Modern dance at Little Wound

Lakota Dance FeverThe Pine Ridge Reservation's Little Wound School has had a dance team since 1998. For Susan Big Crow, this marks her fourth year as the sponsor and mentor of the Lakota student group.

"The modern dance of the group offers a new activity for students," Big Crow said, "something other than volleyball, basketball and track."

The dance practices keep kids out of trouble and in a safe place, she said. Parental support in the activity has been essential to the program's success. All students are encouraged to join.

"When they get out of high school, I hope that some will seek out ballet or modern dance as an ongoing activity," Big Crow said. "The immediate benefit is actual experience of performing before an audience."