Thank you coming up

Åfter rehab in Ruidoso, NW playing 18 holes of golf for two days, eating great food at Cornerstone Bakery (359 Sudderth Drive, in Ruidoso) several times. The food is wonderful but the pies are to die for. The crust! Out of the world.

Okay, back to my train of thought.

The more I think about it our tour would not be complete without a "Thank You" to and our hosts and the nameless helpers that gave us places to sleep, eat, shower (yes, that was a wonderful experience when it happened) and meals to go.

Might even throw in a few other thanks.

I'm in the process, be it ever so slow, of going back and putting a Thank You together for and to them.

Hope you are are rested, happy and our health is great.

Coming soon.

"Thank You"

John Madden

Thoughts

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!

This trip has been a ball and I would like to mention to some of the things, people and events that have stayed with me.

In hindsight this blog was more difficult to pull off than I expected, much more time consuming, WiFi (McDonalds has Free WiFi- so I learned) was not as much a reality as I had been told, and thus generated considerable loss of sleep.

My goal from the get go was to:

A: Allow parents to make the trip with us thereby keeping up with what their children were doing;

B: Hoping people (in the countries we were going to) would find out about it and travel with us; giving people who didn't know about the Kwahadi Dancers the opportunity to find out and maybe want us to come there for them.

C: Generate some media awareness out there so maybe other Boy and Girl Scouts in our area would be interested in becoming a Kwahadi; and creating a journal of the trip for the Kwahadis.

That said,

First and foremost I want to thank Charles Ritchie.

He spend a couple of years putting this together by sending out more emails than most of us will ever know about. From what I understand, it started out with a parent/Big Red meeting two years ago discussing the idea of the trip.



As we moved from place to place and week to week, Charles would announce (to himself or anyone who might be listening/awake)what booked event we were going to next.

Everyday and everything was scheduled.

We can never say "thank you" enough to Charles and he wouldn't wanted us to (I learned he doesn't like the limelight or attention zeroed in on him).

Time provided schedules were made to be broken, but provided a backbone to build out tour on.

Still I had high hopes of finding something "golf" to take back to a friend (maybe that's not the right word as he's the bum who got me started playing golf after fending the fix until my sixty-fourth birthday). We drove past a couple "pitch and putt" courses (three hole par courses). That's about a close as I would get and we were in Scotland where it all started.

Did I mention no one in Scotland wanted us?

A reality we soon learned was "lines would become a way of tour life."

Taking the Kwahadi Dancers, their dances, talent, dedication, skill and numbers on a trip that will allow thousands to see something they've probably never seen and never would.

On a trip like this or any trip there are opportunities, adventures, challenges, ups and downs, personalities, schedules, schedules changes due to unseen events, sites to see, things to do, places to go, history to learn, history to make, time constraints, desires to see or do more, free time, not enough free time, and experiences of a life time all generated by long term and time planning.

While I'm thinking about it, the plane ride across the Atlantic waa long, tiring and very interesting. One the seats, in front of us, there was a screen. You could watch movies, listen to music and watch via a GPS our flight.

I've flown a lot but this was a first for me. Maybe it's a trans ocean thing. I've flown across both oceans, no not just before planes had jet engines.

Take a look.





Neat isn't it?

I'm more of a watcher, sit-back-and-observe person (a lot of it
comes from being raised in a military family and being in the military myself). I don't talk a lot, but enjoy what I'm doing now. Putting my thoughts, observations, experiences and life in writing (talk about my high school English teacher not believing this).

The people, things, and places following are not in any order than when and how they came to my mind.

Sign honoring Baden Powell first campsite.







A happy herd returns from Brownsea Island.









The sign explains the Wall of suitcases, we saw in museum.














Scouting for adults (18 years and older) is different in England. Don't know if it's the same in Ireland, Northern Ireland or Scotland. I do know, from growing up in Germany, that Europe looks upon drinking much different than we do. German scouts we camped with thought nothing of dranking wine or beer. It was no big thing.

The Scouter I talked to, talked about teaching moderation and being responsibile. He had coaster that boasted a ale called "Amarillo." I told him I was from Amarillo, asked for it and he gave it to me. Cool.

