NarroWay Productions honors Native Americans this coming Friday night, May 18, at 6:30pm. Having recently opened the inspiring live theatre show, "Wounded Warrior," NarroWay invites members of the community to take in a special peformance this coming Friday at 6:30pm. The show features a special pre-show performance by Native American dancer, Ronnie Beck. Tickets can be purchased online at www.narroway.net or by calling the box office at 803.802.2300.

Doors open at 6:15pm and a special pre-show performance begins at 6:30pm. Pre-show features authentic Native American dances performed by Ronnie Beck, a member of the Catawba Indian tribe. Beck, whose heritage is Catawba and Cherokee, will perform both the Grass Dance and the Hoop Dance in full traditional regalia. Drumming and singing accompany the dances, creating an incredible authentic experience.

The Hoop Dance is a type of "storytelling" dance that involves a number of various colored hoops. Typically, one dancer uses multiple hoops, dancing in, around and through the hoops and forming various shapes-- traditionally animal shapes such as eagles, coyotes, deer, and various others. According to an article by by Dennis Zotigh, "The History of Modern Hoop Dance," the hoops symbolize the "never-ending circle of life."

The Cultural Heritage Center notes that the Grass Dance is one of the oldest recorded dances in Native American history. There are various origins surrounding the Grass Dance, however, sources agree that the Grass Dance was used to flatten the grass in an area prior to a pow wow or series of dances. Dancers would weave various grasses into their attire and perform a dance that involved highly symmetrical foot movements.

Both the Hoop Dance and the Grass Dance will be performed on stage at the NarroWay Theatre beginning at 6:30pm. Following this special performance, the cast of NarroWay Productions takes the stage for a live theatre performance of "Wounded Warrior." "Wounded Warrior" tells the story of a little boy and his family, while bringing to life the incredible tale of Geronimo, the famous Apache warrior. Characters literally step out of the pages of a giant book to re-create scenes from Geronimo's past.

The obvious Native American theme of the show led NarroWay's marketing director, Alisha Anders, to contact the Catawba Indian Nation and extend a special invitation. Beck followed up on that invitation and agreed to dance prior to the Friday performance.

While the Friday show will honor Native Americans, the performance is open to the general public. A special discount rate is being extended through the NarroWay website at http://www.narroway.net. The show continues its run at the NarroWay Theatre through July 28. Tickets are on sale for all performance dates, including two performances on Saturday, May 19th. The NarroWay Theatre is located just 1/2 mile south off I-77 exit 90, Carowinds Boulevard. Tickets can be purchased through the box office at 803.802.2300 or online.