Native Dance videos

The first Aluutiq dance was about a long-haired woman who had five sons: #1 the eldest, #2, #3 the rubbernecker, #4 the carver, and #5 the baby. It also talks about the three chiefs in the village.The second dance was the Aluutiq traveling song, "Ayadonga."

The third dance was a Yupik dance about a bird walking along who saw thunder and lightening in the sky. It was scared so it ducked into a hole, leaving it's tail feathers in the air, shaking with fear.

The last dance we did was a Yupik Lullaby for little boys. It means "Go go sleep. Don't be afraid. Dream of seal hunting."

Native Dancing

The boys and I joined the MatSu intertribal dance group a few months ago and we have learned about 6 dances. We learned 2 Aluutiq songs and then somehow I became the Yupik instructor. Anyhow, we meet every Tuesday and last night was the boys' first performance. We danced at the MatSu diversity celebration. I spent the day making Ty a new kuspuk (red one) and making the boys their dance fans. They looked adorable. So much so, that the superintendent had to make his way over to introduce himself to us. The boys have been practicing their dances here at home, practically shouting each and ever word to each other, dancing every move but somehow they danced much differently when we were actually onstage. I don't know if it was stage fright or if they just forgot what we were supposed to be doing but they said they still had a blast. Afterwards, we gorged ourselves on yummy fry bread, did some beading crafts, and learned NYO events like the Alaskan high kick, one-foot and two-foot high kicks. What a fun day!

April 14 - A busy Day

Today was an exciting day in the Kelly Household. Brandon received a high honor roll recognition and Donovan had his first (singing) concert. Unfortunately, both happy occurances were scheduled at the same exact hour. So, Dad and Tysen turned right to go support Brandon as he received his reward at Colony Middle School, and Mason and Mom turned left to go to Cottonwood Elementary to watch Donovan.

Brandon received recognition, a new CMS knight t-shirt and a well deserved ice cream treat afterwards.

Donovan learned a song for every letter in the alphabet and performed all 26 songs alongside his classmates and other fellow two kindergarten classes. It was a very cute performance. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

We are so blessed by our children and so proud of their accomplishments..... great job, boys!