Koshare Indian Dancers taking stage in Japan

Pueblo Chieftain

 

Koshare Indian dancer James McKnight (front) leads other Koshares at last year's Japan-American Grassroots Youth Summit in Colorado Springs. The Koshares are in Japan attending the 2007 Grassroots Youth Summit this month.

Koshare Indian Dancers taking stage in Japan

By ANTHONY A. MESTAS

LA JUNTA - Members of the Koshare Indian Dancers are living up to the group's name by touring the land of the rising sun this month.

The Koshare (which means "delight maker") Dancers are delighting audiences in Japan. The group of 16 dancers left for Japan on June 5. A stage technician and three parents also made the trip.

In September 2006, the Koshares participated in the Japan-American Grassroots Youth Summit held at various sites across the state. Since then, the young dancers and their leaders have been working toward their goal of attending the 2007 Summit in Noto, Japan, and the International Youth Music Festival in Yamagata, Japan.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Koshare Program Director Jeremy Manyik prior to leaving on the trip. “The cross-cultural experience is something these young dancers will remember throughout their lives."

Koshare Indian Museum Director Susie Sarlo said that other than a trip to Canada in the 1990s, this is the first time the Koshares have traveled internationally since the 1930s when the group danced for royalty in England.

The La Junta group spent the first week at the Grassroots Youth Summit in Noto. They are currently in Yamagata reconnecting with many of the young Japanese dancers who visited La Junta in September.

In addition to performing in Noto and Yamagata, the Koshares have been asked to do a special performance in a concert hall in Tokyo. The group will return to the states June 23.

"To give our kids a chance to share cultures like that is truly amazing and a great opportunity - this experience is something that will stay with them throughout their lives," Sarlo said.

While the dancers are away, remaining dancers and visiting alumni are busy performing in the historic Kiva.

Sarlo said that Young Koshare dancers and their experienced leaders are hosting local crowds and visiting Boy Scout troops who travel to see them from all over the United States.

The Koshare Indian Dancers began performing authentic American Indian dances in 1933.

"These dances and songs were taught to them by Native Americans who were impressed by these young scouts who held such reverence and admiration for Native American culture," Sarlo said.

This month, the Koshares are under the direction of former Head Chief Daniel Cranson and are offering several public shows.

All performances are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Kiva, 115 West 18th St. Remaining performance dates are Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, June 23 and 30. There are nine performances set for July and two in August.

To follow their trip and read about their experiences, visit the Koshare Web site.

ON THE NET

Koshare Indian Dancers: http://www.kosharehistory.org

See Also

Japan Summer Tour