Keep the Spirit Alive

Philadelphia’s Native Nations Dance Theater presents programs on the artistic heritage of the Aztec, Arawak, Blackfeet, Carib, Cree, Creek, Chitimacha, Cherokee, Crow, Delaware, Flathead, Lakota, Nanticoke, Seminole, Shoshone, Taino and Six Nations peoples. Keep the Spirit Alive! features two world champion dancers, Delwin Fiddler Jr. (Lakota) and Vaughnda Hilton (Blackfeet & Seminole/Creek). This dynamic duo are featured in the film “Who We Are” now playing at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Keep the Spirit Alive! demonstrates aspects of Native American cultures through dance, song and storytelling accompanied by traditional drum and flute music.

Grades K-12
Audience limit: 250
Single: $530
2 back-to-back programs: $795
Travel: $40

WORKSHOP - Making a Dream Catcher (a traditional Ojibway craft)
Made up of numerous independent Nations, the Ojibway originally lived in the present day states of Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Ohio, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Ojibway legend states that the purpose of the dream catcher is to catch bad dreams in its web while allowing good dreams to pass through to the owner of the dream catcher. In the workshop students will learn how to make a traditional dream catcher using pipe cleaners, beads, yarn and feathers.

Grades 2-12
25 students per class
$200 per workshop following performance

RESIDENCY: Keeping Native Traditions Alive!
This residency gives students a deeper appreciation of the Native American nations’ history, folk stories, dance, music, art, painting and crafts. The residency concludes with a dance and visual arts showcase featuring students and teaching artists. Schools work with artists to focus on specific native nations in designing and shaping the goals of the residency based on budget and number of participating students.

Grades K-12
25 students per class
$105 per class, 1 artist in each class (3 day minimum recommended)
$3 per student material fee