Dancing in the Rain

It began with a few sprinkles just as the dancing got under way, but the day was mostly dry...until around 3 PM, when a Pacific Islander dance group of Tonga tribal people took the arena, sharing their social dances. and thunder and lightning accompanied their music. As they left the dance arena, the rain began in earnest.

After a few moments of silence, the Phoenix Boys drum began to sing without a cue from the arena director or the master of ceremonies. They turned on their microphone and started a song. They hadn’t come to sit silently. They came to sing.

And the dancers came to dance. Michael Spirit Bear Toro, a southern straight dancer and the youngest gourd dancer in the arena, came out into the rain. Others followed him. Soon the circle was only slightly less full than it had been before. The Phoenix Boys sang a few more songs, and then the other drums followed them...and the powwow went on.

The Children of Many Colors Powwow continues today from 11 AM to 6 PM...or slightly sooner, depending on the weather.

A $2.00 per vehicle donation is suggested. The powwow takes place at Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road, on the athletic field. Everyone is welcome. Arts, crafts and jewelry vendors, singing, dancing, a plains style tipi and food booths make the circle visitor friendly for all ages.

For more information on powwows and the purpose of the Redbird Children of Many Colors Powwow, visit http://www.redbirdsvision.org/manycolors.htm