Nicole Brooks: Kalana-kehtskwas
Iroquois Social Dance
Contact:
Email: Nicole Brooks, nbrooks@oneidanation.org
DESCRIPTION
Ohuntsya-kekha Kanunya-shuha “For Hotinoshoni, Iroquois people, social dancing is an expression of happiness, thankfulness, and good health.” Long before Oneidas hosted powwows, they gathered to celebrate at Social Dances. Accompanied by water drum and cow horn rattle, the songs and dances are centuries old and passed down through an oral tradition. They celebrate the seasons, events, and Hotinoshoni culture. In this presentation, students will see the traditional clothing of the Hotinoshoni along with a demonstration of songs and dance steps to a variety of earth songs. This interactive workshop will be enjoyed by all as the children and teachers will learn through participation of the dances.
NOTE: All programs are adaptable in time, intensity and age levels. Kal
PROGRAMS /WORKSHOPS /RESIDENCIES
Friendship Dances (Kindergarten and up, 45 to 90 minutes): Using the format of an Iroquois social, students learn about Oneida culture. The friendship dance is used when we go into new communities, to honor new friendships. It is an original dance of the Hotinoshoni and emphasizes being of good mind and peaceful towards each other.
Celebrating the Earth (Kindergarten and up 45 to 90 minutes): In this presentation, the students will learn about the various dances celebrating the seasons, animals, or foods that were important to the Iroquois people, gaining an understanding of the natural order in the world.
Balance in Life (5th grade and up 45 to 90 minutes): Based on the Hotinoshoni Creation story, this presentation focuses on the duality of life as taught through the story of the twins. One twin created the flower while the other twin created the thorns on the flower. In the Iroquois creation story, there is strong understanding of the concept that everything has a positive or negative - such as night and day, flowers and thorns, rivers and rapids. Geared by grade level, students are introduced to this concept of understanding that there is a balance in the world.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS (kindergarten - 12th grade) In the Hotinoshoni culture, song and dances teach about life, science, and spiritual understanding. Nicole is able to work with teachers to custom create a program that supports or brings another view point in understanding curriculum.
APPROVED FEE
$200 Performances (more than 50 students at one time), additional $75 for back-to-back performance (SEED Eligible Rate)
$400 Full Day, 5 – 45 minute workshops (SEED Eligible Rate)
$1,500 Full Week, 5 Full Days (SEED Eligible Rate)
$ 500 Teacher In-Service Program (SEED Eligible Rate)
Single workshops or presentation are also available, but not eligible for SEED funding. Please contact artist for fees.
ADDITIONAL COSTS (Not eligible for SEED funding)
Mileage more than 20 miles is figured from Oneida, Wisconsin to your program site at .50 per miles, round trip. Possible lodging expense when artist lives more than 60 miles from program site.
EXPERIENCE
Kalana and/or Nicole first started learning Iroquois singing at the age of 7 and has made many visits to Canada to continue her learning. She has taught culture at the Oneida Nation Schools for 15 years and is active in the traditional community.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
“Nicole was excellent at getting children to participate and to ensure that their participation was respectful. At the same time, she made it fun for the children and enjoyed laughing with them.” 2008 Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.