On April 19th, 2003, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) presented a groundbreaking documentary, "The World of American Indian Dance," offering viewers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant and historically rich world of Native American dance traditions. Premiering at 3 P.M. EST/Noon PT, this one-hour special, a first of its kind for a major network, was the product of Four Directions Entertainment, a pioneering film and television production company owned and operated entirely by American Indians, specifically an enterprise of the Oneida Indian Nation. This marked a significant step forward in American Indian representation in the entertainment industry, providing a platform for their voices and perspectives. "The World of American Indian Dance" promised to unveil the beauty, athleticism, and competitive spirit embedded within these ancient traditions.
The documentary was narrated by the acclaimed actor Peter Coyote, whose evocative voice guided audiences through the diverse landscapes and cultural nuances of American Indian dance. Coyote’s narration served as a bridge, connecting viewers to the stories and meanings woven into each movement and costume. This was not merely a presentation of steps and rhythms; it was an exploration of history, spirituality, and the ongoing evolution of Native American identity.
Four Directions Entertainment: A Vision Takes Shape
The genesis of "The World of American Indian Dance" lies in the formation of Four Directions Entertainment in 2001. This innovative company was the brainchild of a partnership between the Oneida Indian Nation, Sonny Skyhawk (Lakota), and Dan Jones (Ponca). Their vision was to create a platform for American Indian storytelling, ensuring that authentic narratives were told by those who lived them. The establishment of a 100 percent American Indian-owned and operated production company was a bold statement, challenging the traditional Hollywood landscape and paving the way for greater inclusion and representation.
Ray Halbritter, the Nation Representative and CEO of the Oneida Indian Nation, played a pivotal role in bringing this documentary to fruition. His support and vision underscored the Oneida Nation’s commitment to recognizing and advancing the American Indian community within the entertainment industry. Halbritter expressed gratitude to NBC and its president, Bob Wright, for their support of the project, acknowledging the network’s willingness to embrace a story that had been largely overlooked by mainstream media.
Powwows: A Celebration of Culture and Competition
Executive Producer Dan Jones emphasized the historical significance of American Indian dance, describing it as the continent’s oldest cultural tradition. He highlighted the importance of powwows, gatherings hosted by many of the country’s 560+ tribes and nations, as both cultural celebrations and sporting events. These events, drawing crowds that can exceed 50,000, such as the Crow Fair in Montana, provide a vibrant stage for dancers to showcase their skills, traditions, and tribal identities.
The documentary team captured over 40 hours of dance footage and interviews at the Crow Fair, immersing themselves in the energy and spirit of the event. This extensive coverage allowed them to portray the complexity and diversity of American Indian dance, showcasing the various styles, regalia, and individual stories that make each powwow unique. "The World of American Indian Dance" aimed to transport viewers to the heart of these gatherings, allowing them to witness the beauty and power of these cultural expressions firsthand.
Dance as a Reflection of History and Identity
"Against this historic and spectacularly beautiful backdrop, the compelling story of America’s first ‘performance artists’ is told through dance." This statement encapsulates the core theme of the documentary: the profound connection between dance and the history, identity, and resilience of American Indian communities. Throughout history, dance has served as a source of strength, a means of preserving cultural heritage, and a platform for expressing both individual and collective experiences.
The documentary delved into the ways in which dance has been used to fortify and sustain American Indians, serving as a vital link to their ancestors and traditions. It also explored the role of dance in navigating complex issues such as progress versus tradition, spirituality versus commerce, and independence versus assimilation. Through dance, these conflicts are not merely debated; they are embodied, expressed, and negotiated in a powerful and visceral way.
Traditional Styles: A Legacy of Heritage
Traditional dance styles, developed over thousands of years, serve as a crucial element in distinguishing tribes from one another, acting as living embodiments of their unique histories and legacies. These dances, often inspired by revered animals, sacred places, or profound belief systems, span the entire spectrum of human emotion and expression. They are not simply performances; they are acts of remembrance, connection, and cultural preservation. The documentary explores the intricate symbolism and meaning embedded within these traditional dances, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural significance they hold.
Athleticism and Competition: The Powwow Circuit
The documentary highlights the demanding physicality and competitive nature of American Indian dance. Powwow contestants must adhere to rigorous protocols and demonstrate exceptional skill, endurance, and artistry to win championships. These dancers are portrayed as athletes in their own right, the direct descendants of America’s "original home team," carrying on a competitive tradition that stretches back centuries. The dedication and discipline required to excel in these dances are showcased, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the athleticism and artistry involved.
Modern Influences: Evolution and Adaptation
"The World of American Indian Dance" also acknowledges the influence of modern trends and the emergence of new dance styles within American Indian communities. As in any culture, younger generations often embrace new forms of expression, leading to the development of dances such as the Fancy Shawl Dance, the Jingle Dress Dance, and the Men’s Fancy Dance. These newer styles, often less restrictive and more interpretive, have attracted younger participants and injected new energy into the American Indian dance scene.
However, this evolution is not without its challenges. Many tribal elders express concern over the increasingly flashy and secular aspects of the newer dances, fearing that they may dilute or compromise traditional values. Others argue that the increased participation of youth is a positive sign, indicating that the infusion of new dance forms is revitalizing the American Indian dance scene and ensuring its continued survival. The documentary explores these differing perspectives, presenting a nuanced view of the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity.
Visual Storytelling: Capturing the Beauty
The producers of "The World of American Indian Dance" were determined to showcase the aesthetic beauty of the dances, the vibrant colors of the regalia, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Crow lands to the American viewing public. To achieve this, they utilized state-of-the-art technology, employing the Panasonic Broadcast’s AJ-HDC27 Varicam, a variable-frame high-definition camera, for primary photography. The uncompressed edit was done on the HDBOXX editing system from BOXX Technologies, ensuring the highest possible image quality and allowing viewers to fully appreciate the visual splendor of the dances and the surrounding environment.
Executive producer Sonny Skyhawk emphasized the importance of capturing the visual richness of American Indian dance, stating that the chosen format provided an extraordinary introduction to the beauties of this cultural expression. The documentary’s visual presentation was a key element in its success, drawing viewers into the world of American Indian dance and leaving a lasting impression.
A Legacy of Representation
"The World of American Indian Dance" stands as a landmark achievement in American Indian representation in the entertainment industry. It provided a platform for American Indian voices to be heard, challenged stereotypes, and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Native American communities. By showcasing the beauty, athleticism, and historical significance of American Indian dance, the documentary offered viewers a new perspective on the "First Americans" and their enduring contributions to the cultural landscape of the United States. This project from Four Directions Entertainment continues to be an important milestone.
The film offered a glimpse into the dynamic world of American Indian dance. This was more than just entertainment; it was a cultural bridge. The lasting impact of "The World of American Indian Dance" is its contribution to a more inclusive and representative media landscape, paving the way for future generations of American Indian filmmakers and storytellers. This groundbreaking broadcast of "The World of American Indian Dance" on NBC marked a pivotal moment for visibility.