The History of Dance and Ritual in the Great Plains: Religion, Rallying, and Resistance

Dance has historically retained relevance as a form of cultural celebration, serving as a universal form of expression that bridges gaps across societies. It serves as a medium of storytelling, celebration, mourning, and most importantly, resilience. In the Great Plains of North America, Indigenous peoples wove intricate tapestries of dance and ritual into the fabric of their lives. These practices, though ridiculed by many American settlers, served a more important purpose than simply their movements; they were sacred ceremonies, political statements, and cultural affirmations.

The Creator's Game: More Than a Sport

What is the most important sporting event? Some may say the Superbowl, the Champion's League, the Olympics, or the World Cup - but in the early 12th century, there was one sport that could decide the course of politics. The Creator's Game, or stickball, was not for fun and recreation, but rather a way of developing young men into battle-hardened warriors. At times, the game could substitute for conflicts between tribes. The Creator's Game was more than a game, but a ritualistic ceremony that celebrated the spirit of life itself.

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The Ghost Dance: How A Ceremony Led to A Massacre

Famous prophets always brought about axial turning points within history. The prophet Muhammad, Jesus, Moses all changed the course of history. Wovoka, or Jack Wilson, was no different - inspiring the Ghost Dance Revolution that spread all across the continent. However, this was actually the second time the Ghost Dance spread - originating with the Paiute in the mid 1800s. In this course, learn about the movement that ended in an unprovoked genocide by the U.S government.