Throughout the semester, 7th grade students weave together an understanding of Utah’s five tribal groups/eight sovereign nations by analyzing both historic and contemporary sources. One of the main goals is to have students recognize the continued presence and contributions of Utah’s native communities today. To enrich this perspective, students had the opportunity to learn the Native American Round Dance–a tradition universal to all of Utah’s sovereign nations and open to anyone who would like to participate.
Brenda Beyal (Navajo Diné) was invited to lead this activity to ensure authenticity, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity. She taught students different variations of the dance using Paiute, Shoshone, and Navajo songs. Though songs are unique to each tribe, the drum is the primary connecting instrument and is often described as the “heartbeat.” It is a time to renew friendships, make new friends, accept differences, and celebrate the human connection.
While students were initially hesitant to hold each others’ hands and try something new, by the end of class they were all smiling, laughing, and really getting the hang of it! They embraced the experience with respect and willing hearts, and came away with a feeling of connectedness and broadened perspectives.
Brenda Beyal is the Program Coordinator for the BYU Arts Partnership Native American Curriculum Initiative. This Round Dance lesson plan, along with many other tribal-approved lessons, can be found at https://advancingartsleadership.com/nativelessonplans.
Enjoy some of the comments from student reflections on this special activity:
“I used to think that round dancing was dumb because all you do is just dance in a circle and it was embarrassing. Now I think that round dancing is beautiful and that there is a story hidden behind it, everyone can do it, that should be a privilege! No matter your race or religion you can do the round dance and that is special.”
“I saw the bringing together of our classroom and how we all were respectful.”
“I felt a bond. I felt happy and part of a group.”
“I felt very healed. And I felt very happy and I really want to do the round dance again. My favorite part about the round dance was the tunnel part. Brenda was a very kind lady. She reminded me of what my grandma used to wear. And she used the same words as my mom.”
“I saw how this made Brenda feel happy. I felt calm and at peace. I thought of different people and their differences.”
