WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS [1 Hour]

DANCE WORKSHOP 2-3 PRESENTERS/TEACHERS - 60 MIN.

*Includes instruction and participation in the Round dance, Snake dance, Intertribal, Two Step (couples), Fancy dances & other SOCIAL DANCES.

This is a Workout! & CONCLUDES WITH A DANCE PERFORMANCE.

HOOP DANCE WORKSHOP Delwin Fiddler Jr. shares his amazing craft of hoop dancing. The children will learn how to hoop dance and gain a better understanding about the natural world, its animals and their surrondings.

CRAFT WORKSHOPS 2-3 PRESENTERS

1. JEWELRY MAKING

2. MEDICINE WHEELS

3. DREAM CATCHERS

4. INSTRUMENTS:

RATTLES

DRUMS

5. MOCCASIN MAKING

6. LEATHER CRAFTS

7. PAINTING SHIELDS

8. CLAY PROJECTS (POTTERY)

* We bring the materials for the workshops 25-30 people per workshop*

Package V for groups up to 50

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MUSICAL FESTIVALS & CONCERT PERFORMANCES

Native Artists take the stage and present a unique experience combining natural sounds, drums, digeridoos, flutes, rattles, harmonic voices, keyboards, sounds of nature and other percussion instruments to create a wonderful symphony for the mind and the spirit. You will love this moving performance!!!!!

* Live Concert featuring: Lakota Son (Flutist)

Akisha Wi (Singer/Writer/Spoken Word)

Songbird (Singer)

Stephen Wise "Katriel" (Producer)

KIVA ON SALE NOW! $20 (CALL TO ORDER) EMAIL

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WHAT IS A POW WOW?

The term powwow (pau wau) is derived from an Algonquian language originally referring to curing ceremonies. The term soon passed into the English dictionary meaning any "Indian" gathering or as a verb meaning to confer in council.

Today a powwow is a homecoming or a celebration. It is a gathering of relatives, friends, family and tribes from all over Indian country. It is a time for celebration when the people come together to share ideas. At the powwow there is dancing, drumming, singing, entertainment, story telling, craft demonstrations and sometimes live animals like buffalo & birds of prey. Various types of Native foods will be available to purchase like: buffalo burgers, turkey burgers, corn soup, fry bread etc. Native people come from all over the world to sell and trade their goods. Today the powwow is a way for everyone, especially the dancers to rejuvenate their spirits. They dance for the people who have passed on, to honor veterans and also to dance for the sick. There are two different types of powwow's: traditional & competition. There are many powwows held throughout the year all over the country including Hawaii. Some of the more popular powwows are: The Gathering of Nations Powwow held annually in Alburquerque, New Mexico, Schemitzun in Connecticut (Foxwoods), Salamanca (Veterans Powwow) in up state New York, North American Indian Days (NAID) in Browning, Montana, Cheyenne River Sioux Powwow & Rodeo in Eagle Butte South Dakota, Crow Fair & Lame Deer in Montana and others. Check the powwow listings for events in your area.

NATIVE DANCES

The Native dances all have a special meaning and are symbolic of many different things such as: the butterfly, snake, rabbit, owl, chicken, bison, horse, eagle and other animals. There are many dance categories all of which may not be named here but we'll do our best. The DRUM is the "heartbeat of the people" and respected as a spirit.

The Women's Traditional dance defines the relationship between Mother Earth, which represents the heart beat of the people. There are different catagories: Northern & Southern Buckskin as well as the Cloth Dress. The step is a gentle walking step and all dancers must stay in time with the drum as they step softly upon the earth. Southern buckskin dancers step flat footed and bend at the waist on the honor beats, this is symbolic of escaping gunfire. The northern dancers perform a stationary pulse in place or step around the arena and swing their frindge to the beat of the drum. Their capes are usually fully beaded, while the southern dress is beautifully accented with beadwork.

