WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Tradition. Culture. Custom. Three words that so often define us as people, as members of not only our own individual families, but in the greater scope of our given tribe, our nation, our heritage. Honoring this can take on many forms, and for Lakota Indian Kyla Bearheels, this solace, celebration, and respect for her roots is explored through the beautiful, yet haunting, release discovered while performing a traditional Lakota powwow via the medium of Fancy Shawl Dancing.
Utilizing meticulously handmade and precisely decorated outfits requiring 4 months to complete, Kyla’s journey in this emotionally charged and soul-stirring dance began early, and has since carried through into her adult years. Treating it as an ode to her grandmother, mother, her young son, and the very tribe her ancestry and parentage traces its origins to, the dance becomes a tapestry of motion that is freeing, expressive, an escape from stress to the wonder of nature, and a healing force enacted for not only Kyla, but for the good of others as well.
Next, my Mind:
With an elegance of execution via uncomplicated yet lushly shot cinematography accompanying a wonderfully narrated story that’s topped off with a perfectly emotive music score, director/co-producer/editor Nicola Worrel’s 4-minute documentary short captures the heartbeat of days past and present, invoking the soul of a proud people whose history and traditions are kept alive via these amazing displays of Fancy Shawl Dancing courtesy of the film’s primary participant, Kyla Bearheels. The flow of the narration itself takes the viewer away to Kyla’s world and traditions in such a deeply heartwarming way, and as indicated above, the gorgeous outfits, explanation of the meaning behind the dance form, and the personal connection with it she shares simply draws you in.
It is this evident and sincere relationship to the dance itself that provides the resonating mood and tone found here as presented by Bearheels’ from-the-heart, eloquent voiceover work which parallels the imagery shown and brings to light the very essence of tribal belief, interdependency, depth of feeling, and inherent importance placed upon maintaining the legacies of their forbearers. One could argue that this kind of commitment to one’s nation could be found within any group of people, but there is something so additionally noble and affecting about the strength of community demonstrated within the Native American culture that carries beyond the surface, and it is hard not to be moved by seeing even this small part of it revealed.
Overall, “Wachi Winyan (Dancer)”, while only an ever-so-brief glimpse into the Lakota Indian society, leaves an impression on the viewer not just in the sheer magical grace, inner passion, and exquisiteness of the Fancy Shawl Dance itself, but also in the substance portrayed of those who would not keep such wonder hidden away, instead sharing it with the world at large in order that the art would impact anyone whose soul is open to being touched by something well beyond the surface of their being. In the distance, just on the edge of the senses, the drumbeats and chanting calls.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
