Spring in Bethel means Camaii. Once again dancers came from all over the state, and this time across the Pacific. The first photo shows the newest dance group in the region, the Quinahagak Dancers. The youth went to the elders and asked to reinstate dancing as it was not allowed as the Moravian faith took hold. The agreed, and a teacher came in from Anchorage and in a week, the children were ready to perform!
This woman spent time in the area years ago and had a dance background. She spoke of her time up here and how she created a dance, "The Seal Mask Dance" in which the seal gives herself up to the hunter as he showed respect for the hunt following traditional practices and for her. She is wearing a seal gut parka, a traditional "raincoat".
The next group is from St. Lawrence Island. The group of older women are always so much fun to watch. It's interesting seeing the different styles of boot and dress.
Then the men get in the mix. Often from this area they wear gloves, but this time the men held their gloves.
Not everyone was all that interested in what was happening on stage. Note the glare of the screen on the little girl's face.
This was an invitation dance in which anyone can join. Several of us got brave and went on stage to give it a try.
Mekoryuk on Nunivak Island is know for its wooden masks. This is portrayed in the head dresses these students are wearing. This was unusual as were the drums they came with.
This next group was from the Aleut region.
When the last group finished this man began the call for drummers. He began his drumming and many others answered his call for a giant drumming circle.
People are beginning to walk into the gym, down the aisle, and many go up into the audience.
It was extremely powerful being surrounded by the beating and then these two men began to sing.
All drummers were included.
I can't remember where this group came from, but they were very acrobatic.
I tried to get shots of the children that were included on stage with their families.
These women were beautiful as they sang and danced their traditional hulas.
This elder sat on stage through a majority of the Eskimo dancing. All welcomed her.
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