Manchester United arena. I still can't get over not being able to find a t-shirt for my grandson, size 6.










Thatched roof. We saw numerous of these and they are such a part of history.










Signs made me laugh and look forward to the next laugh.












Most of us have come under the "talk - as I refer to call it" from Janet Janzen. Those talks have not always left me with warm fuzzy feelings. On this endurance tour I saw her in a different light filled with respect and glad I wasn't having to do what she had to do. She's a wonderful cornerstone that supports the Kwahadis, Charles and everyone on tour.

Don't get me wrong, she still can deliver a "talk" that will let you know just what whats.

This was my first time to meet and be around Loy Halley. I like this Lady. She always had smile, was quick witted, fast on comebacks and ready to do what ever she could for anyone.

These two Ladies will move mountains if needed. They'll do what needs to be done. Theirs is a value that does more than most people ever see or know.












Denys Sanders is one of the strong right hands of Charles. I don/t know how long he’s been active but I know he’s part of the glue that holds it all together. He drives the bus (I voe for someone else to count antelope). He’s one of several right hands for Charles (he overseas so many aspects of a trip I wonder how he ever keeps them all straight in his mind). He always has a smile and kind word close by.

Jolene Sanders (Denys better half) is a lady who has raised a family of strong, talented and gifted children. Her quite strength reminds me of my Grandmother, who was extremely influencial in my rasing. Like my Mama, as I called her, Joylene is a tower of strength that bends with the wind but never breaks. She’s always there, solid, quite, strong, and with a helping hand. A neat Lady!

David, Dustin and Doanh are three uniquely different individuals who add their skills, talent and dancing to the Kwahadiis.

David is outgoing, quite strength and a past Head Chief.






I really like this shot. Talked to David before hand as I had tried to get one previously.

Dustin works hard at being Head Chief and takes it very seriously. This is not an easy responsibility. Being Head Chief is an honor, as it comes from a vote of the Kwahadi Dancers. He does the captured eagle dance as a result of being head chief and does an outstanding dance.

Doanh overseas the difficult task of herd accountability, food distribution and is a Shawl Dancer. She also gave me a friendly, hard time, trying to get a photo of her sticking her tongue out at me. One of these days, one of these days.

Neat young lady.










Judy Dahl and Linda Wislon are two other cornerstones of the Kwahadis via the Big Red. Not only are they Mothers to talented dancers, they are positive forces silently, but constantly, supporting and defining that unseen spirit that is the blood line of the Kwahadi Dancers.










They have smiles that light up any room they enter. These Ladies are tops in my book.












Mike Atkinson was another first time person for me, to met. A smile was his hello. He took care of all the gifts we gave and received. I enjoyed watching him interacting with people. He's an asset that is the backbone of Scouting and adds that strength to the Kwahadi Dancers.

David Adler is a former Kwahadi Dancer who Charles says has made every overseas tour with him. He quietly went about watching and silently honoring those he saw doing for others. He told and showed how the Comanches honor someone, especially at Pow Wows. They drop money or a gift in front of a person/dancer and that gift is then picked up by someone, not the one being honored. It is then given to the one honored.





I was privileged to get "The Archer" as I took so many shots (photos). It sits in one of my glass cabinets. Thank you David.

Chris Redmon carried a box for the whole tour. It was full of gift he gave everyone, honoring the tour. He's also a former Kwahadi Dancer and has carried the Kwahadi of visiting Pueblos in New Mexico. His gift was more than the present, it was his love, experience and knowledge of Native American traditions.



In addition to their gifts and personalities both David and Chris were singers.

Jim Fletcher was/is one of my favorite people. He always had smile, "hello John how are you?", and a quite strength. Get to know this man and you'll understand.

I've mentioned Neal before. Just from first glimpse, he reminded me of some one who might be full of himself. I was so wrong! Instead he's a fun loving, confident, extremely considerate, outgoing and full of life young man. I told him if he ever needed a letter of recommendation to let me know.

Nick Wilson is one of the best dancers I've seen. He puts himself totally into the dance.









