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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