Dennis W. Zotigh had envisioned a professional Indian dance company that would legitimize Native American dance as a performing art. He has performed with many performing arts and Native American dance troupes in addition to researching songs, dances, their significance and their origins from many tribal nations across North America. Shoshana Wasserman began her career in theatre. She went on to pursue a career in education and public relations. Together, they collaborated a partnership using Native American dances enhanced by theatrical staging and the integration of educational principles.
The Great American Indian Dance Company originated in Norman, Oklahoma in 1988. It was at that time that the State Arts Council of Oklahoma was auditioning new talent for their Touring Program. After receiving acceptance to their touring roster, Dennis W. Zotigh, director and Shoshana Wasserman, artistic director, began designing a variety of concerts that would be suitable for a wide variety of audiences.
Full and Mini Concerts were designed with a more adult audience in mind. The goal was to take audiences on an excursion through "Indian Country", and illustrate the cultural diversity of Native American tribes/natives. Another goal was to encourage audiences to view Native Americans as thriving, dynamic and evolving cultures. The company began to re-educate and re-define how Native American dances and songs were viewed by the public.
