Free Noontime Festivals Showcase Talents of American Indian Dancers of All Ages
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 10, 2014 — The resounding drumbeat of American Indian culture in the Southwest will grow louder January through April 2015 with the return of Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. For the first time in its 13-year history, this series of free lunchtime performances in Scottsdale Civic Center Park will focus on passing the tradition of singing and dancing from one generation to the next.
“Young and old will dance together,” said Derrick Suwaima Davis (Hopi/Choctaw), artistic director for Native Trails and seven-time hoop dance world champion. “By having multiple generations of dancers perform, we will demonstrate that although our traditions date back thousands of years, they are still very much alive.”
Davis learned the tradition of singing and dancing as a child. Today, Davis is the foremost expert at the hoop dance, and he is teaching his children the art of weaving hoops to resemble various elements of the natural world. Watch Davis’ talents on display here.
Davis and other performers from the Hopi, Diné (Navajo), Hualapai and San Carlos Apache tribes will take the outdoor stage from 12 to 1 p.m. most Thursdays and Saturdays Jan. 8 through April 4, 2015. On Saturdays, youth performers will demonstrate the Eagle Dance, the Southwest Horse Dance, and inter-tribal pow wow dances. The finale features the audience-participation Round Dance.
Additionally, artisans and vendors will sell jewelry, baskets, pottery, instruments and paintings, and featured artists will demonstrate their craft live.
“The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is proud to once again be the title sponsor of Native Trails,” said the Nation’s President Ruben Balderas. “The Tribal Council knows local residents and visitors alike will enjoy learning about the various native tribal cultures and partaking in the exciting exhibits and shows. Native Trails is truly a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
During the festivals, Homebase Youth Services Native American Connections will collect donations of food, clothing, hygiene and household items.
For more information on Native Trails (including black-out dates), visit www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com
or contact the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at 480-421-1004 or toll-free at 800-782-1117.