He's a fancy dancer but also does the hoop dance. Many people look at a dancer like Nick and think he tries to steal the show. Not ture. He reminds me of a dancer called Comanche John. When you see Comanche John dance he's out front and you realize he's in a world of his own. It's not boasting when you are a dancer of that quailty.


Reed Wetmore is another outstanding dancer. He's also a fancy dancer. He puts his whole self into his dance and like Comanche John and Nick he's in a world of his own. He's not as out front as Nick, but he's of the same spirit. Not boasting, but being the spirit of the dance.









I really enjoy it when they dance at each other. Theirs is a dance of challenge and respect as they jump up and high five each other, with their chests. Pride and confidence are important no matter what one does in life.

Over the years I've been honored to judge dancers at Pow Wows and both Nick and Reed can dance with the best.

Collin Wilson is another dancer that brings his all to the dance. He's the yell you hear above the singers, the drum and the other dancers. He's good a painting his face and sharing that with any other dancer who wants their face painted.





Dylan Evans is the Head Chief of the Kossa Dancers. He's also a fancy dancer who gives his all. He's full of energy and his jumps are great. I never got a good shot of one of his jumps, but not from trying.




It's good to see so many young men, like him, in leadership roles.

Two exceptional young men are Matt Visel and Colin Lawson from Ulvalde, Texas and the Sahawe Dancers.
















Caitlin Dahl is the head of the Maiden Society and an award winning Fancy Shawl Dancer. She's also going to Texas A & M this year. My wife, Judy, and I love to watch her dance.



















A tower of strength and tons of possibility is Daniel Rigsby. He's chief of the Souix clan (traditional dancers) and an outstanding fluete player. This young man will go as far as he decides in life.



















Dr Glenn Henderson.













One of the most interesting individuals I've ever met is Dr. Glenn Harrison. He's so full of that line of baloney, knowledge, wisdom, calm, tidbits, humor, questioning and a proud husband, father and grandfather. He spend many years in the Navy as a Dentist and as well as many years in Scouting. He made the trip more enjoyable just by being around him. I would like to introduce him to many of my friends so they would know a man of such great qualities.

He's a long time friend of Charles. If I remember right they were college room mates and his son was a Kwahadi. If I'm wrong, it's "sum-timers."


Steven Johnson is Mr. Quiet.




Steven is often in a world of his own, but when it comes to dancing he's all Kwahadi. He has that cowboy silence about him and having been a cowboy as well as Cherokee/Irish I notice it.

We danced before 6,291 folks.I know because I was the counter and had to use every ones toes and fingers many times.




We danced with so many.








































My travel partners, Billie Jo Pettigrew (caution: do not sit next to or near Billie if she has a fresh cup of HOT coffee and you have new white sneakers on-trust me on this) and Melinda Wells. These ladies put up with me, worried about me and made my trip more interesting.











Thank you Ladies.








We danced for so many.
































A smiling Charles at a successful tour.



















Quoting his own words "check into rehab."














People (John Wayne use to say that in his movies) - it's been fun, it's been great and till our next adventure.



Thank you and enjoy the memories from my English Scouter friends, Tim, Simon (who stayed with Judy and I ten years ago when their Boy Scout troop came from England to summer camp in the USA. Their parents, Uncle David and Linda (both whom Judy and I have spent time with when they were in Texas) and Simon's girlfriend.











John Madden

FYI

I'm working on the last update so don't give up.

However, right now I'm doing what Charles said in his last itenary....his comment was "check into rehab"....so after an unplanned three day rehab when we got back I'm doing my rehab in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

I played 18 holes of golf today with my good friend, KP (Kenneth Poole). We were suppose to play with some of my high school classmates, but none of them showed up. We didn't think we smelled bad, we took showers before leaving our lovely wives (Judy for me and Carolene for KP) this morning.

No we did not play good, but as they say...at least we played. Yea, but playing good is better.

The ladies shopped and said they had a great time. Wonder how much their good time cost us?

We're going to try another 18 holes tomorrow.

Yes, the ladies are going shopping again.

