Thunderbird American Indian Dancers preview

Thunderbird American Indian Dancers
Theater for the New City
Opens Jan 30.

Your kids may have gotten an eyeful of world dance demos at last summer’s many family festivals. But have they seen North America’s own movers? This month, the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers return to Theater for the New City for their annual concert and powwow. During the two-week run, the group will perform dances that originated among native tribes nationwide.

The styles differ by region. In the Great Plains, for example, where dances are usually held outside, big, sweeping gestures are common. Southwestern choreography is more confined and studied, arising from its traditional setting indoors.

While Thunderbird’s evening shows are geared toward adults, the weekend matinees are condensed for young attention spans. Performers explain what each piece represents and what the movements mean. Kids are then invited to join in and see the footwork and costumes up close.

A bazaar in the theater’s lobby will sell handmade art from various regions, which, says artistic director Louis Mofsie, will further people’s understanding of Native American customs.