Bethel Council on the Arts

Cardinal Whirlwind Dancers

The Cardinal Whirlwinds are a diverse group of talented students from Stanford University, who carry on the dynamic traditions of American dance. Members currently range in age from 18 to 26. and hail from all over the United States - including two dancers from Anchorage. In fact, Cama'i audiences may recall Alaskan Whirlwind Chris Cueva's performances at the 1999 Cama'i with his Irish band Evergreen. Katie Cueva is the group's leader.

These multi-talented dancers maintain the traditions of Lloyd Shaw's famous Cheyenne Mountain Dancers and are currently the only college-age group in the nation performing this lively style of dance.

The Cardinal Whirlwinds are best known for their complex square dance choreography, beautiful costumes and spectacular aerial figures. In addition to squares, the group performs clogging - a combination of European step-dancing blended with the traditional sounds of African boot dancing - contras, circles, mixers, and round dances, schottisches, and two-steps.

As the group is completely student-run, the Stanford students not only dance, but sew all of their hand-made costumes, learn to call square dances and undertake many other responsibilities.

The Cardinal Whirlwinds are dedicated to preserving the traditions of American dance within the close-knit atmosphere of the group as well as making these styles accessible to a wider audience.

Sharing their talent and enthusiasm both on and off campus at a variety of events, the Cardinal Whirlwinds perform at Stanford dance exhibitions, campus events, national conventions, international festivals, and for private parties and groups.

This summer, the Whirlwinds are looking forward to performing at the National Square Dance Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in June, and the Idaho Folk Festival in Rexburg, Idaho in August.

The Cardinal Whirlwinds are also very excited to have the opportunity to visit Alaska and are eagerly awaiting Cama-i.

The Cardinal Whirlwinds will perform on Friday at 10:10 p.m., Saturday at 11:30 p.m. and Sunday at 6:00 p.m. You can also meet them Up Close and Personal on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Room C15.