Looking back on our tour, I tried to find a Manchester United t-shirt for our grandson, Harrison. He had a little time in the hospital getting his tonsils out, so Pops (that's me) thought - He loves soccer and I'll get his a t-shirt.

Strange by everyone must of had needed a size 6 t-shirt, as I could find smaller and bigger. So I had to settle for another team and I don't even remember the name.

So I'm thinking I'll look for a soccer t-shirt in Ruidoso. Maybe that'd be okay.

Had as much luck finding that t-shirt as I had on the golf course. Must be some kind of Karma at work.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my thoughts, our trip, our experience and photos with you.

Thank you to those who have made comments.

Just wanted to let you (hopefully there are still some of you out there wanting to see and read the last posting) that I'll get it donee as soon as I/we get back/out of rehab.


John Madden

We’re flying high to Shannon Ireland.

Well not just yet, as the first leg was a “Road Trip” (in our bus) to
Camp Wisdom. it’s right in the big middle of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.



The first thing that we got was the unwelcome and uninvited reality of humidity Texas style. It embraced us with its heavy arms of “Hello welcome to my den” around us and started to wring the dry West Texas out of us. It worked on me.

In no time I looked a drowned rat.

Most of the others faired much better or at least their t-shirts didn’t look like a they had just come out of the wash.

After a night in the humidity den we boarded our bus and headed for McD’s and breakfeast. Coffee was on most of the adults minds and we needed it to kick start our hearts.

As 99% of the youth I’ve ever been privileged to work with ours, took everything in stirde and never missed a lick. These kids are the cream of the crop and all their parents should be extremely proud of them.

On a personal note, my brother and sister-in-laws, Bill Don and Vicki came by to see me, give me a hug and wish us goodbye and a wonderful trip. Family is wonderful.

We procceded to DFW and our search for Continential Airlines. After circling the roadways,we decided we had missed ours and headed back where we came from. Don't know if we There were more suitcases, backpacks, duffle bags and such than most armies travel with.

Making our way up the escalator holding on to our bags was a test in human determination, at least for me.

The unwanted humidity found us, again, and we had to pay homage to its demands. So much mositure esaping just doesn’t look good on me, especially when it bleeds through my new gift-travel t-shirt from Kristi Russell, Virgina Garland and Linda Wilson. “Dancing Our Way Across the UK” with every ones names on it. How cool is that? Thank you Ladies!




“Passports, give me your passports" Dustin said and we did. So they could start processing our tickets.

Hey, hey, this is about to be real.

We passed inspection and all were passed on into the inter sanctom of the airport. Our gate, #8, was right in front of us and all we had to do was wait. This four letter word will get a lot use before this tour is over.

Food, some wanted and found food. Some stood around knowing sitting was going to be our mode of travel for many a day. Others had things to read, games to play, people to watch and time to wait.

We boarded our flight, pilot got the okay to taxi, we moved into line to wait our turn. Before too long the roar of our jet threw us into the air as if we had been shot out of a giant sling shot.

It’s interesting that when you’ve done something many times you forget the thrill of the first time. I had the opportunity to sit with Ryan and Colin on their first flight. It was neat seeing them so full of excitement, wonder, and enjoyment as we flew.

Everything was new. When was the last time you saw that in someones eyes or felt that feeling yourself? It made, no gave me, the opportunity to enjoy the flight even more.

As we flew into Newark, NJ we saw the skyline of New York City, the Empire State building and the Statute of Liberty. What a picture and I was as transfixed as everyone. My camera was resting below my seat! I’m a photographer and suppose to capture moments like that. I did, but only in my memory.

Two gates later we boarded and started our long flight across the Atlantic. It was dark when we flew over it and games, movies, sleep and no sleep keep every one busy.

Ireland....we landed. This is real!

It is so beautiful and I'll post more photos later. This is the first time
we've had internet and thanks to Philip Sheeran it's happening, from his house. Thank you Philip.

Tony is our bus driver and after some anxious times he finds us about the same timed we find him. What a bus. A double-decker and it has air conditioning.

We saw the cliffs of Moher and they are fantastic. It started to rain, not much but enough to round up our herd and head them back to the bus.



