The Sun Dance opera was written by Zitkala-Ša and William F. Hanson. Zitkala-Ša participated in the first performance of the opera in Vernal, Utah, along with her husband Raymond Bonnin.The opera was later performed at the Broadway Theater in New York City in 1938.The opera draws upon traditions from the Ute and Sioux cultures.The Sun Dance was a ceremony believed to be traditionally done for participants to receive some benefit, whether spiritual guidance or help in hunting practices.