Rainbow-colored headdresses, pulsating drumming, and fancy footwork are part of the excitement of a Native American powwow. World champion Fancy Dancer Larry Yazzie (Meskwaki) and the Native Pride Dancers perform flamboyant movements passed down by their ancestors and sacred songs from the Northern Plains.

A Closer Look – About the Artists

Formed in 2003 and directed by Larry Yazzie, the Native Pride Dancers strive to educate and entertain audiences of all ages throughout the world on the beauty, skill, and majesty of American Indian music and dance. The Native Pride Dancers offer a variety of performance types, from solo to large ensemble productions designed for classrooms as well as theaters. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Native Pride Dancers perform locally, regionally, and nationally.

Larry Yazzie (Meskwaki/Dine) is an International Lecturer, Educator, Performer, and a World Champion Fancy Dancer. Raised on the Meskwaki Indian Settlement in Central Iowa, he began dancing at the age of 7. Throughout his childhood Larry was instructed on the traditions of the Meskwaki People, including the flamboyant and energetic fancy dance and the northern Plains style of singing.

Larry began dancing competitively at powwows in his early teens. A renowned fancy dancer who consistently takes top honors at American Indian powwows throughout the United States and Canada, he won the World Championship for the Northern Style Fancy Dance in 1995. In addition to competing at powwows, Larry has been called upon to serve in a variety of positions, including Arena Director, Singing Judge, Dancing Judge, and Head Man Dancer.

Since the 1980s Larry has performed with several notable performance companies, including the Woodland Singers and Dancers, the Discover Native American Dance Troupe, Lakota Dance Troupe, Foxwoods Dance Troupe, and the Kevin Locke Trio. Recently, while still continuing his successful solo show and duo show with his Jessup, he formed his own company, the Native Pride Dancers. Also, Larry is a member of the American Indian Committee on the Ordway Theater's Cultural Advisory Council.

For more information on Larry Yazzie or the Native Pride Dancers, visit his website at www.nativepridedancers.com