Welcome!
Exploring the Reemerging Alaskan Alutiiq Dance Arts
***AIRING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 ON ALASKA ONE PUBLIC TELEVISION***
The Alutiiq or Sugpiaq people are Native Alaskans whose long history
includes a complex social structure based upon the rich maritime resources
of the central Gulf of Alaska. Unfortunately, it also includes exploitation
by both Russians and Americans. The Alutiiq arts and culture were nearly
lost over the centuries of oppression by these invading cultures that attempted
to tear their culture from the Alutiiq people. Recently, however, something
unique and incredible has happened among the Alutiiq people. They have begun
to rediscover their rich artistic heritage and are choreographing new dances
and creating new art. They have found their dance. How did this cultural
reawakening begin? How has it found fertile ground among the younger generations
in the face of overwhelming pressure from American popular culture? How are
the traditional stories from the dramatic history of the Alutiiq people represented
in the art? Will it survive? These are just a few of the questions we are
asking in this important documentary film, “Finding their own Dance:
Reawakening the Alaskan Alutiiq Arts.”
Learn more »
This project involved on-site work in Alaska where Professors Ellen Van't Hof and Robert Prince observed key groups of Alutiiq dancers and artists creating their art. They interviewed and filmed the artists who chose traditional Alutiiq symbols or made new symbols in mask-carving, drum-making, regalia design and construction, song writing, and dance choreography.
DOWNLOAD THE TRAILER HERE
