The ‘Smoke Dance Competition’ offers a chance to showcase our culture and dance. This year’s virtual edition will be part of the 2020 Quarantine Dance Special 2020 Facebook Page and facilitated by Kehala Smith (Tuscarora Nation, Turtle Clan) and Jordan Smith (Mohawk, Bear Clan). Cash prizes.
Submissions open between 3-9pm on Fri 11 September 2020.
Fort Erie Friendship Centre opens this event with a demonstration video from Onkwehonwe Family Dance Troup’ from Six Nations of the Grand River, residing in Fort Erie, ON.
The Smoke Dance is an exhibition dance often highlighted at Haudenosaunee socials and festivals. There are various explanations of its origins. Some say it is a derivation of the War Dance sped up, other says it was dance to get the smoke out of the longhouse. To align with our theme, we liked the possibility this dance was for giving thanks and, within cultural tradition, sometimes during droughts to ask the forces of nature to replenish the earth. It is a rapid quick step dance that is exceedingly fast and difficult and that requires dancers to have skill and stamina and stop on the very last note of the song. This mesmerizing dance makes it an excellent song for dance competitions, and we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to invite participation from far and wide to our virtual gathering.
Kehala Smith (Tuscarora Nation, Turtle Clan), mother of three, wife to Jordan Smith. Creator and designer of Kreations by Kehala, Native American beadwork, jewelry, clothing and statement pieces. Kehala is a fifth-generation beadworker, and also has the privilege of being the Assistant social dance teacher to the youth on Tuscarora Reservation where they teach our social songs and dances. She is also a Native American dance presentation coordinator & dancer.
Jordan Smith (Mohawk, Bear Clan) Performer, Singer, Emcee of native Songs, Dances, & Material Culture of the Haudenosaunee… Mohawk, bear clan resides on the Tuscarora nation outside Niagara Falls, New York with his wife and children. He is currently the Native educator at Old Fort Niagara. During the school year, he has the privilege to teach the youth of Tuscarora reservation our social songs and dances. Travels the world singing, dancing & sharing our beautiful culture.
