Redhawk Dance Troupe:

Young students enjoy our programs because our artists create an atmosphere that makes education and learning fun. Students will learn the difference in the music, dance and culture of the many Native American nations from across the country. World champion dancers demonstrate their styles of dance and deliver a description of the dance's origin and significance. An explanation of the regalia worn during the performances is also given. Our artists always perform to live music; never pre-recorded. Students have the rare opportunity to witness and participate in dances from the Southwest, Northern Plains and Eastern Woodlands. Stories are not just told; they evolve into theatrical performances that help break stereotypes and allow students to relate to Native Americas today. Tri-state area students studying Native American history of the Eastern Woodlands have the incomparable opportunity to view a Native American educator from that area who can talk about his own history, culture and current life experiences.

Library Programs: Librarians are excited when our artist turns an educational program into a fun family experience. Parents are delighted watching their children show enthusiasm learning about different cultures and participating in dances and music. Our message of respecting the earth, our elders and working hard to be the best you can be, is always a favorite with educators and parents.

Universities: University organizations enjoy the various performances our artists are able to provide. Environmental groups understand our close relationships with the environment and the different dances we perform in honor of the earth, sun, water, plant life, animals and harvest ceremonies. Theater groups enjoy our actual renditions of creation stories, births of dances and the creation of our musical instruments. Latin Organizations can experience the many programs our Native artists from South America and the Caribbean present.

Corporate Employee Diversity Programs: Corporations, both public and private, as well as government agencies, have utilized our artists and educators to present programs that help their employees better understand Native Americans - cultures past, present and what the future holds for Americas first people. Our artists create fun exciting programs and have little difficulty getting employees out of their seats to dance with us. Lectures on diversity in the workplace, fighting stereotypes and the close relationship between Native Americans of North and South America are available.

Workshops:

• Instrument making (drum, flute, rattles)
• Crafts (dream catchers, dance sticks, jewelry, feather and leather work)
• Storytelling (creating stories, traditional stories, contemporary works)
• Dance and Development of dance. (hoop, traditional, contemporary, Northern Plains, Southern Plains, Eastern Woodlands, Southeast Woodlands). Students focus on three areas: learn a Nations history, Native culture and present day Native life. A class will create a dance relating to the past lifestyle and culture, create a dance for the present, and combine what was learned about both lifestyles and cultures to look into the future. This workshop helps students become actively involved as they will not just study a particular Nation of people, but will actually create a dance, which will be performed at the culmination of the workshop.
• Education (history of various Nations both North and South American)
• Teachers (evaluation of resources and curriculum educators are using to teach students)

We Have Provided Programs for:

• Viacom
• ATT
• Verizon
• Lucent Technologies
• HBO
• Treasury Department
• CIA
• National Museum of the American Indian
• Dance Theater of Harlem
• Paramount Communications
• National Park Service
• New York City Parks Department
• New York and New Jersey Library systems
• Columbia University
• Rutgers University
• New York University
• St. Johns University
• Board of Education of NY, NJ, CT, PA

Reactions to Redhawk Art Council's Programs and Workshops

• "Their rapport with the kids was the best we have seen, they kept the kids on the edge of their seats."
  -Thomas Warren Ph.D., New York City Board to Education
• "They did a superb job, appealing to a wide range of ages and stages, from the hoop dance to sign language, their earnestness mixed with humor was artful and engaging."
  -Ellen Meyer Shorb, Mountain Lakes Cultural Arts Director
• "We received many wonderful comments about the performance, their willingness to share the teaching of various Native customs throughout the America's made the programs our best ever."
   -Margaret A. Shohan, Department of the Army Communications Command, FT Monouth
• "Thank you for a terrific performance, the boys in the group are quite a rowdy bunch but they listened and watched intently. The parents appreciated the message about working hard, respecting your elders and doing your best."
  -Marica Literati, Cub Scout Pack 44
• "Your excellent presentation was educational, enlighten and empowering. I was amazed at the level of participation from my college students, they enjoyed the program from start to finish especially the hoop dancer."
  -Diego L. Colon Ph.D., Director - College Discovery Program City University of New York