Men's Traditional dance a warriors dance that tells a story of a great battle. Categories: Traditional and Contemporary. The men wear many items which tell of their valor and courage. The eagle feathers they wear represent famliy honor and also achievements earned by that dancer. The northern dancer will wear a single or double circular bustle of eagle feathers on the back. Men's southern straight traditional is called the gentlemen's dance and is performed without a bustle instead they wear a long trailer down their back usually made of otter fur or conchos, wool trade cloth, leggins & breechcloths. The straight dancer never makes a complete circle as to never turn your back on ememy.

The Grass dance is representative of the tall prairie grass swaying in the wind. The grass dancers also prepare the grounds by praying and blessing the circle usually before the other dancers enter the arena. The bells that they wear call to the spirits so that they will hear the prayers of the people. They are usually the first to dance and offer prayers for the people. The basic regalia consists of a belt usually beaded, cuffs, harness, headband, head roach made of porcupine quills with eagle feather or antennae with eagle plumes and carry dance sticks or sweet grass. The feathers must be in constant motion and in time with the drum, head & shoulder movements go along with the symetrical footwork done equally on the right & left. This is a northern style dance that is said to come from the Omaha people. There are two styles of Grass dancing: Old style and Contemporary.

The Jingle dress dance is originally a sacred dance of the Ojibway people from the north (Canada) that was given to the people by the creator as a healing gift. It has grown to be very popular as it was adopted by many in the dance world. It is said that the dress and the dance is performed to help bring good feelings and a sense of well being to the people (healing dance). The dancer holds her hand on her hip to symbolize pain. This dance is also named for the cone shaped jingles that are sewn around the dress originally the dress was made out of special shells. Some dancers wear up to seven tiers of jingles on a ress some wear less. Originally the dress did not call for this many cones but the dance and the dress have evolved into competition style dancing where almost anything goes. The Ojibway people are the creators of this style that has spread through Indian Country. There are many versions of the story of the jingle dress and its special significance. There are two main steps: a straight shuffle step & a side step (like a round dance but faster). Dancers will raise their fan on the honor beats. Judges look for intricate controlled footwork and a straight posture.

The Fancy Shawl dance is a contemporary dance style that has evolved over the years. In some areas this dance is called the butterfly dance. These dancers demonstrate great skill in their seemingly wild but very controlled movements while spinning and performing leg swings and high kicks. This is an extremely fast paced dance and the foot work is fascinating to watch. The fancy shawls they wear are beautifully decorated with sequins, ribbon and applique work. These dancers at times seem as if they are dancing on air. Some say this dance originates from the men's war dance others say it evolved from the womans use of the blaket.

The Round dance is a dance representing friendship and the flow of the human spirit. Everyone can participate. A step together step, left foot leads.

The Hoop dance is one of the most difficult dances to perform from the Hopi people in the Southwest. It is one of the oldest, whose roots go back to the beginning of creation. Originally medicine men and spiritual leaders as a medicinal or a visionary type dance performed the hoop dance. Some dancers try to use up to 30 hoops to create formations of varoius animals and nature. Today women also perform the hoop dance at special competitions and exhibitions. Various shapes animals, objects and figures are formed with hoops.

Men Fancy dancers perform really fast and challenging arials, jumps and spinning moves with great risk. There foot movements are more elevated and they use many visual effects like face paint, two fancy feather bustles on their back, and bright colors to attract attention to themselves. Categories are typically northern and southern style and judges look for intricate footwork, spins and a total package that combines all of the elements of the fancy dance. They wear beaded outfits, vests, leg bands, arm bands, head roach, whip sticks, angorra around the legs, moccasins and flashy scarves and ribbons.

Intertribals are for all the dancers and all tribes. All categories come together and dance in their own styles simultaneously. Everyone dances.

The Switch dance can be comic relief when the men and women exchange regalia and try to show off what they learned from their counterparts.

