PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA NE PERMIT NO. 389
A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging
New Horizons July 2026 | Vol. 51 | No. 7
Dancer, choreographer, actor, educator returns home after years away to share lifetime of creativity
By Leo Adam Biga maha native Monica McSwain is a trained dancer who also sings and acts. As a choreographer and educator she’s followed in the footsteps of her mother, Omaha theater-dance maven, Sondra McSwain. Monica has showcased her talents on screen and stage. She enjoyed a dance career in New York City, branched out as a national television commercial actress, then made her mark in musical theater, even Broadway, in Chronicle of a Death Foretold. She next conquered Hollywood as an episodic TV (New York Undercover, Chicago Hope. Moesha, Promised Land) and film (American Pie, Red Eye) actress. She’s danced and choreographed across many styles for live concerts, fashion shows and music videos. She’s shared the stage with Michael Jackson, Usher and Debbie Allen. She said working with MJ on the Beacon Theatre performances “was a masterclass in precision,” adding, “Even the rehearsal phases in that iconic space remain some of the most rigorous and rewarding of my career.” She has graced billboards and magazine spreads (Ebony, Glamour). She’s worked extensively with LA Theatre Works, touring with Steel Magnolias. She’s also turned down work that goes against her
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COURTESY PHOTO beliefs. “I don’t want to encourage people to do something if I don’t think it’s a healthy way of being,” she said. Also an entrepreneur, she opened her own L.A. boutique gallery, MAKEDA.
COMING HOME After years away, she’s now back in her hometown, sharing her gifts with schools and arts organizations. Choreographing shows at Duchesne Academy continues a family tradition that began with her mother
teaching dance there. English and drama teacher Thomas Becker notes the connection. “When I work with Monica I see quite clearly the impact her mother has had on her. She moves through the rehearsal space with the same quiet dignity and commands the same kind of respect.” He met her in 2011 when she guest choreographed Anything Goes. She next did As It Is Heaven in 2015. “Her work in these productions was stellar,” he said, “and when I heard she was back in Omaha I brought her onboard to choreograph As You Like It. Monica taught our students period specific dance pieces to go with the music of Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith and Nat King Cole.” McSwain then collaborated on the school’s production of Six – Teen Edition last winter. Becker admires “her beautiful choreography and attention to detail,” adding “what makes her special is “she is a dancer, but also an actor, so she can approach a piece of choreography from a character’s perspective … and help the director tell that story.” Storytelling inspires her. Said McSwain, “I believe in bringing truth to life, so I commit to whatever that life, that story is. I want --McSwain continued on page 8.
Omaha woman teaches, keeps Native American language alive
Exercising, having fun on a bicycle ride Cycling offers significant physical and mental health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength, reduced stress, and better joint mobility. Learn more about why it is important to ride a bike in the Omaha Pedalers Bicycle Club on Page 16.
By Ron Petersen The UmoNhoN language, spoken by Native Americans in the Omaha tribe, is in danger of passing into history. In order to keep the language from disappearing, Omaha tribe member Glenna Slater, teaches the language to students every semester at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). “The language is the most sacred thing to me, and I want to continue to share the language with people in this community,” Glenna Slater said. The UmoNhoN settled the Great Plains during the 17th century before losing much of their territory to the U.S. government in the early 1800s.
The Omaha Reservation was established in 1854 and is in Macy, Nebraska. Over the last 25 years, students at UNO have not only learned about the language, but they have learned about the traditions of the Native American culture in Slater’s class. “I teach the students about the clothing, foods and I share stories about the history of the tribe,” Slater said. “I teach every detail about the Native American culture.” Preserving the language has been a difficult process because less and less people are learning about the language, Slater said. “The language is hard to write down and it’s the hardest language I’ve seen written on paper,” Slater --Slater continued on page 9.