Artsource
DANCE/MUSIC MUSIC ®
The Music Center’s Study Guide to the Performing Arts
TRANSFORMATION
ENDURING VALUES
CLASSICAL
1. CREATING (Cr)
CONTEMPORARY
2. PERFORMING, PRESENTING, PRODUCING (Pr)
EXPERIMENTAL
3. RESPONDING (Re)
MULTI-MEDIA
4. CONNECTING (Cn)
FREEDOM & OPPRESSION
Title of Work: Eagle Dance and Hoop Dance
ARTISTIC PROCESSES
TRADITIONAL
THE POWER OF NATURE
THE HUMAN FAMILY
About the Artwork: The eagle is sacred to all tribes and is a symbol of wisdom,
Creators:
strength and vision. The Eagle Dance varies from region
Company: American Indian Dance Theatre - Founded 1987 Artistic Director: Hanay Geiogamah b. 1945 Founder/Producer: Barbara Schwei
to region, but this interpretation is a blending of two styles: one from the Northern Plains and the other from the Zuñi Pueblo. The dances reflect the life cycle of the
Background Information:
eagle from its first steps and attempts to fly, through
Hanay Geiogamah was born in Anadarko, Oklahoma,
maturity and into the spirit world. The Hoop Dance is
and was raised with the traditions of the Kiowa Tribe, a
based on a legend of a dying man who wished to leave
principal group of the Southern Plains. The Kiowas have
something on earth. The Creator gave him a hoop of
a strong tradition of music and dance, and have produced
wood and told him that for each natural form he could
some of the leading Native American composers. One of
recreate, one more hoop would be added. He grew
Hanay’s most comforting memories as a child is of his
stronger, for each additional hoop allowed him to create
father getting up before dawn and performing his morning
other designs.
ritual of preparing for work. He would fix himself coffee, turn on the radio to country western music, and whistle ancient tribal songs. This gave Hanay a sense that he was an American Indian - even though his modern world was in such contrast to the traditional ways of his culture. As he grew to maturity, Hanay’s interest in his traditional culture increased; he sought ways to express
Creative Process of the Artist or Culture: Dance and music serve as a framework to which American Indian philosophy and tradition are attached. Mr. Geiogamah developed a system for categorizing American Indian dance: seasonal/functional; spiritual/ ceremonial/religious; and celebrational/bravura. Each has its own musical support system -
himself and communicate about his culture through
a musical catalogue that evolved
drama. In 1972 he formed the Native American Theatre
from the 430 tribes in the United
Ensemble, writing, directing and producing many
States. He researches and collects
works. In 1987, he and Barbara Schwei formed the
traditional dances from many tribes
American Indian Dance Theatre to present American Indian dance and music professionally and remedy the frustrating lack of experienced traditional performers. Mr. Geiogamah is a Professor in the school of Theatre, Film and Television at UCLA and has served as the Director of the American Indian Studies program there for many years. He is also is recognized as the most important
and puts this material together in new “Music and dance are imbued in me. I have full respect for the traditions and I’m grateful for them, for they have helped me make my way through a difficult world.” - Hanay Geiogamah
ways without altering the original intent of the dances.
Native American playwright of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
California
Oklahoma