Health & Fitness
Public Invited to Shakopee Mdewakanton’s Dance Exhibition at Mall of America Rotunda on August 14
Mall of America visitors will have the opportunity to watch American Indian singers and dancers perform a free exhibition in the Rotunda at Mall of America on Thursday, August 14. This exhibition of dancers from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and other Indian tribes from throughout the United States is a preview of the annual SMSC Wacipi (Pow Wow), which runs August 15-17 at the SMSC Wacipi Grounds in Shakopee. Both the exhibition and Wacipi are open to the public.
The August 14 dance performances at Mall of America will be held at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Master of ceremony Wallace Coffey will provide commentary during the exhibition, and drum groups Sizzortail and Wahpekute will sing traditional songs specific to each style of dance.
Each dance exhibition will begin with a grand entry, when the dancers enter the arena by dance category. Men and women of all ages will perform many types of dances in colorful regalia specific to their styles. The regalia will include feather bustles, bells, beadwork, buckskin, moccasins, shawls, and more.
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Because of the high regard that American Indians have for their veterans, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Vietnam Veterans will be present, as well as other veterans, who will carry flags and eagle feather staffs. In a special event at 3:30 p.m., a program to honor veterans will feature the story of veterans and the importance of their military service. All veterans in attendance will be invited to participate.
Visitors will also be able to see a traditional Dakota tipi on display in the Sears Court of Mall of America during the exhibition.
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August 15-17 Wacipi
Wacipi buttons, which allow for admission to all three days of the SMSC Wacipi, will be available for $5 at the Mystic Lake Store at Mall of America. Admission includes a free evening meal on Saturday catered by Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and a Wacipi program. Admission is free for people 60 and older and children 10 and under. Parking is free.
