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Dancing

The Kodiak Alutiiq Dancers perform at the Alutiiq Museum.

Dancing was a favorite activity at Alutiiq winter festivals. Moving to the rhythmic beat of skin drums, Alutiiq men reenacted hunting scenes and women danced in praise of ancestors. Performances were held in the community house, a large single-roomed structure built and maintained by a wealthy chief. Here men also met to discuss politics, repair their tools, and prepare for war. In the winter, Alutiiq people transformed this building into a ceremonial center where families gathered to celebrate the year’s events and give thanks to animal spirits for sustenance.

Dance Traditions
Drums
Songs
Masks

Reawakening of Kodiak Alutiiq Dance

In the 1980s, a group of dedicated community members formed the Cuumillat’stun – “Like Our Ancestors” Alutiiq dancers to reawaken dancing traditions. This video traces their efforts to learn songs, make regalia, develop choreography, and share Alutiiq dancing with the world. Edited by Kodiak videographer Alf Pryo, with interviews by Tonya Heitman and historic photographs, and funding from the Alaska State Museum.

Cutmen Agnguartuku – We Are Dancing Forwards

In 2011, Alutiiq dancers from across the Kodiak Archipelago gathered for a workshop. With the help of Yup’ik dance instructor Theresa John and drummer Agatha John, the group explored gestures, movements, and rhythms, then worked with Elder Alutiiq speakers to compose new songs in the Alutiiq language and choreography dances. Videos recorded the dancers’ experiences and created a teaching resource to share with others. Supported by the National Geographic Genographic Legacy Fund.

Workshop Video

Practice Video

The songs written during the workshop are the property of the songwriters, and should not be performed for financial gain or recorded without permission. They are shared here for education and enjoyment. Please contact the Alutiiq Museum for further information.

Song Lyrics