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 in Canada. This professional company brings these important stories and traditions to audiences around the world.

How the Group Started

The American Indian Dance Theatre began in 1987. It was started by Hanay Geiogamah, who was the director, and Barbara Schwei, who was the producer. Raoul Trujillo helped as a choreographer and co-director. The idea for the group came after a very successful show that Geiogamah and Schwei put on the year before.

The company includes performers from many different Native American and First Nations backgrounds. Their first show was in Washington, D.C., at Ford's Theater. They performed in New York City for the first time in 1989 at the Joyce Theater. Since then, they have traveled to many places. They have performed across 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 works together at the Los Angeles Theatre Center to bring different kinds of performances to people in downtown Los Angeles. Other groups in the Cultural Roundtable include the Latino Theater Company, Playwrights' Arena, Robey Theatre Company, Culture Clash, and Cedar Grove OnStage.

What Makes Their Shows Special

The company wants to help people understand Native American cultures better. They do this through live shows, television, and movies. Their performances include both special ceremony dances and seasonal dances. All of these dances tell important stories about Native American heritage.

Hanay Geiogamah once said that their shows help correct wrong ideas from Hollywood movies. They make sure the dances are real and teach people about the culture. He also created a way to sort the many different types of American Indian dances. These dances come from over 430 tribes in the U.S. Some examples of these tribes are the Zuni, Yakima, Apache, Navajo, Sioux, Cherokee, and Cheyenne. Geiogamah studies and mixes parts of these dances to create new performances. He always makes sure to keep the true meaning and spirit of the original dances.

These dances also feature traditional music and amazing costumes. A special thing about this group is that the dancers come from 20 different tribes. In their shows, you will see dancers, drummers, and singers. They pay close attention to details like animal masks, traditional jewelry, and handmade costumes with feathers and beads.

Amazing Performances

The American Indian Dance Theatre has had many memorable performances. In 1995 and 1998, they performed with two Hawaiian groups. They also have dances called "Eagle Dance" and "Hoop Dance." These dances tell stories about how the world was created. They even use Native American sign language to share these stories.

The Eagle Dance can look a little different depending on where it is performed. But the main idea of growing up and becoming mature is always there. The Hoop Dance comes from an old story. It tells of a man who was dying and wanted to leave something behind. He was given more hoops for every natural shape he could make with them. Another important dance is "The Warrior Prepares." This dance explains how the idea of warriors came to be.

Awards and Recognition

The American Indian Dance Theatre has been recognized for its amazing work. They have been nominated for both a Grammy Award and an Emmy Award. In 1993, they were nominated for an Emmy in the "Outstanding Children's Program" category. This shows how much their performances are loved and respected.

How They Inspire Others

The company has inspired many other tribal dance groups. For example, a group called Indigenous Enterprise looks up to them. This is because of the powerful way the American Indian Dance Theatre tells stories through dance.

Films Featuring Their Work

• American Indian Dance Theater. Vol. 1, Finding the Circle (1996). This film was first shown in 1989 as part of the PBS television series Great Performances/Dance in America. It was made by WNET/Thirteen with Tatge/Lasseur Productions, Inc. Merrill Brockway directed it. The film shows many different Indian dances. These dances are performed on stage and at various international powwows. It includes the hoop, eagle, and Apache Crown Dances from the Plains Indians. It also features the Zuni rainbow dance, powwow dances (grass, men's traditional and fancy, women's fancy shawl), and Plains snake and buffalo dances.
• American Indian Dance Theater (1996). Dances for the New Generations. This film was made in 1993 for PBS Great Performances/Dance in America. Barbara Schwei and Hanay Geiogamah produced it with Phil Lucas Productions. Phil Lucas and Hanay Geiogamah directed it. It shows Native American Indian dances performed with traditional drums and music. The dancers wear traditional native clothing and makeup. They perform in different places, including a powwow. The film includes dances from the Northwest (Makah and Kwakiutl), Northeast (Seneca and Penobscot), and Plains Indians.