Experience Authentic Native American Culture in Scottsdale

Eighth Season of Free Native American Performances Exhibits Arizona's Diversity

www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Take an unforgettable journey through the vivid First Nations of Arizona and North America with the eighth season of Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau invites travelers to the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall in downtown to experience the series of free Native American festivals taking place most Thursdays and Saturdays from Jan. 21 – April 10, 2010.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100113/DC37216)

"Native Trails allows us to share our art of music and movement with Scottsdale visitors," said Derrick Suwaima Davis, artistic director for Native Trails and four-time world-champion hoop dancer. "Our performances showcase the common threads among cultures and we provide an opportunity for visitors to make an emotional connection with our performances and our tribal ancestry."

Participating tribes including the Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Hopi, Yavapai, Apache and Dine (Navajo) inspire attendees with their memorable musical performances and traditional dances. Performers present their history, pottery, textiles and more to introduce attendees to the diverse lifestyles of the tribes. Musical performances incorporate traditional instruments such as flutes, gourds and drums and dances range from Navajo dancing to the three artist hoop dance, a high energy performance with synchronized movements and cameo routines. This year, new cast members will join returning artists and the performers will present all-new choreography and songs as well as favorite dances that are set to new music. Royalty from different Arizona Nations also will participate on weekends. Performances take place from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Native Trails performances began in January 2003 as part of the City of Scottsdale's cultural tourism initiative, Culture Quest Scottsdale. The opportunity to experience Native American culture was the highest-rated arts and cultural desire revealed by the City's study of Scottsdale tourists, which is why the program was created. Last season (January – April 2009) had an average attendance of 278 with more than 5,000 people total in attendance.

For more information on Native Trails (including black-out dates), visit www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com or contact the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at (480) 421-1004 or toll-free at (800) 782-1117.

Editor's Note: Native Trails images are available for print upon request.

SOURCE Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau