The Southern Ute Bear Dance Chief, Matthew Box hosted his annual Bear Dance Workshop at the Sky Ute Casino Resort on Tuesday, May 13. Participants and spectators learned about the Southern Ute Bear Dance history, the roles of the men and women, the rules of dancing, and demonstration on how to Bear Dance. The Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA) students filled the room in their traditional regalia to help the Bear Dance Chief show spectators how to dress as both men and women dancers.
SUIMA students, teachers and Southern Ute Royalty lined up to show the spectators what Bear Dance looks like.
Bear Dance Chief, Matthew Box explains the protocols of being the Bear Dance Chief at the Sky Ute Casino Resort.
Tribal elder, Ramona Eagle spoke about the roles the women have during the Bear Dance on Tuesday, May 13.
Southern Ute Royalty participated in the Bear Dance Workshop at the Sky Ute Casino’s Events Center on Tuesday, May 13. Jr. Miss Southern Ute, Leandra Litz, Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate, Olyvia Watts and Southern Ute Brave, Theoden Greany introduces themselves to attendees.
During the Bear Dance Workshop, men and boys demonstrated the sound a bear makes when its scratching on a tree. During the story telling portion by Matthew Box, he explained how the homemade growler box has changed over the years.
SUIMA students made their own ribbon dresses, skirts, shirts and shawls for the upcoming Bear Dance in Ignacio; set to take place over the Memorial Day weekend.
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Krista Richards | The Southern Ute Drum
Bear Dance 101
Tags: Bear Dance, Bear Dance Chief Matthew Box, bear dance growlers, Bear Dance Workshop, Jr. Miss Southern Ute Leandra Litz, Little Miss Southern Ute Alternate Olyvia Watts, Ramona Eagle, Sky Ute Casino Events Center, Southern Ute Brave Theoden Greany, Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy (SUIMA)