Sunday, July 26, 2009

Those Dancin' Indians, August 1964

As much as I love Disneyland, going to the park in August just seems like a bad idea. The last time I did it, I was there all day and managed to get on 4 attractions. I think that half that time was waiting in line for the Rocket Rods, but even so. Oh, and did I mention that it was freakin' hot?

Anyway, these people have the right idea. Let's go to Frontierland; we can sit in the relatively new outdoor amphitheater (I believe that it was built in 1962) where it's shady and we can give our feet a break. And hey, there's a show, too! There's the Chief, who was the "master of ceremonies". You can't tell here, but his shirt was a vibrant Las Vegas magenta (sometimes he wore ultra purple too). The consummate showman! I'm guessing he warmed the crowd up with a few choice knock-knock jokes.


Looks like these dancers got new eagle costumes... if I recall correctly, the costume originally consisted of a head and the wings, but these guys are wearing full body suits that look more like penguins. As dumb as it sounds, maybe somebody complained about the amount of bare skin that used to be on display!

6 comments:

TokyoMagic! said...

Nice pics of the new dance circle area. That woman with the pigtails (far right side of first photo) is carrying a drum, or a basket...or a funky purse!

Chiana said...

Boy you just never know. Now-a-days they might get it both ways. The person railing the amount of bare skin will corrupt kids (possibly while her kids are busy absorbing gangsta "culture") whereas if a dancer celebrating the bear does cover more, activists will rip 'em for showing too much bear skin. Yiy!

But back at '62, I seem to remember some mention of how different tribes participated. Perhaps thier varied cultures accounts for the different costumes?

Neat pics. I can make out our hosts' magenta silk shirt. He's not alone in flamboyance, there's a guy in the audience in the top pic with a turn-of the-century blue bowler hat. Plus, great setting.

Daveland said...

David - Just when was the last time you went to the park?

Jason Schultz said...

Oh, so you're one of those "I've been here all day and only got on four rides!" types. I hope you didn't go to City Hall asking for a refund. ;)

Major Pepperidge said...

Dave, I am ashamed to admit that it has been about two years! I keep making tentative plans to go, but for some reason it never quite happens.

OldDog said...

I went last year and had a great time. Went on Haunted Mansion twice...no line! Time to go again! I think you will be suprised how much fun you will have.