Ravens, bears and eagles are coming to the BPA Playhouse, but there’s no need to call animal control. They are invited guests of the Bainbridge Performing Arts Theatre School, as part of the annual Outreach Production.

These “animals” and more are actually Native American totems, and will be represented by hand-carved traditional masks and costumes, courtesy of the Le-La-La dance troupe from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation of Vancouver Island. That’s pronounced Kwah-Kwah-Kee-Lock.

The dancers, singers and drummers will perform traditional dances which are central to the cultures of Native Americans living along the West Coast. The group is led by George Taylor, who will interpret the meaning of each costume and character for the audience.

The beauty of the costumes needs no interpretation. The masks are the type of hand-carved works of art that sell for thousands of dollars in galleries, and the handmade “button blankets” are of the type that have been made for hundreds of years.

You don’t have to understand the stories to enjoy the hypnotic chanting and rhythmic drumming that accompanies the dancers.

On June 2 the group will participate in an inter-tribal welcoming ceremony and dance with representatives of the Suquamish Tribe, which will house the dance troupe during its visit.

The troupe will stage four public performances, 11 a.m. June 1 and 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. June 2 at The Playhouse, 200 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island.

There will be a reception feting the Le-Le-La dancers and the seventh anniversary of the Bainbridge Island Arts Community Consortium at 6 p.m. June 2 at The Playhouse, prior to the 7 p.m. performance.

Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council and the Consortium are funding student workshops at the Bainbridge middle schools in which students will learn more about dance and carving traditions from Le-La-La and members of the Suquamish Tribe.

Tickets for the matinee performances are $5 per person. Teachers and adult chaperones receive complimentary tickets. Tickets for the evening performance are $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. All tickets available at the box office, by phone (206) 842-8569 or online at www.theplayhouse.org.