CAST MEMBERS

(current and former)

VINCENT WHIPPLE is Navajo and Sioux. He holds a Bachelors degree in Anthropology from Harvard University, a Masters degree in American Indian Studies from UCLA, and a Doctoral degree in Education from Fielding Graduate University. Vincent is an accomplished Powwow dancer and has been a principal dancer & musician at Knott's Berry Farm's INDIAN TRAILS, at WILD BILL'S WILD WEST SHOW, with the DAYSTAR DANCE THEATER, and the AMERICAN INDIAN DANCE THEATRE. From 1999 to 2008, he starred in the role of "Alessandro" in THE RAMONA PAGEANT, California's Official State Outdoor Play. Vincent founded the WICHOZANI NATIVE AMERICAN DANCE & THEATER COMPANY in 1991 and serves as Artistic Director, Musical Director, Writer, and Producer for the company.

ELIZABETH MOUSEL is Navajo and Sioux. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from UC, Irvine and has an extensive background in tap, jazz, ballet, modern, and the major women's Powwow dance styles. Elizabeth was the featured Fancy Shawl dancer in Michael Jackson's music video BLACK OR WHITE. She has performed both nationally and internationally--at the CARNIVAL 2000 FESTIVAL in Greece, at the WINDOW ON CHINA THEME PARK in Taiwan, at Knott's Berry Farm's INDIAN TRAILS, and with the AMERICAN INDIAN DANCE THEATRE. Elizabeth serves as Choreographer and Writer for the company and is an award-winning Photographer.

VALERIE WHIPPLE is Navajo, Lakota, and Dakota. She has a sound technical background in ballet, modern, lyrical, and hip-hop dance styles. Valerie is a prominent Fancy Shawl and Jingle Dress dancer and was a featured dancer in THE RAMONA PAGEANT, California's Official State Outdoor Play. As an illustrious Hoop dancer, she has performed throughout Southern California and competed in the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HOOP DANCE CONTEST at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Valerie is a Native American model and has been a principal dancer and performer in the Luke Madrigal Indigenous Storytelling Nonprofit productions of MENIL AND HER HEART and WILDFLOWER: INDIGENOUS SPIRIT.

MICHELLE WHIPPLE is Navajo. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona. Michelle appeared in Cal Poly Pomona theater and television productions and has served as Host for the AMERICAN INDIAN CABLE NETWORK's weekly cable show. She is a talented Jingle Dress dancer and was a featured dancer in THE RAMONA PAGEANT, California's Official State Outdoor Play. Michelle appeared as a featured model in Southwest Marketing's 1999 WOMEN OF THE NAVAJO CALENDAR.

TERRY GOEDEL is Yakima and Tulalip. He has thrilled audiences worldwide with his Hoop dancing talents, having been featured with Brigham Young University's LAMANITE GENERATION, at Knott's Berry Farm's INDIAN TRAILS, and as the featured Hoop dancer in THE RAMONA PAGEANT, California's Official State Outdoor Play. Terry has won and held the title "World Champion Hoop Dancer" at the Heard Museum's WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HOOP DANCE CONTEST in Phoenix, Arizona and was featured during the opening ceremonies of the 2002 WINTER OLYMPICS in Salt Lake City, Utah.

RANDY LABATT is Sioux. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and is a distinguished Powwow dancer in the men's Northern Traditional style. Randy is a skilled flautist and has been a featured dancer for many years in THE RAMONA PAGEANT, California's Official State Outdoor Play.

ROBERT JACOBO, JR is Costanoan Rumsen and Yaqui. He is an experienced Northern Plains singer and has a solid background in the men's Powwow dance styles. Robert has been a featured performer at Knott's Berry Farm's INDIAN TRAILS and at WILD BILL'S WILD WEST SHOW. He is also a renowned Azteca dancer, heading up the traditional Mexica dance group FOLKLORICO CHICHIMECA TONATIUH.

ROBERT LINCOLN is Choctaw, Iowa, and Sioux. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he is a champion Northern Traditional dancer and a member of the WHITEFISH BAY SINGERS, one of the foremost North American Powwow drum groups. Robert is a traditional flautist, also having spent time on tour with the AMERICAN INDIAN DANCE THEATRE.

ROSCOE POND is Umatilla and Nez Perce. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from Portland State University. Roscoe was featured as Lead Actor with the DAYSTAR DANCE THEATER from 1990-1997 and has been in numerous theater productions and plays. He is the creator of a popular internet blog covering news from the film and television industries.

TOM WHIPPLE is Navajo and Sioux. He has done modeling, has a strong background in the men's Powwow dance styles, and has appeared in the film GERONIMO: AN AMERICAN LEGEND. Tom also serves in the capacity of technical consultant for the company.

IN MEMORIAM

ROBERT SCHUYLER was Navajo. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from California State University, Long Beach. He was a member of the ELK'S WHISTLE SINGERS, one of Canada's premiere Powwow drum groups, and founded the California-based drum group RED HOUSE. Robert was a featured singer & flautist at the WINDOW ON CHINA THEME PARK in Taiwan and at Knott's Berry Farm's INDIAN TRAILS.