Newspaper Article

Hi Steve

Thought you might like to see this and possibly upload? Its from our local Northumbrian newspaper, The Hexham Courant http://www.prudhoelocal.co.uk/american_indian_troupe_camps_out_in_prudhoe_1_592503?referrerPath=home/search_results_2_4942

Regards

Carol

Prudhoe Local
American Indian troupe camps out in Prudhoe

By ROBERT GIBSON robert.gibson@hexham-courant.co.uk

Last updated 09:48, Friday, 31 July 2009

AS TEXAN dance troupe, The Kwahadi Dancers, continue on their UK tour, it’s unlikely they’ll get a repeat of the glowing reception they received in Prudhoe.

Before their stunning performance at the town’s high school had even begun, they were made to feel at home with a barbecue and welcome from town mayor Jennifer McGee.

Prudhoe’s youth club The East Centre also helped out with proceedings, allowing the 63 dancers and support staff to camp in the charming, if smallish, building.

Naturally ‘elfin safety’ requirements – possibly not a big deal in Amarillo – had to be rigorously enforced, but youth worker Carol Quinn said it was worth it.

“It’s the first time we’ve had a sleep-over here, but we thought it was a really good opportunity for our young people to meet those from another culture,” she said.

The Kwahadi Dancers, who present a pageant of song, dance and stories of the American Indian, originated in the 1940s, when a group of Scouts put on what was supposed to be a single performance.

It proved a hit, however, and a whole movement grew out of it, sparking 4,000 further shows and making the group known throughout the world.

On organising the tour, the dancers contacted Scout groups throughout the UK to see any if any were interested in hosting them.

Leader of 1st Prudhoe Scouts Sue Charlesworth certainly was – and it’s unlikely she’s regretting her decision.

Taking over not only the stage, but the majority of the main hall at the high school, the dancers provided a memorable evening for which the term ‘something different’ does not quite suffice.

They certainly looked the part, for a start, with elaborate, colourful costumes and headdresses, composed of everything from hide to feathers to the ancient, mystical...CDs, it seemed.

With vibrant expressions, notably lacking the faintest trace of cynicism, the young people dazzled the audience with complex moves that were not only visually beautiful but rich in history and meaning.

We had the Old-style Ladies’ Traditional Dance, which the females traditionally performed in a circle outside the men, and the more modern Fancy Shawl Dance, which is essentially as close to feminist empowerment as American Indian culture comes.

Other delights included the Old Time Sneak-up Dance, in celebration of the skilled hunter, and the Friendship Dance, which saw members of the public making a mess of the simple act of shuffling.

The most inspiring aspect of the show, however, was the story-telling and words of wisdom passed on to local young people from tour organiser, Charles Ritchie. He has the rare gift of transmitting moral teachings without drifting into moralising, and of addressing young people’s concerns without being tempted to preach or patronise.

On paper, the themes read like cliches – being yourself, learning from mistakes, making the most of freedom – but he was able to a bring a freshness to them that made one stop and think.

Mr Ritchie was also consistently humorous, which – whether in Amarillo or Prudhoe – always helps to keep an audience.

And the Kwahadi Dancers certainly did that.

Manchester

Rain, did I mention it rains in England?

Did I mention there are three cycles to the day?
No rain....raining.....going to rain.

We last left off at Prudhoe and our wonderful host Sue Charlesworth.

What a wonderful bunch of people. In fact we have been treated so
good by everyone and we can never say thank you enough.

We visited the "Deep" a "sub" aquarium that gives you a eye to eye view of marine life and its beauty.

If you get the chance to go to a subaquarium, go and see this amazing world of beauty.

That night we camped at the Raywell Scout Acitivty Center.

I hate to admit this but I'm beginning to forget the many names of our lodgings are as we spending so little time in them.


They have all been good with the most important things being the showers and beds. You'd be surprised how much a hot shower and a bed can give you the energy we need to carry on, but still, the reality of this long tour is beginning to take it's toll.

