ALWAYS INSPIRING , ARTSPRIRING

As forementioned the Ho Chunk singers and dancers were the kickoff Artspire performance at the Pump House stage area Friday evening. Mixed feelings always stir within me when I am being a cultural tourist. I feel privileged to be able to experience another's cultural tradition yet guilty being entertained.

The other part is we, in this area, are living on Ho Chunk land and should not only remember that historic significance but respect its descendants and be kind to the land.

The dances were beautiful and educational as described by the Ho Chunk moderator  representing his tribe and family,  referring to his drumming/ singing circle as brothers and his pride in the four female sister dancers were truly his nieces. 

Each dancer and drummer/singer introduced themselves with their  English name and their Ho Chunk name and translation. 

Now married into the Chippewa clan, has
adopted those Ashinabe traditions

The dancers also explained their traditional dress of which many had put together themselves. 
Of the female dancers, two were applique dancers, self explanatory by seeing the beautiful appliques on their skirts and the other 2 jingle dancers since the silver bugle beads jingled (R) while they danced. 

The white feather can only be worn in honor due to having a relative who served in U.S. military, that very same white feather is red tipped if the soldier was injured in combat.

All the dancers wore leather moccasins which must take quite a beating on the pavement area.

Photos below of the women are of the healing dance for which we were all requested to stand in respect. Besides loved ones, our world certainly can use the as much healing as possible.

The male dancer , Mr. Greendeer wore an elaborate headdress leather interweaving its feathers. His breast plate he explained was made of plastic beads vs bones due to the excessive bone weight. 
Intricate beading donned his sleeves and the tunic like  pant panels were appliqued. 

Mr. Greendeer is a leader in both his communities, in the business world wearing a suit in his Western world job and also serving as an elected representative to the Legislature of the Ho-Chunk Nation besides his tribal responsibilities.

Our community has a large Hmong community so following the Ho Chunk presentation was a contemporary dance performed by a Hmong dance trio. No formal introduction/ explanation was shared regarding their one dance but it was so well done.

The choreography was great as were the performers. Kudos to this dance troupe.  Maybe we can see more of them next year!

The popular headliners for the evening Cloud Cult wrapped up the evening with their Indie Alternative rock music and art. Always a crowd pleaser, folks of all ages come from all over to hear them.

We were truly blessed with a really pleasant summer evening Friday to kick off ARTSPIRE.
  
            Thank you for celebrating the Arts La Crosse.