Ash Heller is a traditional Lakota dancer and craftswoman. Born in 1973, Ash has followed the Native American culture for most of her life.
Since 1995, Ash has danced in both Australia and the United States. Travelling with Reuben during her time in the United States through the Summer of 1998, she participated in numerous Rendezvous. Also, Ash frequently exhibits her skills at various functions around South Australia, the most recently being at the Adelaide International Dance Festival.
Ash specializes in
"Traditional Woman" and "Fancy Shawl" dances. The oldest form of women's dance is Traditional Woman. This is a dance of elegance and grace. The movement is smooth and flowing. The women will raise their fans in honor of the drum during the honor beats of the songs. Ladies Fancy Shawl is the newest form of women's dance, and is quite athletic. Fancy Shawl is often called Northern Shawl, as it does come from the Northern tribes along the US-Canadian border. The ladies wear their shawls over their shoulders, and dance by jumping and spinning around, keeping time with the music. They are to mimic butterflies in flights, and the dance style is quite graceful and light.In addition to dancing, Ash spends much of her time doing craftwork. This includes, beading, regalia making and design as well as tanning.