Lack of sleep is a constant, and as a result everything becomes a blur. N We go too bed late, get up early,, throw down some breakfast (usually some cereal) load the bus, get on and then most of us go back to sleep while going from one gig to another.

Charles did send everyone an email tilted: "Can I talk you out of going"?
He talked about how hard trip like this is and he was right. It's one of those things that brings out the truth in "when the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Here a a few more photos for you to enjoy:

























































We passed up on touring the Leeds Armor (time is either your friend or not) and today, it was not our friend.

On this tour the old, "hurry up and wait" adage has it't truth, as we hurry up there is always the wait part usually due to traffic,
weather, or some other time-consuming obstacle placed in our path.

As a result we seem to always be a step or two behind the plan.

The Davyhulme Scout Hut was our next point of hibernation.

Bob Spoora was our host and we greatly appreciate him, his staff and all their help.

We just can't say enough about how wonderful everyone has been to us.

We're deeply appreciative of their kindness and consideration.

The Imperial War Museum was on our schedule today and if only more people would visit places like that, see the horror and trauma of war, maybe we could learn from history and stop repeating the cycle of madness.

It's a magnificent museum with many things to see, absorb, reflect on and gain an awareness of the insanity of war.

Our performance tonight was at a Maoonic Hall. This was especially meaningful to Mac, Tim and I as we are all three Masons. The crowd was great and for the second night we got to see, hear and enjoy the 3rd Davyhulme Scoutg and Guide Band of Manchester.

I've downloaded abut 700 photos from the last few days and picking just a few to upload is difficult.

Again I have ben blessed with a Scouter who has Internet access enabling to make my rather limited posts.

My host just went to bed (it's 2:55 AM) so I'm going to stop this feeble attempt of writng, try to upload some photos and hope for some sleep before we have to get up this morning, way too early.

Tomorrow we head to Gloucester and I'm really looking forward to it.

If I rememberw right, two young English scouts (Timothy and Simon) who stayed with my Judy and I, when we lived in Weatherford, Texas will be at our performance.

Their uncle David and other members of their family (including their parents) will also be there. It's been at least five years and I have a feeling they've grown.

Remember if you'd like to have the Kwahadi Dancers come your way, contact Charles Ritchie at Kwahadi.com.

Now off to bed - at least for a short while.

John Madden

PS: The internet connections we have been able to make are extremely slow, so a lot
of the photos I wanted to post never made it. Sleep thrumped photos.

Another post from Prudhoe

-Carol

A post from Prudhoe

Hello,

My name is Carol Quinn, I am a Youth Worker at The East Centre in Prudhoe, Northumberland, England-across-the pond ( :))

We were privileged to host The Kwahadi troup, yesterday and today. I am not quite sure of the time diff from here to Texas, but to quote a Bruce Dickinson (he from Iron Maiden " Americans are Behind ") Teehee. In time only, no offence intended. I have lots of friends in PA and the tri-state area and want to move there! Now we are fortunate to have made even more friends from Texas! What splendid people you are! I have to say a few tears were shed by my volunteers as we waved the stars and stripes to say "Byeee"

I am absolutely shattered following a sleepover at my youth centre with our scouts and your most splendid folks! So forgive my wibbling!

Have spent quite some time with dear sweet John Madden, attempting to upload some pics for you to add. Our computers at the centre are to say the least, a tad outdated and I am not sure whether you have been able to pick any up online.Could you please let me know the best way to send to you. I promised him I would send, scouts honour and all that! Don't want to let you guys down.

The visit was just so cool. The dancers surpassed excellence! It was a breath of fresh air to our Northumbrian way of life!

Will be lurking around on the net for a while, so please stay in touch

Kind Regards

Carol

More photos!

Click to enlarge










Here area few photos from the tour that John sent me to post.

-Steve Douglass

Photos

Okay,finally got it figured out, I think.

Here are some photos after Belfast, Ireland.

Look for the beautiful handicapped angel we were blessed to meet.

















John Madden