Browner- Heartbeat Article

I am excited to discuss the Heartbeat article in class by Browner. I have never researched or learned about Native American dance technique and style before. It was very interesting to read this research report about the history of this style.

Native American dance consists of warrior society dances, reservation-era intertribal dances, wildwest shows, and postwar homecoming celebrations. All these dances have a specific meaning in the Native American realm.

What is different about Native American dance from other forms of dance is the ties it has to religion and healing. Some dances are performed to heal the sick and weary. Their dances invoke a form of healing in all those participating. I wonder how it could be that simple, yet powerful at the same time.

I also enjoyed reading about the Ann Arbor Pow-Wow at University of Michigan. I didn't know there was such a large Native American presence on that campus. It's great to know that diversity exists there. They have invitations, offerings, prayers, songs by special singers, and feasting on regional foods in an effort to bring together the University of Michigan Campus. Here is a video of the 2007 pow-wow at University of Michigan: http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/7662698

You can see in the background the intermingling of Native Americans and non Native Americans. They are walking around watching the dances and drum playing observing at a distance or even close to it going on!

I wish we could do something like this at Syracuse. I wonder if the campus would support such an event!