Teaching Tips: Native American Culture: Apache Dance Performance
Research Native cultures who live in Arizona. Locate the White Mountains in Arizona on a map. What is the name of the reservation where they can be found? How many other Native American tribes can be found in Arizona? Divide the class into small groups to research the tribes located in Arizona. Include information about the traditional dances of each tribe.Native American dancers refer to what they wear as regalia, not costumes. Discuss this difference with your students. Brainstorm lists of people who wear regalia and those that wear costumes. For example, regalia are worn by royalty, the Pope, and military commanders. Costumes are worn by actors, people in parades, and trick-or-treaters. Research why it would be wrong to say that the Crown Dancers are wearing costumes. Create a classroom display of images, student drawings, etc., of regalia.Compare this dance to other Native American dances.This dance was recorded at the Native Peoples Festival in Cherokee, N.C. Research this festival and other festivals and powwows that celebrate Native American culture. Are any held in Kentucky? As a class project, create a travel guide to “Native American Culture” including festivals and sites.
