Digital Scholarship and Initiatives

Keith Colston, a Tuscarora-Lumbee who grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, learned Native American dancing as a child and participated in dance competitions (often winning) at powwows.  He teaches dance to Native American children aged 5-18 at the Baltimore American India Center.  Ten to fifteen of his students formed the Soaring Eagle Dance Troupe, which has been competing at powwows and performing for schools, fairs, and conventions for two years.  Colston also provides his students with educational and spiritual lessons on topics such as sex, drugs, and peer pressure. 

Colston believes the discipline of Native American dancing, and his own influence as a mentor, help students avoid harmful influences.  When members of Native American Community are in need, the troupe performs a Blanket Dance during a powwow to collect money for the family.