Manitou Cliff Dwellings
After Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs we made our way over to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. These were built by the Anasazi, at the foot of Pikes Peak. You’re free to go in, touch and explore, which we did.
And after exploring we were fortunate to be there at the right time to watch some Indian dances performed by three generations of Indians. We better hurry, they drums are sounding.
Don’t you love the bright colors?!
Father and son twirled and stomped for our pleasure.
Feet pounding to the drum beat.
I don’t remember what this dance was called but he explained that during the dance his shadow was supposed to resemble an eagle hunting. Very cool!
It was imperative that the children living on these cliffs be taught balance and coordination so they were given hoops to train with. Notice all the hoops are piled together at the beginning.
As the boy danced and spun, very quickly I might add, the hoops were in constant motion.
Over the arms and across the back, but he didn’t stop there.
He stomped and jumped until the hoops were around his legs. (Grandpa looks a little nervous in the background.)
He needed a break after he was done. Not sure why. But we were off and on the road again.
What an eye-opener! I love the brightly coloured costumes. And the dance
looks cool! The buildings are so interesting. I would have a great time
exploring the place and watching the performance.
I saw something similar last year while on my way to Sedona. It really is
fascinating to think of how these dwellings were fashioned. Great
shots...love the color.
I loved the music they play. You had a great day of sunshine. I hope you
all wore sunscreen while you were there!
Those native dancers' costumes are gorgeous. Your shots are amazing. It's
as if you captured their spirit as they danced.
the colors in your pictures are breathtaking
Wow! My favorite is the close up of the feet. Just beautiful! I have
seen the hoop dance before and it is mesmerizing!
That is all very cool. I'm glad you're keeping us updated during your
travels.
Thanks for these wonderful photos, Lisa.They show me that life in tune with
nature is beautiful, eternal.
How cool is that? I'd love to see it for myself someday. Thanks for
sharing.
Love the cliff dwellings! We saw many of them in New Mexico. Maybe this
has something to do with the hoop sign you saw on the highway?? I love the
bright colors and all of the meanings of the Indian dances!
This place is indeed awesome! I've visited many times.....
That explains the hoola hoop crossing sign. It wasn't a conga after all.
Those cliff dwellings are amazing.
Wow Lisa, the colors in these photos are just incredible, and that one shot
of just his feet? What an amazing shot!
Wow, Lisa!! These photos are awesome!!!! You captured the spirit of the
dance!
That dancer had some BRIGHT colors on! Very pretty!
That is sooooooooooooooooooo neat of a place! I've never heard of it! I
need to get out more! =) Road trips are so cool! They really really lived
inside there? NEAT!