The Southern Ute Indian Tribe welcomed the spring season, bringing all three Ute tribes together this Memorial Day weekend – Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25. Dancers kicked up dust, moved to the rhythm of the growlers, and donned their best regalia for the four-day celebration. Local and visiting singers debuted new songs, as well as songs passed down for generations. On the final day, dancers go head-to-head with the singers for the “Last Dance” – dancing non-stop and eventually winning with a time of one hour and twenty-five minutes.
Bear Dancers of all ages take to the floor to enjoy the lively songs, warm weather, and celebration of the new season and year.
Ethan Rohde O’Leary has been diligently learning the characteristics and role of the “Catman” in recent years. Rohde O’Leary volunteered his time to help keep each dancer safe, and the corral organized as the celebration went on throughout the weekend.
Sisters, Ramona Eagle (left) and Linda Eagle (right) stand with their grandchildren during the opening day of this year’s Southern Ute Bear Dance. Kellis Wilbourn (front) is the granddaughter of Ramona Eagle, and Henry Whiteskunk II (back) is the grandson of Linda Eagle.
Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy students kicked off the weekend, gracing the Bear Dance corral and honoring the bear with the first dance. SUIMA students wore vibrant handmade regalia – crafted throughout the long winter season – as the young girls picked out their partners.
Bear Dancers approach the growler box on Sunday afternoon. The corral is filled with dancers – showing their best moves to the singers and spectators.
LaRee Avila, looks out into the corral as dancers pick their partners and line up on Sunday evening. The Bear Dance is a ladies choice dance; women will choose their dance partner by flicking their shawl fringe – the pair then move in tandem with the growlers backwards and forwards in the corral.
Ignacio Bear Dance Singers, fill the box as the sit shoulder to shoulder to share their tunes with the dancers and visitors. On Sunday evening, these singers brought all the dancers to the floor – singing their best songs into the night dance session.
Bear Dance saw no shortage of dancers this Memorial Day weekend; the corral was packed each day – ladies donned their best shawls, dresses, and jewelry for this year’s celebration. Members of the three Ute tribes gathered in Ignacio, Colo. for the annual event; visiting extended family, welcoming the spring season, and creating long lasting memories.
Ladies line up in front of their chosen dance partners on Sunday afternoon. Sarafina Chackee swings her shawl to the beat of the song; her partner follows.
Malene Avila jams out as the sun sets on Sunday evening, Avila is an avid bear dancer and powwow dancer – she guides her partner to the beat of the growlers during their dance.
Southern Ute tribal member, Alyas Maez watches over the fires that warm the dancers during the night dance session on Sunday.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