The Renmore Scout hut is in sight.

We unloaded, they feed us, we changed into our regalia (the weather was a concern--as we've learned it rains in Ireland).

A man told Mike "This is a passing shower, but it may take a day or two to pass." Tis true.


The Spanish Arch, which is 500 years old, on the bank of the Corrib River was the site of our first performance. It was as they say, "a grand show" of over 200 plus people of all ages.

All the tired, lack of sleep and jet lag didn't keep the Kwahadis from giving more than 100% and the crowd loved them. People stayed and visited, Kwahadi Dancers handed out collector photo cards, thanks to the Big Red, and many an autograph was asked for and given.

Another great step in people knowing the Kwahadi Dancers.

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It was a great way to start our tour. The crowd was wonderful, the Kwahadi put their all into it and friends were made, fans were made and photos were taken.

What a great day, we're tired, got some showers and most are asleep as I write.

Tomorrow we kiss the Blarney Stone and put on another show. If we can find access, we'll post, if not we'll have to wait to find a place like now.

Hope you enjoyed our days, our travels and tell others about us. We love to be talked about.

Dancing for Food we go forth.

John Madden

Today is the day!

We leave on a wonderful experience TODAY! It seems like it was just yesterday that this day was a year and a half away. Time has flown and now it's double down day.

We had full house for our last summer show last night with three Boy Scouts troops spending the night, a group of Lion Club Exchange students, representatives from Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, family, friends and many others.

You should have seen it. The hoop fire dance was "Wow" and we had more hoop dancers than I've ever seen at the Kiva. Everyone danced their hearts out and the crowd roared with appreciation.

Early this week, Monday night, we danced at Pilmont Scout Ranch, in Cimarron, New Mexico. Their were over two hundred people in the audience. One of the guest was Native American and we saw her singing and moving to the songs. One of our Chiefs asked her to dance with him in the round and two step. It was so cool to see her and know that she felt at home with us.

If you've never been to Philmont. You need to go. It's my favorite place, not just in Scouting but in feeling, atmosphere and beauty. I took my Woodbadge there at Zastro Lodge, three treks as a scout and 2 as a Scoutmaster. I have wonderful and long time friends there, including Doug Palmer on staff, Buddy Morse a long time Cimarron resident, brother Cherokee and scouter and more memories than I can relive in several life times.

Brian R. Gray, Director, Philmont Training Center has been a long time friend and supporter of the Kwahadis. We can't thank him enough for all he's done for us.

Philmont brings out the best in all who hike its trails and has the greatest people working there. GO and see for yourself.

We/I want to thank the Amarillo Globe-News ( check out Amariillo.com for stories on our tour), Margaret Meyers, Features Editor; Brad Newman, staff writer; Steve Pair, New Dircetor at KVII Pro News ( we hope to have Skype interviews along the way on KVII) in Amarillo; Lucas Jefferson, Assignment Editor for KVII Pro News; Mike Wilhelm, The Net Works; and Steve Douglas, fellow photographer, writer and web designer ( this could not of happend with Steve ) for all their help, support and encouragement.

Okay, I'm out the door and off the Kiva.

Come along with us and see what we see through our eyes and words.

John Madden

Winners

Caitlin Dahl won first place in the Texas Indian Hobbyist pow-wow and competition recently, in the Ladies Fancy Shawl. Caitlin is the Head Maiden of the Kwahadi ladies.



Matt Visel (on the right ) won first place in the Northern and Southern Fancy Dance and Colin Lawson won second place in the Southern Fancy Dance. Both Matt and Colin are both former Sahawe Indian Dancers who are going on our tour.

Come and see all three of these champions and all the outstanding dancers.

We leave Sunday for Dallas, Texas and fly out of Dallas, headed to Shannon. Ireland.

Time is racing and we look forward to entertaining, seeing, meeting and getting to know you.

John Madden

Opportunities for Kwahadi Dancers are everywhere!

The following is an email sent from Charles Ritchie (Advisor or Venture Crew 9 and long-long time advisor/champion of the Kwahadi Dacners).

