American Indian Dance Theatre facts for kids

The American Indian Dance Theatre is a special group that performs traditional dances and songs. They share the rich cultures of Native Americans in the United States and the First Nations people from Canada. They are a professional performing arts company.

History of the Dance Theatre

This amazing group started in 1987. Hanay Geiogamah was the director. Barbara Schwei was the producer. Raoul Trujillo helped as the choreographer and co-director. They formed the company after a successful show the year before.

The dancers come from many different Native American tribes. Their very first show was in Washington, D.C. at Ford's Theater. In 1989, they performed in New York City. This show was at the Joyce Theater. The company travels all over the world. They have performed in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East.

In 2006, the American Indian Dance Theatre joined a group called the "Cultural Roundtable." This group helps different cultures share their art. It was at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. They wanted to bring many different people to see their shows. Other groups in this roundtable include the Latino Theater Company and Playwrights' Arena.

Sharing Culture Through Dance

The company wants to help people understand Native American cultures. They do this through live shows, TV, and movies. Their performances include special dances. These dances tell stories about Native American traditions. Some dances are for ceremonies. Others are for different seasons.

Hanay Geiogamah said their shows are different from Hollywood movies. He wanted the dances to be real and teach people. He even created a way to sort the many types of dances. These dances come from over 430 tribes in the U.S. Some tribes include the Zuni, Apache, Navajo, Sioux, and Cherokee. Geiogamah studies these dances. He combines parts to make new performances. But he always keeps the true meaning alive.

The dances also feature music and special costumes. The dancers come from 20 different tribes. The shows include dancers, drummers, and singers. They pay close attention to details. You might see animal masks, traditional jewelry, and handmade costumes. These costumes often have feathers and beads.

Amazing Performances

The American Indian Dance Theatre has had many memorable shows. In 1995 and 1998, they performed with two Hawaiian groups. This was at the Pillow debut performance.

Two famous dances are the "Eagle Dance" and "Hoop Dance." The "Eagle Dance" tells stories about creation. It also shows how people grow and mature. The dance can change a bit depending on where it's performed. But its main message stays the same.

The "Hoop Dance" comes from an old story. A man who was dying wanted to leave something behind. He was given hoops. He could get more hoops for every natural shape he could make. Another important dance is "The Warrior Prepares." This dance explains how warriors came to be.

Awards and Recognition

The group has been nominated for big awards. They were nominated for a Grammy award. They also received an Emmy award nomination in 1993. This was for "Outstanding Children's Program."

Influence on Other Groups

The American Indian Dance Theatre has inspired other dance groups. One group, Indigenous Enterprise, looks up to them. They admire how the Theatre tells stories through dance.

Films Featuring the Company

• American Indian Dance Theater. Vol. 1, Finding the Circle (1996). This film was first shown in 1989. It was part of the PBS TV series Great Performances/Dance in America. It shows many different Indian dances. These dances are performed on stage and at powwows. It includes the hoop dance, eagle dance, and Apache Crown Dance. It also features Zuni rainbow dance and powwow dances.
• American Indian Dance Theater (1996). Dances for the New Generations. This film was made in 1993 for PBS Great Performances/Dance in America. It shows Native American Indian dances. The dancers wear traditional costumes and makeup. They perform with drums and music. The film includes dances from the Northwest (Makah and Kwakiutl), Northeast (Seneca and Penobscot), and Plains Indians.