The final Tȟéča Wačhípi Okȟólakičhiye school-based Wačhípi of the season brought dancers, singers, and families together to honor culture, community, and competition. Among the many talented dancers, Maȟpíya Lúta’s Blake Pourier, a 7th grader, stood out as he earned Grand Champion in the 6th–8th Grade Boys Traditional Category at Iŋyaŋ Šála Owáyawa.
Blake has been dancing since he was just one year old. “It feels good to win for the third year in a row,” he shared. “I’ve been dancing my whole life for moments like this.”
For Blake, dancing Traditional style is about more than just competition—it’s about expression and identity. “I enjoy dancing Traditional because it is simple. Double beat is my favorite song to dance to, and I get to express myself in my dance moves and with my regalia that my papa Lin, grandma Terry, and my mom have made me.”
He credits dancing with helping him grow in confidence. “I used to be scared to do things, but now I like to try new things,” he said. “Start simple and be brave. Don’t be scared, just focus on your moves and have fun.”
Joining Blake among this year’s champions were two other Maȟpíya Lúta students: Georgiana Tsouhlarkis, a 4th grader, was named Grand Champion in Girls Jingle, and Athena White Elk, a high school student, earned Grand Champion in 9–12 Girls Fancy Shawl.
All three students represented Maȟpíya Lúta and their families with pride, demonstrating hard work and honoring Lakota culture through their dancing — and we are extremely proud of their accomplishments.