-----

Dance opportunity:

The Lone Star Ballet is looking for a few Kwahadi Braves or Chiefs who would like to perform in a production this fall entitled Rainforest. You would be involved in a few rehearsals, learn choreographed dance steps of the production, and portray an Amazon culture hunting scene.

The production is planned to be presented in several venues, including the Kwahadi Kiva.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity to perform as part of the Lone Star Ballet, contact Kwahadi alumnus, King Hill, ASAP at 680-7720.

The lead teacher of the production is visiting from Chicago this week and would like to meet with interested Kwahadis this Thu or Friday at a. 2:00 pm. Mr. Hill will arrange the meeting for those who would like to participant.

Think about it….and respond quickly,

Charles

----

With all the television shows about dancing, Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys wining the "Dancing With The Stars" on ABC and how much dance has been a part of life this opportunity comes knocking at the door for a new adventure.

Do you like to dance? See the Kwahadi Dancers.

The Kwahadi Dancers are a unique blend of talented, dedicated, hard working and enjoyable young people you'll ever see.

Time is getting shorter and the Kwahadi Dancers European Tour 2009 is getting closer and closer.

Come see them.

John Madden

We left yesterday -- in two weeks!

Times racing by. As if this writing we, the Kwahadi Dancers, left yesterday ( in two weeks, thanks for reminding me Charles - I was just getting in the mood and my mind didn't stop to check what I wrote), Sunday, July 19th at 1 PM from Amarillo headed towards the Redbird Armory in Dallas. We will have spent the night, had a healthy breakfast at McDonalds, near DFW, check in at Continental Airlines and leave on flight 1136 ( Boeing 737-500 is the bottom photo ) at 12:45 PM for Newark, NJ.

A mere 3 hours - 45 minutes and 1,372 miles later we'll land at Newark. Wonder what the movie will be? Wait, what about the meal? What will it be?

At 7:25 PM we board Continental flight 24 ( Boeing 757-200 is the top photo ), depart Newark and head for Shannon Airport in Ireland. Do you know it takes 6 hours - 35 minutes to fly that 3,096 miles? So a movie, a sleep over and we're there? Well kind of.

Okay, check you watch and move it FORWARD 6 hours.

Finding food at the airport will be our first European adventure. This will be important!

Nine AM finds us boarding Marshall Coach Company and departing for Galway. On the way we'll visit the Cliffs of Moher (and another test of finding food), depart to see The Burren before arriving at the Renmore Scout Den in Renmore, Galway. Our host is Eamon Hartley.

After an evening meal we'll perform our first show at the Scout Den.

This is going to be such a blast, so much fun, work, opportunity to meet new friends, see so much of the beauty of Ireland, Scotland, UK and Paris.

How can you not join us for a tour?

Come on aboard the Kwahadi Dancers European Tour 09.

John Madden

I Stand Corrected, Thanks Matt

Howdy

I got an email from Matt Visel concerning my posting of the Sahawe Indian Dancers today and wanted to pass it along.

Thanks Matt for letting me know.

So, folks go see the Sahawe Indian Dancers, you'll see an outstanding show, have a great time and met some talented kids.

John Madden


Howdy Mr. Madden,

I am writing this email out of appreciation and to notify you of a misunderstanding.

The Sahawe Indian Dancers are not going on the European tour. However, Myself and Colin Lawson, both former Sahawe Dancers, are. There has been a wave of misunderstanding on this subject spreading through our small town.

Actually, while Colin and I are touring in Europe, the Sahawes will be holding their feature performances for the year, The Annual Sahawe Summer Ceremonials, back here at home.

I do appreciate you taking the initiative of notifying the media of our upcoming overseas adventures, I just thought it would be well to let you know of the miscommunication.

I'm looking forward to meeting you and Joining all the Kwahadis again for a great adventure!

Sincerely,
Matt Visel

Ireland, Scotand and UK come see the Kwahadi Dancers. Bring your cameras and be ready to be entertained.

