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When Kevin Bacon grooved and boogied his way through a small midwest town in the film “Footloose” he faced a combative adult populous who loathed dancing enough to enforce a ban of such activity. Oddly, dancing is seen in parts of our culture as sinful or taboo.

But for the Little Sun Drum and Dance group of Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation, dancing is a sign of culture and pride. It is a way to pass along stories and tradition from one generation to the next. Their movements are elegant. Each step is a representation of something greater than the simple motions we see. They are the joy of a kill or a move to a new location or an appreciation of earth and life.

It was a great experience to spend time with the Little Sun Drum and Dance group. After all, the Native American populous has lost their much of their identity since the arrival of Europeans in North America. Yet, this group continues to dance on in an attempt to retain their languages, cultures and ways of life.

To view a larger version of this SoundSlide, click here: LIVING LEGACY