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FROM: THE SALAMANCA PRESS NEWSPAPER

_http://www.salamancapress.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=15260653&BRD=2725&PAG=461&
dept_id=562848&rfi=6_
(http://www.salamancapress.com/site/t...d=562848&rfi=6)

Seneca Dancing Becomes Part Of Home Football Games


By:SHARON TURANO, City Editor
09/22/2005






SALAMANCA - Preserving and promoting Seneca Indian culture, along with
educating others about it, is becoing part of Salamanca Warrior home football game
halftimes.
Seneca Youth Dancers are inviting school-age students to learn the dances
from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at Salamanca City Central School District's Middle
School Library.
Dancer outifits are expected to be made by school home and careers teachers
or classes, and dance instructors plan to teach dance students how to make
mocassins during the Wednesday sessions.
Those involved in the dance club, Senecas and non-Senecas alike from any area
school district, will then perform the dances they learn during half-time at
football, basketball, and, possibly lacrosse games ...to start.
Dancing during player introductions may become part of the effort, and, the
club would also like to take their talent on the road, going to other
districts, and, aiming to fundraise enough to perform at Walt Disney World.
The club began their efforts during last Friday's Warrior home football game
halftime.
That is when, they said, more people stayed in the stands than usual, and,
club members said they heard the dances were appreciated.
Salamanca City Central School Superintendent Rick Moore said he was glad to
see enthusiasm brought to the game by the dancers and new pep band, not to
mention the football players.
Ceremonial dances will not be done during the presentations, but, rather
social ones. The group will begin with the Fish Dance, War Dance, Welcome Dance,
Smoke Dance and Stick Dance. They plan to perform about four songs per game.
"It's to promote culture," said Blaine Tallchief, part of the group. Others
have different reasons for wanting to be part of it.
"It's to educate Indians and non-Indians," said Rachael Wolfe. Doing so also
helps preserve that culture, she said.
Autumn Crouse said she wants to give young kids an identity of who they are,
an identity, in which she feels they should have pride.
The group's members said this is the first time they have received school
administrative support to do such a project.
"We're on Seneca territory," said Moore. "We're visitors here," he said,
recalling how when one is in Rome, they should do as the Romans do.
At other districts, Moore said, students receive an education.
But, he asked, how many children leave those districts being bilingual and
knowing another culture. He said most children grow up only knowing one culture
- not in Salamanca.
Tallchief said the idea began years ago, when, he remembers presentations
being done by relatives who danced at shows and schools.
Moore thinks there is still a desire for people to learn others' cultures.
He said when he has hosted visitors they have expressed interest in seeing
Native American culture.
But, he said, there is still ignorance about that culture.
He said the best way to teach is immersion, and, he and the dancers, would
like to offer a form of that through the dance group.
"I think it's great," said Football Coach Jason Marsh. He said it is a chance
for youth to showcase their talent.
At least one youth agrees.
Middle Schooler Shawnee Printup said she wants to be part of the group. That
is not only because she thinks dancing is "awesome," a way to be with friends
and part of her culture, but, there are other reasons too.
"Others should learn," she said .
She invites them to begin doing so at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

Those interested in becoming part of the group or volunteering to help with
it can also call the school at 945-2400.


©Bradford Publishing 2005

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Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear... just sing, sing a song.