Vibrant dance emerges as a celebration of new life and personal growth

Julie Severn

10/2/2003 12:00:00 AM

Vivaciously warm colors dance in the sunlight as 10-year-old Sarah Ballew gracefully takes to the arena with generations of spirited wisdom encircling her.

Cloaked in regalia given to her mother by Sarah's great grandmother, Virginia Pigeon, the 25-year-old family heirloom now decorates the proud Saginaw Chippewa descendent on her youthful journey.

"I've been dancing since I could walk," said Sarah. "The yolk I'm wearing was given to my mom as an early graduation gift. It was an incentive to stay in school."

Sarah's mother, Elizabeth Ballew, is a cultural teacher at the Saginaw Chippewa Academy and continues to take education seriously.

"As a parent and a teacher I want the kids to understand that their great grandparents and even seven greats ago, were not able to do these things," she explained. "I was raised in the culture, so it was natural for me to speak the language and live it, even through a great deal of discrimination and racism. By teaching the culture everyday, it's something natural, it becomes part of them, part of their identity. Those who don't explore their heritage won't fully understand who they are."

As Sarah learns the various elements surrounding her personal history, she draws from the components that work to enhance her skills.

"In correlation with making regalia, we still practice our history of trading," Elizabeth said. "If sewing isn't for her, but beading is, we want her to be able to trade with someone who enjoys sewing. A lot of people are intimidated by the thought of trying something new. But if you don't try, you don't know what's right for you."

So far Sarah enjoys every aspect of maintaining and creating new pieces for her regalia.

"I started beading a flower and some earrings a couple months ago," she said. "My mom also taught me how to applique when I was seven, and I've been sewing since last year."

In addition, Sarah is practiced in knot tying, cutting fringe, and is currently learning edge beading. She plans to use this technique on her yolk, and will also bead a pair of leggings this winter.

Because the regalia has been in the family for so long, repair work is a must. Sarah helps and also makes suggestions, like adding rhinestones for a more eye-catching appearance.

"Sequins were a big thing when I first began making regalia," Elizabeth recalls. "I started beading when I was eight, sewing at age 10 and was making my own regalia when I was 12. I wore the regalia Sarah's wearing until the year after she was born."

Elizabeth said Sarah will continue to wear the heirloom through high school or until she makes new regalia.

Sarah has a plan in the works.

"I want to use florescent yellow, pink, light purple, white and baby blue," she said. "I want to have my own regalia by the time I'm 16 and save this regalia to eventually hand down to my daughter."

Materials and techniques have changed over the years, but the magnitude and meaning behind the regalia is unwavering.

"Modern tools are here for us to use," Elizabeth explained. "We understand the significance of our past, but in order for the culture to work with modern society, it continually has to grow and change along with us. That's what makes our culture a living thing-growth and change. Every year is different."

Like the culture, Sarah too matures and transforms with each passing day into the beautiful butterfly she represents in dance.

With the help of her mother and grandmother, Sarah Pigeon, she wrote "The Butterfly's Dance."

"I want to be a writer like my grandma when I grow up," Sarah said. "She started writing at her high school news paper and was an intern at the Holland Sentinel. I do a lot of journal writing, but my little sister gets into it."

Following in the footsteps of her family, guided by ancestors, Sarah follows her dreams to the heartbeat of the drum in pursuit of happiness.

The Butterfly's Dance

An oration by three generations: Sarah Ballew, Elizabeth Ballew and Sarah Pigeon

Twisting and turning,

A cocoon you have spun.

You rest for a moment,

Until new life has begun.

Changes are natural,

A part of all life.

You've become so beautiful,

As you emerge into light.

With a vibrant prance,

You are finally free.

On the air you dance,

Now you are me.

Each change we go through,

We just do our best.

Until we are tired,

And now we can rest.

We sleep for a time,

In the arms of the earth.

Waiting the day,

Of our next rebirth.