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
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Today is the day!
Friday, July 17, 2009
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
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Updated Itinerary Posted
Those interested can download the updated itinerary HERE.
You must have Adobe Acrobat installed to view file.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
A few from last night's dance at the Kwahadi Kiva
We (Mike Wilhelm & myself) had a wonderful time last night watching the dancers. It was our first visit and won't be our last.
Mike and I were amazed by the intensity of these young men & women, not to mention the beauty of the choreography, the amazing colors and driving it all the deep pulsing drum. If last night's show was any indication, I'm sure the Europeans will be thrilled by what these youngsters can do. We also enjoyed the humor, the narration and the important message behind the stories that every child should hear.
Thanks John! Here's hoping you all have a great trip, come back safely and serve as great examples of what the American youth are really like, driven, creative, patriotic and amazingly talented.
-Steve Douglass
Fire Dance
Video of the Fire Dance taken at the Kwahai Kiva last night. Thanks for the invite John. It was just great. The European Tour should garner rave reviews.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
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).
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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
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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
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