The Eastern Women's Blanket dance is an Eastern style of dance and is performed with a large decorated blanket. This dance represents the caring and warmth a woman shows to her family and her loved ones. The blanket had many uses in a woman's work and this dance represents a woman's stages of life. The step can be a slow graceful walk or a bouncing doublestep. This dance is also used as a courtship dance. When a woman has chosen a man she will invite him into her blanket. This dance has its origins with the Narraganset people of Rhode Island.

Eastern Straight is an old eastern war dance which is in original form. The warriors would stand outside the dance circle and enter the circle stomping their feet intensly to the beat of the drum and rattle telling a story of a battle or of a victory. This dance is done by the people of the east as in the Pequot and or Narrangensett, as well as the Wamponoag and other Eastern nations.

Smoke Dance is a fast paced dance in which the dancer moves outstretched

arms quickly while the feet perform very fast intricate steps to the beat of the drum. They twirl and spin to imitate dancers in a smoke filled longhouse, wiping their eyes, and fanning way the smoke. Fast & Fun!!!!

Honor songs and Give aways are more significant as social activities that a dance performance. An honor song is sang in honor or memory of a special person or group. Give aways are used to honor a person, or to express appreciation for an honor given to a person. Families usually make an offering of tobacco or money to the drum that played for the special.

The Two Step is a courtship dance. Couples dance together holding hands and complete various dance steps while and traveling around the circle.

Praire Chicken Dance is representative of the plains prairie chicken's mating dance. The Blackfeet people are the creators of this dance by way of a vision. Some dancers wear small pheasant feathers, ankle bells, side bells, arm bustles, mirror boards, fans and other accessories. The dance is characterizd by jerking of the neck, a pecking like motion of the head, tapping on the ground, slow spinning movements, and a stepping motion forward.

The Crow Hop is a dance from the Crow people in Montana. This dance is stylized by either, a fast drum beat and and or the dancers sliding of their feet. This dance is also used for the Fancy Shawl dancers, the grass dancers and also the traditional dancers on the powwow circuit.

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SCHOOLS, MUSEUMS, UNIVERSITIES & OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

We will add your school/organization to the list below if NNDT has visited your school/event.

THANK YOU & WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!!

Upcoming performances are listed on our EVENTS PAGE.

University of Pennsylvania Conestoga Middle School Girl Scouts Graeme Park

Community Education Center (CEC) Mt. Vernon, New York Missouri History Museum The George School

Arch Street United Methodist Church Lewis & Clark ExhibitionsTemple University Academy of Natural Science

Bartrum Gardens Defense Supply Center of Phila. Elizabethtown CollegeNorwood Public School

Marlton Middle School Penn State -main & Erie, PA campus United States Mint Montgomery County

Prince Hall School PA Dept. of Revenue Greater Atlanta Christian School Navy Base

Frederick Douglas School South West Senior Center Adamson Middle School J.W. Alvey Elementary

Middle Years Alternative Intercultural Family Services Richmond County Schools Discovery Theater

Drew Elementary WPVI - TV 6- ABC Wilson Plaza - DC Rudolph Steiner Found.

Powel Elementary New Psalmist Christian School Class Acts Arts Inc. Kelsey Theater

Bartrum High School The Mummers ParadeSilver Spring, MD ---------------------- Thanksgiving Day Parade

E.S. Miller School UAIDVPerkiomen Valley School District Sunrise Civic Center Theater

Catherine Pennsbury Manor The Rotunda VERIZON (NAPV)

Colonial Village Festival, PA Center on Ethnic & Minority Aging,Spitit The 7th Fire, LLC Tower Hill School -DE

Prudential Insurance Company Department of the Treasury Churchville Nature Center National Memorial Day Parade

Caton Village Bear Creations Powwow Twin Grove Park & Campground Black Box Theater

Boy Scouts (PAC) NMAI LaSalle University NCAI - Washington, DC

The Prince TheaterPepsi Corp West Chester Univ. British Empire Museum

NNDT Partners with: ART REACH AND YOUNG AUDIENCES OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA (YAEP)