Brothers perform traditional dance
Photo by Kirsten Schmitt/Times
Ronnie Preston dances a traditional Apache dance with rings as part of International Ethnic Week.
International Ethnic Week started March 17 and ran through March 21. On a day traditionally thought of for the Irish, the Native Americans danced. To kick off the International Ethnic Week, two Native Americans from the Apache tribe performed traditional dances and explained the traditions they exemplified.
Daniel Preston, Human Services program, and his brother, Ronnie Preston, danced on stage in the cafeteria at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus. Coincidentally, it was also their mother’s birthday, and they honored her with their dancing.
Decked out in a geometrically patterned outfit, Daniel Preston danced a grass dance. His moves were slow and calculated. The back of his costume was made from eagle’s feathers. Eagles are protected, so Native Americans ask the government for the feathers, and the government provides them. This year the brothers received a full eagle, and Daniel assembled his own design.
Ronnie Preston explained that his outfit was made one bead at a time. He had to sit and thread one million beads to complete it, which was three years in the making.
He said further that the outfits are personalized and they would never sell them. He estimated the value at close to $10,000 each. His headdress was also very intricate and costly.
The brothers danced differently. Ronnie Preston is part of the bear clan and wore a ring on his hand with a claw. When dancing outdoors, Ronnie Preston wears eye protection to keep grass out of his face.
They ended the performance with singing, performing some traditional songs. Many times the audience does not understand their words so sometimes they incorporate English words. They invited the audience to join them in some of the singing.
Candice Zielinski, PACE program and a member of the Oneida tribe, helped the brothers provide English words for the songs. “It’s wonderful to see our history and our traditions displayed at school,” said Zielinski.
My name is Kirsten Schmitt. I joined the MATC Times because I was on my high school paper and really enjoyed the experience. I wanted to enhance my experience...
