These shots are from a dance rehearsal for the sequence in the film where the school puts on a show for the townspeople. (It is hinted at when the members of the town council come out to the Freedom School and suggest the school put on a show for the whole town to see.) But, alas, the show never happened. The film was shut down before these scenes were shot, and when filming began months later in New Mexico, many things changed, including this dance.
I recognize in the pictures: Susan Foster (black tights), Geoanne Sosa (white), TC Laughlin (same old red shirt/leather skirt outfit), Susan Sosa (same old blue sweatshirt), Julie Webb (fringe jacket, blue sneaks), Debbie Schock (white tights, greenish t-shirt), Vickie Sosa (tan shirt, jeans). Anyone know the other folks involved? The choreographer? Where this rehearsal took place? Thanks for any help!
These posts are so heart warming! It’s so nice to hear so many from the Billy Jack movies tell their stories! To reminisce of our youth can be medicine to our hearts - especially in the world today (2013).
I knew Bundy in the 1970′s in Sausalito, ca. when we both lived on the houseboats there..would like to get in touch with her..anyone know how I can do that? I was stranded on the wharf one night and she came out and showed her kindness by giving me a place to sleep. She told me her story of how she got there from Nevada. Her boyfriend gave me a picture of an Indian man holding the world, and that was how he paid the rent. Love to hear how they are doing.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Want more.
Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would appreciate your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
[...] Geo Anne’s timely comment on last Wednesday’s post about the ‘Billy Jack’ dance rehearsal, Rolling Thunder led sunrise ceremonies during the mornings of filming of ‘Billy Jack’ [...]
The cheoreographer was Ron Jones I believe… The young man in Native costume is Ronnie, related to Chief Rolling Thunder… the musice was from Midnight Cowboy that we danced to here*
Geo Anne Sosa is ok but not Chorika :))))))))))
What a blast from the past, I remember that white fringe outfit, the choreographer “Ron?” who taught us a dance to the music from ” Midnight Cowboy”, the fantastic relationship I had with ‘ Ozella Pope Morning star, Buffalo Horse, and Ronnie who were family of Chief Rolling Thunder and the Sunrise Ceremony, I was so blessed to have participated in. These experiences shaped a very critical time in my life, I am amazed and very grateful… Thanks & Love Geo Anne Sosa / Joanne Abu Qartoumy
Coincidental that you mention the sunrise ceremony. Photos of that are coming up next week. Stay tuned!
PS: how are we going to spell your name from here on out?
I am really happy to see these pics. Tell the truth I had forgotten about them. I need to correct my name though, it’s Ozella Morning Star Pope. I am Rolling Thunder’s daughter. I don’t use Ozella anymore, and my friends and family call me Bundy. I would love to email you Geo Anne. I need to refresh my memory. I was 15 then, seems like ages ago. I recently bought a 4 DVD set of Billy Jack movies and found myself at least 3 times. What fun that all was. And meeting wonderful people like you. Wado, Morning Star “Bundy”