The 134th UMU Bear Dance welcomes all!
Friday - June 16, 2023 by Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Young Bear Dancers enjoy one last dance on Monday, while the adult dancers cheer them on along the sidelines of the corral. In preparation for the last dance, the challenge between dancers and singers, the children enjoy an open dance floor before concluding their session of the Ute Mountain Ute Bear Dance.
Southern Ute singers take their turn at the growler box, singing all their favorite songs keeping the dancers on their feet. Singer's travel throughout Ute country each spring to share songs and visit friends and family.
Southern Ute tribal member Rhianna Carel smiles in line awaiting to dance with her partner on Sunday, June 4 during the Ute Mountain Ute Bear Dance. Dancers bring out their best moves and adorn their best regalia for this four-day event.
Catman Norman Wall stands with his whip before dancers take to the corral on Monday, June 5. The Catman ensures the dancers stay in line and keeps a watchful eye throughout the entirety of the four-day Spring celebration.
Lady Bear Dancers line the corral, dancing along to the beat of growlers, while staying in time with the beat and swaying their shawls.
Catman Marvin Pinnecoose jams out with dancers, watching pairs as they dance throughout the corral.
Sisters, Leora Lucero and Lisa Burch share a dance together on the last day of the Ute Mountain Ute Bear Dance celebration.
Partners guide each other throughout the corral on the last day of the Bear Dance celebration in Towaoc Colo. This will be the second to last Bear Dance of the year before the final Bear Dance takes place in White Mesa in September.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum
Dancers, singers, and their families gather for the Ute Mountain Ute Bear Dance held in neighboring Towaoc Colo., the four-day event took place on Friday, June 2 and continued through Monday, June 5. Despite the hot weather, dancers joined hands as singers sang their best songs in celebration of the new spring season.