Though often overlooked, dance is an intricate part of South Dakota's performing arts repertoire. There are a number of different styles which have been made popular in the state, many of which can be experienced by you during your South Dakota vacation. To this end there are a number of different dance studios in the state that offer both classes and performances for dance instruction or just pure entertainment.
Native American Dance Culture
The concept of dance is one that is vitally entwined with South Dakota history, especially when it comes to the state's Native American heritage. Though numerous Native American cultures practiced the Ghost Dance ritual, it rose to real notoriety in the late 1800s under the direction and "visions" of Paiute Indian Jack Wilson. Wilson, who lived in Nevada, was known by his Paiute name of Wovoka. After a solar eclipse on January 1, 1889, Wilson claimed he had received a vision from God. This vision instructed Wilson to teach the idea that if the Ghost Dance was performed, God would bring about a world of peace and prosperity for the Native Americans. This dance of peace quickly spread to many Indian tribes in the West, and reached the Sioux tribes in South Dakota via Sioux chief Kicking Bear.
Problems arose in South Dakota, however, when many Sioux Indians living on the Great Sioux Reservation began starving. Sioux performances of the Ghost Dance frightened the U.S. Army and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and in turn, many more soldiers were sent to patrol the reservation. This further strained the relationship between whites and the Sioux Indians. On December 29, 1890, the increased tension led to what is now known as the Wounded Knee massacre, during which over 150 Native Americans and 25 U.S. soldiers were killed.
Powwows and Celebrations
There are a number of authentic Indian dances that visitors may politely observe and attend. These powwows (also called wacipis) are celebratory occasions, and feature opportunities for visitors to observe traditional Native American dances, as well as sample Indian foods.
One popular celebration is the Annual Black Hills Powwow and Art Market, a festivity that takes place at the Rushmore Civic Center in Rapid City. This festival provides an opportunity for visitors to experience Native American fine art, powwows, and appreciate a Native American style show.
There's also the Annual American Indian Day & Powwow Celebration occurring every year at the St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain. During the celebration visitors can experience Native American presentations in the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, and all-day powwow dance competitions.
Dance Studios
In addition to Native American dance culture, South Dakota also has a number of dance studios. One of the premier dance studios in the state is the Dance Gallery of South Dakota, in Sioux Falls. The DGSD offers classes in a number of dance genres for all skill levels, doing their best to fulfill their mission of helping individuals "learn and love the art of dance." The Dance Gallery also puts on regular performances as well. While DGSD specializes in Cecchetti and Russian ballet, they also provide classes in jazz, Broadway, tap, Pilates, modern, Liturgical, and hip-hop dance. The Dance Gallery has had a number of previous students accepted into dance programs and universities around the nation. Some of Gallery's past performances have included Peter and the Wolf, The Nutcracker, At Your Service, and Sleeping Beauty.
However, Sioux Falls is not the only place for the performing art of dance. Rapid City has its own dance studio, the Black Hills Dance Theatre. Offering both dance performances and classes during dance company tours, the BHDT also offers a Summer Dance Intensive. Here, anywhere from 50 to 75 students train for a week in a number of dance styles. As well, the BHDT offers scholarship opportunities to local dance students. An interesting piece of the BHDT dance season is their annual sponsoring of a performance by a professional dance company. The BHDT has performed a number of pieces, including Dancin' With Gershwin and The Nutcracker.
South Dakota's dance heritage was founded on the dance rituals of early Native Americans. Many of these traditions are still practiced among Native people presently living in the state. Along with Indian dance culture, there are other avenues for experiencing dance in the state including dance studios. So whether you attend an Indian festival or take a class at a local dance studio, you're sure to find away to cut a rug on your South Dakota vacation.
