ACTIVITIES
Cultural Rhythms
FROM THE RHYTHMIC BEAT of a handmade rawhide drum , to the voices echoing off the vaulted yellow cedar ceiling , the energy is palpable when the Naa Kahidi Dancers perform on the stage of the Sheet ’ ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi- Tribal Community House . The huge , hand-carved screen in the background and the smell of burning cedar wafting through the audience add to the truly breathtaking experience .
During every show , an emcee introduces each song while sharing stories about Tlingit traditions and culture . The multigenerational dance group includes everyone from toddlers to elders dancing in their regalia . When they turn their backs to the audience , you can see the emblem for each person ’ s clan beaded on their robes .
“ All of the teachings , songs , and history come from the teachings of our elders through the Sitka Native Education Program ( SNEP ),” says Chuck Miller , who helped establish the Naa Kahidi Dancers in 1994 .
“ The whole intent [ of the Naa Kahidi Dancers ] was to educate our visitors about who we are . We ’ re here , we ’ re still here , and we still practice our Tlingit indigenous ways .”
You can watch a seasonal performance independently , or you can attend a performance through a cultural itinerary offered by Sitka Tribal Tours .
Daily Sitka Sentinel , James Poulson
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OFF in Harrigan Centennial Hall , the audience waits breathlessly for the opening act . Several dancers in traditional Russian dress appear onstage ; the men stomp in their boots , and the women twirl the skirts of their colorful silk dresses .
Upon a closer look , however , it becomes apparent that the “ men ” wearing fur caps and long-sleeved tunics are , in fact , women . All the dancers are . And , coincidentally , none of them are Russian – though the group has gone to great lengths to ensure their dances are culturally accurate .
For over 50 years , audiences have enjoyed the New Archangel Dancers and their energetic performances . The group was founded in 1969 with the mission to preserve Russian culture and history in Sitka . As for the show ’ s tightly choreographed dance routines , they have a humble beginning ; they were found in the
illustrated diagrams of a Russian children ’ s book . The dancers relied on the Russian bishop at the time , Bishop Theodosious , for the translation of the captions . A choreographer then helped fill in the gaps .
As a volunteer dance troupe , the New Archangel Dancers have a strong , tightknit sense of community . Still , every year , they open their arms to new members .
“ It ’ s been a great challenge , and I ’ ve met a lot of good , lifelong friends ,” says Angie Hill , who has danced on and off with the group for nine years .
Even the audience can feel their infectious sense of camaraderie . Between the authentic cultural dances and the unique beats of the music , you won ’ t want to miss your chance to see one of these action-packed , seasonal performances at Harrigan Centennial Hall .
Dancers »
Naa Kahidi Dancers sitkatours . com / New Archangel Dancers newarchangeldancers . com
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