Sahawe and Kossa Dancers joining Kwahadis on Tour

The Sahawe Indian Dancers were originally founded in 1950 as the Comanche Club Indians by Scoutmaster of Troop 81 in Uvalde, Texas, Joe W. Williams, as a program for older boys in scouting. Mr. Williams had read about a similar program in La Junta, Colorado, known as the Koshare Indian Dancers, and their Buck Burshears. Mr. William and Mr. Burshears corresponded for some time about the possibilities of starting such an Indian dance group in Uvalde. The name of the group was changed to Sahawe Indian Dancers in 1952.

Their first performance was a three minute dance for a Boy Scout Camporee held on the Nueces River, south of Uvalde,Texas. The group had no idea that it would grow into a full time project. Following that performance, they received calls to dance again and again. Several months after that first performance, they were invited to represent the Concho Valley Council, BSA, at a Scout Circus in Ft. Worth, Texas in the Will Rogers Coliseum before 14,000 people.

During the past 50 years several hundred boys have gone through the Sahawe program performing over 2000 shows. They have been designated as Uvalde’s “Ambassadors of Good Will” and were selected as Uvalde’s #1 tourist attractions by the Texas Travel Writers.

The Sahawe organization is made up of boys and girls ranging from the 5th grade through high school and beyond. Many former members still perform with the group when their schedule permits.

Along with their Sahawe activities, the boys are also active in their schools, churches, and other activities. Many excel in athletics, band, scholastics, and 4-H, winning local, area, and state awards. It takes great dedication to juggle all of these activities.

They have danced at the 2007 and 2008 Comache Homecoming Pow Wow in Walters, Oklahoma. at Sultan Park.

The Kossa Dancers began in 1969 as West-Cal Chapter of the Order of the Arrow Dance Team. Over the next few years, the team grew, produced 27 state champion dance teams, two bi-state champion dance teams, and placed in the top three teams in the United States twice. The team was voted the most authentic team in the nation at the National Order of the Arrow Conference, the first team to ever win this award.

In 1983, the decision was made to form an Explorer Post, for youth who wanted to study and perform in more depth. Kossa Dancers will perform for any area organization for a nominal fee to cover expenses. Over the years, the group has included many Eagle Scouts, a number of whom are still active within the organization.

In December 1991, Kossa Plaza was opened, giving the group its own dance theatre for youth. The Plaza, located in Sulphur, La., features a large oval stage. At one end is a wide stair way and wall, modeled after a kiva of an actual pueblo. At the other end is a pueblo village of several stories. Dancers can enter the performance area from the stairway or from ladders down the pueblo wall. The building also includes a Trading Post and numerous works of art done by natives of the Southwest.

The year 2003 brought the introduction of the Red Cactus Flower Dancers into the Kossa organization. At the Winter show in February 2005, a training team was formed of younger boys and girls, to begin getting them ready to move into the dance team when they progress and age enough to be able to dance and travel with the older members.

The Kossa's have traveled nation-wide to perform with their friends the Koshare, Kwahadi and Sahawe Indian Dancers.

Come join us, take the tour with us and see Ireland, Scotland, UK and Paris through our Eyes.

John Madden

Meet the Leaders

The Kwahadi Dancers are a group of dedicated, talented, hard working and fun loving youth. This is truly "A Place Where Children Are The Stars."

They were honored by being given the name "Kwahadi" by the Elders of the Comanche Nation.

They were also recognized with the Texas Commission of the Arts Youth Award for Excellance and chosen to represent the United States at the International Festival of the Arts in Ammon Jordan and to represent the North American Continent at the TreX Games in Busan, South Korea.

The Kwahadis have performed at the Boy Scout Jamboree, the Canadian Scout Jamboree, and for over 30,000 youth and parents at the Milennium Jamboral near Ogden, Utah.

We are proud and invite you to know our leaders.

Leadership positions among the Kwahadi Dancers are elected annually for the Kiowa and Souix clans and every six months for the Maiden Society.

Based on their performance, attendance, their rank and other criteria, these young men and women are elected by their peers as leadership of the group.

Come along, join us, sign in at the blog and follow us on our journey. If you try hard enough you can hear the music and feel the enjoyment of watching the Kwahadi Dancers.

John Madden