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.