Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Sacred dance at Rothko Chapel


The Rothko Chapel presents Tewa Dancers from the North, a family ensemble of Pueblo Native American dancers, in two performances, on October 10 at 7 in the evening. and October 11 at 1 in the afternoon.
The following is directly taken from the Rothko Chapel press release:
"Their celebratory dances, performed in authentic costumes and with traditional drums, will take place on the plaza in front of the Chapel.  On October 10, the performance will be followed by an outdoor screening of the Houston premiere of Dancing from the Heart, a film documentary about the ensemble and their culture by dance writer and art historian Marilyn Hunt.
"The ultimate purpose of Tewa dance is sacred - dance as prayer, dance to keep humanity in harmony with the universe.  Among the dances the ensemble performs are the Deer Dance, Butterfly Dance, Women’s Pueblo Dance, Buffalo and Winter Buffalo Dances, Eagle Dance, and Friendship Dance.
"Tewa Dancers was founded in the 1970s by Andrew Garcia, who drew upon the traditions of his Native American culture to combat the ravages of alcohol in his life and that of the young people in the northern New Mexico pueblos.  Garcia has commented, “It’s through dances that we pray and give blessings and also get those blessings back.  This was the way of our prayers before we were introduced to Christianity.  I have heard the stories from my grandfather, who lived to be 102 years old.  He told me about many things we have lost, but he urged me to stay on track, not lose sight of the dances, the songs, and the regalia as well as the dance customs.”
"The Rothko Chapel is a modern meditative environment inspired by the painted murals of the American artist Mark Rothko.  In the tradition of John and Dominique de Menil, its founders, The Rothko Chapel continues to engage people spiritually, artistically, and intellectually by bringing leading experts, scholars, and religious leaders to discuss worldwide human concerns and critical issues.
"Seating for the event is first-come, first-serve.  Audience may bring lawn chairs and/or blankets for seating in the grassy areas nearby."

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