Indigenous dance academy offered in Polson, Pablo
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POLSON — Outside of the Montana Co-op, drumbeats are heard in preparation for class. Inside, sisters Jessi and Jonnie James bop about, getting warmed up and ready to dance for the Indigenous Dance Academy, taught by Naomi Billedeaux. The club meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45-4:45 p.m. and is open to youth of all ages, including non-native children.
Billedeaux, an enrolled Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal member, sees the club, which has been operating since December, as a time for families to do healthy activities together while learning about their native culture. Billedeaux said that the club provides an opportunity for children to dance in preparation for summer powwows. The dancing is more “contemporary,” she said, rather than a ceremony. All cultures are welcome.
“Native Dancing is an artistic expression of my cultural identity and heritage through performance art,” Billedeaux said in her artist statement. While dancing she is able to showcase her “health, confidence, spirituality, humility, and respect for Creator, community and families. Native Dancing is a way for me to connect to my ancestors, represent my family and set an example for my children.”
Before dancing, classes begin with stretching and warming up to prevent injuries. The Academy recently purchased their first dance floor.
Luella Boushar’s 12-year-old daughter Imani has been coming to dance at the club. She’s also learning the meaning of the dances, Boushar said, which has been helpful to learn in a small setting.
Billedeaux encourages youth to dance in his or her own style.
“It is important for our people to dance to honor our ancestors and our bodies,” Billedeaux recently said to about 10 children at the club. She explained that in the past, it had only been men that were allowed to dance. Now, women are free to express themselves.
The club is sponsored by a grant from the Salish and Kootenai Tribe’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, according to Jason Moore, founder and president of the Montana Co-op. The grant supports other cultural activities at the Montana Co-op such as warrior training and drug and alcohol prevention through mentoring and physical and mental conditioning.
Billedeaux ultimately hopes to offer Native dancing classes to children in the Polson school district as an after school program.
The Academy at the Montana Co-op will keep running at least until the end of the year, according to Billedeaux. Montana Co-op is located at 401 Main Street, Polson.
A 12-week dance class is also available at the People’s Center in Pablo every Tuesday from 6-7:30 p.m.
For more information about the club, call Billedeaux at 406-261-3364.
