A young girl’s hand shoots into the air. She’s learning a dance with fellow Dancing Dolls members and has an idea for the routine.

“What if we did something like this?!” she says as she does a dance move for her teacher, Jackie, who watches along with the other dancers.

“That’s a very good idea!” responds Jackie, who adjusts the choreography to include her suggestion.

It’s just one scene taking place in the St. Joseph’s Indian School gym as young girls and boys take part in Dancing Dolls and Dudes. Split into six age groups, approximately 50 dancers move and groove to music bumping from the speakers.

Right now, students are preparing for their winter recital, which will take place in December.

“I love dancing because it’s fun to be with my friends and learn new moves to a song,” said MaKaia, a St. Joseph’s dancer. “Our costume last year was really pretty! It was blue and green and it was really shiny.”

Other dancers couldn’t agree more.

“I look forward to dancing at recital time because then we get to show our families and friends what we have been up to,” said Trinity, another St. Joseph’s dancer.

Jackie, who has instructed St. Joseph’s dancers for many years, teaches the young children jazz, hip-hop, tap and modern dance. She said it is a joy to spend Saturday mornings and early afternoons teaching students how to dance.

Philámayaye — thank you — for helping Lakota (Sioux) children express themselves through dance.

LET’S DANCE!You help students learn to dance like no one’s watching.

DreamerExclusive news for the St. Joseph’s Indian School DreamMakers

The

November 2019

St. Joseph’s Indian SchoolWe serve and teach, we receive and learn.

PO Box 326Chamberlain, SD 57326

1-800-762-2162 • www.stjo.org/Dreamer

Printed at Tipi Press Printing

It’s Music to Our Ears!Your support brings musical joy to the Lakota students.

Jacob sits down at the piano and takes a moment to compose himself. He takes a big breath in and exhales slowly as the audience sits and watches quietly. Not a single sound can be heard.

Then, all at once, the stillness breaks and fluttering notes come to life from the young child’s fingertips.

Approximately 26-28 students take part in St. Joseph’s Indian School’s music education class. The students are given private lessons for piano and guitar, while others learn how to play clarinet, trumpet, drums and percussion band instruments in a group setting. They are taught by St. Joseph’s Music Teacher, Tonya.

Along with the joy that comes from learning to play an instrument, Tonya says there are even more benefits for students. Listening to music positively affects mood as it releases dopamine in the brain.

“So, music can help with anxiety or depression!” she said. “Playing an instrument can also improve memory and enhance math, reading and coordination skills. Music even enhances language learning and processing!”

Although students and Tonya meet formally twice per week, students constantly practice on their own to hone their instrument. Then, a few times every year, the students hold recitals to showcase their skills. Most notable is the

Christmas concert, which will take place next month before winter break.

“One of my favorite moments with St. Joseph’s students was the first time we put the whole concert band together and the students could hear how their individual parts fit together to form a familiar song,” said Tonya. “The looks of joy on their faces as they recognized what they were playing and how the sounds all came together like a completed puzzle was a moment I will never forget!”

You can view photos and a video of the upcoming Christmas concert by following along on Facebook. Head to stjo.org/facebook and like our page to never miss a fun moment made possible thanks to your generous support!

Because of you, students can fall in love with wóolowaŋ — music!

“I want to be a musician when I grow up. One day, I hope people from all over the world will hear my music.” — Jacob