Head Dancers

Rita Gilman,  Head Female Dancer

Rita Gilman, Strong Woman, (Mohegan) is honored and excited to fill the role of Head Female Dancer for the Mohegan Tribe's 2025 Wigwam Festival. She began taking dance classes with the Tribe in the Spring of 2017 and her first dance teacher was fellow Tribal member, and former Head Female Dancer, Amanda Gremo. She is forever grateful to Amanda for sharing her passion for dance and her constant encouragement. Amanda’s passion for dance fueled Rita's passion.

She also learned dance from Pam and Katharina Massey, and her most recent dance teacher is Verna Street. Verna is a championship dancer and has competed for many years at powwows across the U.S. Rita began taking virtual classes with Verna during the pandemic. Verna has taught her more than dance. She taught her what to expect from powwow competition, and that competing is about much more than winning.

Rita's first competition was in Eastern Blanket Dance, in 2019, and she began competing in Jingle Dress Dance after the pandemic. She has competed at Gathering of Nations in New Mexico, Prairie Island Wacipi in Minnesota, and at many New England Powwows. She will also be competing in the Black Hills Powwow in South Dakota in October.

Rita loves the healing components of dance; it is medicine for others and herself. Her passion for dance, whether in competition or exhibition, is fueled by what dance provides for her and for others. While dancing, she nourishes her soul, honors those who can no longer dance or are no longer here, feels the energy and medicine in the circle, and expresses her love for her culture.     

 

Jason Roode - Head Male Dancer

Jason Roode, Peaceful Hawk, (Mohegan) currently works at the Mohegan Tribe’s Tantaquidgeon Museum where he maintains a deep connection to his Mohegan culture and heritage. Jason began dancing in 2020 through a men's dance class, and since then, dance has become an integral part of his life. Two of his mentors and former Head Male Dancers, Justin Scott and David Eichelberg, have greatly influenced his journey as a dancer.

Most recently, Jason had the honor of teaching men's dance to fellow Mohegans, sharing the years of knowledge he gained. Additionally, Jason regularly attends and competes in local powwows. He dances in a variety of styles, including Eastern War, Sneak Up, Crow Hop, and Duck & Dive.

Beyond dance, he actively participates in language classes, craft classes, and outreach programs to local Connecticut schools. He’s led regalia workshops on crafting roaches, dance fans, and deer toe rattles. Jason is always exploring new cultural crafts and techniques, especially different styles of beading such as brick stitch, peyote stitch, and flat stitch.

Cultural preservation and expression are incredibly important to Jason. He dances not just for himself, but for those who cannot—and to honor his Mohegan ancestors.

Junior Head Dancers

Hannah Lambert - Junior Head Female Dancer

Hannah Lambert, Speaking Wolf, (Mohegan) has been dancing since she was old enough for Tiny Tots, and has danced competitively for about four to five years. She is primarily a Jingle Dress dancer, but she also knows Traditional and Eastern Blanket styles. She has taught a session of the Mohegan Ladies Dance classes and has always been willing to help younger dancers!  Along with dancing, she has sung with the Shantok Nation Youth Drum Group, and previously led the Harvest Dance. Hannah is also a beadwork artist and proud MMIP advocate. Additionally, Hannah served as the Mohegan Tribe's Youth Council Co-Chairwoman for the 2024-2025 year, attended multiple USET Conferences through the Close-Up Program, and is interning this summer with the Tribe's Curriculum & Instruction and Museum Curation Departments.  She has been dancing for as long as she can remember, and she will continue to do so. Through dance, she honors her culture, connects with her ancestors who were not allowed to dance, and serves as a role model for rising generations of Mohegans to carry on the tradition of dance far into our future.

Tristan Lambert - Junior Head Male Dancer

Tristan Lambert, "Wuyôpsooáyuch" Sly Paw, (Mohegan) has been dancing for eight years now and has been dancing competitively for four of those eight years. Tristan dances in the Eastern style and really enjoys the Sneak-Up dance. He was taught by a variety of teachers including Justin Scott, William Bernier, Hector Lebeau, and, most recently, David Eichelberg. Alongside dancing, Tristan also drums with the Shantok Nation Youth Drum Group and he's in the process of learning about firekeeping. He hopes to one day become a Mohegan firekeeper. For Tristan, dancing is a way to honor his ancestors and to share Mohegan and Indigenous traditions with others outside the community in hopes of protecting and passing on Mohegan culture to future generations.

Head Staff

  • Bruce Curliss (Nipmuc): Master of Ceremonies
  • Justin Scott (Mohegan): Arena Director
  • Jonathan Perry (Aquinnah): Head Male Judge
  • Kiana LeBeau (Taíno, Cheyenne River Sioux): Head Female Judge

Drum Groups

  • Ottertrail: Southern Host
  • Southern Eagle: Invited Southern
  • Rez Dogz: Northern Host
  • Yootay Singers: Invited Northern
  • Shantok Nation: Special Invitational Boys Drum