Barbara Wilkesthe dance. In contrast, supporters do virtually everything else required
to be done, and it is physically exhausting work. Nevertheless, the
camp’s remarkable warmth, collegiality, mutual support, generosity,
affection, and humor were irresistible. The anthropological training
I had received served me quite well. I kept a detailed journal of each
day’s experiences; recorded names, addresses, and kinship relations;
detailed family genealogies, tribal, and individual myths and stories;
and wrote down numerous personal reflections. The entry that stands
out most clearly is the ecstatic experience that represents the second
step on my path to the Sundance.
As the dance progressed daily, it became increasingly evident that
the quality and intensity of the dancers’ suffering had expanded and
deepened. Some fell to the ground exhausted, dehydrated and shak-
ing weakly. To my surprise, the others ignored them entirely, main-
taining a sharp focus at all times on their own “purpose” and reluc-
tant to interfere in the “gift” of the “dream” that was perhaps being
offered to those who fell.^1 The temperature soared and often exceeded
40 degrees Celsius. The humidity was all but visible. There were no
clouds or breezes to offer temporary relief. Nonetheless, the dancers
appeared joyful, compassionate, and humble, at times even radiant
as they fell and rose, cried and prayed. As the final moments of the
dance wound toward their ultimate release, the dancers engaged them-
selves ever more fully, drawing on even deeper reserves of strength that
many had not known they possessed, to “push” to the finish, to ful-
fill their commitment. Shortly before noon, and with a total absence
of fanfare, they danced out of the circle for the last time as the drums
ceased the all but ubiquitous steady beat that had prevailed from sun-
rise to sunset for the four days.
I watched with the others through the now-shriveled and dusty
leaves of the arbor enclosure, as their “helpers” brought them tiny
cups of berry juice. Though their need was obviously great (having
had no food or water for four days), each took a moment to gestic-
ulate a prayer of silent gratitude for the “gift” they cradled between
their hands. They sipped slowly, and with obvious relish, and the im-
mediacy of their revival was evident. Smiles broke across their faces,
their eyes twinkled, and they laughed and joked with one another.