The Iñupiaq people inhabit the northern part of Alaska. There are three main types of Iñupiaq dance: Sayuutit, Atuutipiat, and Taliutit.
Sayuun: a dance with fixed motions
Atuutipiaq: a dance with freestyle motions
Taliun: a women’s bench dance (performed sitting down, dancing with the arms)
Most Iñupiat dances are performed in two parts. The first part is is a soft beat, where the drumstick is tapped lightly against the frame. The second part is the hard beat, where the drumstick is tapped more vigorously against the frame. Dancing is done more vigorously as well during this part. See the video example below.
This week will be your introduction to the class and to Iñupiaq dance. Please watch the following video about the Kotzebue Trade Fair. This video focuses on the dancing that is performed at the fair.