Customer Reviews

Spirit - A Journey in Dance, Drums and Song [VHS]

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw this on a PBS special and couldn't wait to get a copy of it and the CD for myself. After many months I got both. The music is very intense and moving. The vocals of Chief Hawk Pope and drum beats mixed with chior and electric guitars, keyboards, and other modern instruments bring Native American culture into our own modern world. The show has a very good message, too. One we all seem to forget in our stressed-out, modern, every-day life.

I've viewed this video many times, especially when the real world becomes too stressful. This is a nice, spiritual production. I highly recommend it.

They also have some footage not included in the PBS special, and the interviews after the show were very good. I enjoyed hearing what other Native Americans had to say about the show and the reasons they were involved in it.

I Loved this video! It is a contemporary musical with a Native American tribal foundation. The blending of the old and new music was amazing! The spectacular choreography is powerfully danced by incredible talent. The cast was culturally diverse and a beautiful composition of the young and old ways. It moved me to tears to see where mankind has lost himself in the material world. There are many ancient messages within this video. A must see for everyone! It will give clarity and purpose to your soul self!

This was one of the finest expressions of spirit I have ever seen in any art form. It is much more than entertainment, it is a lens into a expression of the sacred. It expresses it's form in dance, music, modern life colliding with the best of Indian values and beliefs. The music and dance are powerfully displayed in short pieces of music that together describe the psychological, spiritual and sacred journey of the human. This could been seen as a model for integrating polarized ideologies and cultures. Absolutely beautiful.

I just watched this on public television. If it were not for them, I would never know that this program existed. The dance numbers and songs are thrilling. The music is toe tapping and the dance numbers are excellent. I would recommend this to everyone.

... in this VHS edition of the celebrated show. What started out as a brief five-minute piece coalesced into an album, then a full-length stage show -- spawning a wonderful live soundtrack CD as well. The video is spectacular; it grabs the viewer from the opening piece "Urban Overture" (loaded with techno ambience and almost a Nine Inch Nails feel) and doesn't let go until the final, thunderous number. As good as the video is, there is no replacement for the live show. What makes the live show different is that it's clearly a work in progress; there are several new pieces, and they are worth the ticket prices in and of themselves. Buy the video, or see it live -- heck, do both. You won't be the same afterwards.

After being astounded by seeing Spirit in person, I ran out and immediately ordered the video. Upon receiving the video, I was very disappointed. The video is only about 45 minutes, followed by a 30 minute documentary on the making of the show. The actual stage version is about 90 minutes, so half the show never even made it to the video cassette. They need to do what Riverdance did a few years back and release a 2nd version of the video with the complete performance.

If you have ever watched a "cowboy and indian" movie and rooted for the indians. If you have seen "Dances with Wolves" more than once and cried each time. If you have ever felt a unknown stirring and yearning for peace with nature then you must see this video.

It takes you vicariously on a spiritual journey. It awakens your roots, like an eagle, it lifts you up carries you to a higher place. It puts order into your yearnings. Your heart beats with the drums. Your feet move to a dance never before felt. Your voice yearns to cry out in joy.

When this country was first settled, our white ancestors went about educating and civilizing the natives found here. Now the circle is complete and it is time for then to educate and civilize us. Spirit Dance is a great place to start.

I saw this performance on public TV and was in awe of the beautiful music and representation of modern dance and Native American spirituality. I felt very connected with the message. It is a must for everyone.

I use the program every semester during my Native American literature unit in my American Literature class. It's just the best. Eleventh grade students LOVE it, and I've had several students ask for specific info so that they can order their own copies.
I, like others who have reviewed the program, am wondering WHEN it will be available on DVD????????

This is the most amazing combination of ancient native lore and new age rock. It is just beautiful and I am not usually interested in "musicals". Robert Mirabal from Taos Pueblo is fantastic and a powerful role model for not just natives but anyone interested in meaninful story telling and music. If all grade school kids were required to see this video - there would be little racism towards native americans and more admiration and understanding. What a beautiful culture - and how wonderful that it is shared with all of us in this video.