Bear Dance

It is a ten-day event to strengthen social ties within the community, encourage courtship, and mark the end of puberty for girls.

[1][2] The Bear Dance was first recorded by Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century,[3] but oral tradition dates it to be a thousand years old or older.

[5] Along with waking up for winter finding a new mate for the new season is another reason this dance is performed by bears, and humans.

[2] The Bear Dance lasts a week to ten days, beginning after the first thunder of the spring,[3][6] which usually occurs in March.

[7] Ute people of all ages are involved in this yearly dance, although some traditions say women who are menstruating or pregnant should not attend.

[4][8] The Bear Dance continues to be performed by the Ute People in the 21st century,[3] primarily in Colorado and Utah[9] and often in a shorter four day format.

[10] In 2021, some groups put on a "pared down" Bear Dance, with COVID-19 screenings, encouraging of face masks, and vaccine distribution.

[4] The master of ceremonies is nearly always a male singer, who banters with the audiences in between songs, speaking both on traditional beliefs and modern life, often humorously.