The Virginia Indian Dance Festival, presented by the Virginia Indian Nations, will take place today and tomorrow in Innsbrook at the Snagajob.com Pavilion, 4901 Lakebrook Drive.

The event will feature members of the six Indian nations of the Virginia Indian Tribal Alliance for Life (VITAL) performing traditional Virginia Woodlands’ Indian dances. Visitors will have an opportunity to experience the culture of the Virginia Indians through two 45-minute dance presentations each day showcasing the culture of the Virginia Indians.  

During the performances, the origin and cultural significance of each dance (as well as the origin of the various regalia) will be explained.  Similar presentations have been made by the Virginia Indians in Gravesend, Kent, England and at the 400th Anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown.
Grounds open at 5 p.m. both days. Today's performances will be held at 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., and Saturday's performances will occur at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.  The festival will feature Native American dancers, drummers and singers.  Native American crafters from throughout the region will have jewelry, pottery, beadwork, leather crafts and other authentic arts and crafts for sale.  Hot dogs, barbeque and other food items will be available as well.

The festival is open to the public; admission is $10 for adults and children 13 and older; children 12 and younger will be admitted free. Free parking is available in parking lots located around the pavilion.  Visitors should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. No pets or alcohol will be permitted on the grounds.

Proceeds will support VITAL, an organization working for federal recognition for the Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Monacan, Nansemond, Rappahannock and Upper Mattaponi Indian Nations. 

For details, call 370-5249 or 363-0157 or visit http://www.vitalva.org