DANCE CLOTHES
The attire that the dancers wear is referred to by some as dance clothes, by others as regalia. Seldom are these dance outfits called costumes. Indian people feel that costumes are things that are worn went someone wants to pretend to be something. Indian people at powwows are not pretending to be anything; they are being who they are. Sometimes Northern, Southern, and other terms are used in describing singing, dancing, and styles of dress at a powwow. Northern refers to Northern plains (the Dakotas, Montana, Western Canada, etc.) Southern refers to Southern Plains (Oklahoma and the surrounding region). Woodland generally refers to the Ojibway or Anishinabe people of the Great Lakes Region. Southeastern refers to the Native American people on the Southeastern Coast, down to Florida, and over to Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.
>>>>>>><<<<<<<






MEN'S TRADITIONAL

Men’s Traditional dancing may refer to any style of regalia that is inspired by the style of ceremonial clothes worn back in the 1800’s or before. Usually, Northern style dancers wear eagle feather bustles on their backs, tied at the waist. These bustles are simple in their decoration, using the natural beauty of the feathers maximum effect. This style of dancing is typically less energetic than Fancy Dance, but it has its own kind of intense energy. Dancers may imitate the movements of tracking an animal, telling a story of battle, or the dancer may be dancing for the sheer joy of dancing. Some dancers in this category have evolved into a new style of dancing called Contemporary Oldstyle. Here, more modern materials may be used, more decoration is employed, but still the style hearkens back to the old days.


STRAIGHT DANCE

This style refers to Southern Traditional dancing and comes from several of the tribes that were forced to settle in Indian Territory or what we now know as the state of Oklahoma. Tribes that particularly embrace this style of dress are the Ponca, Kiowa, Osage, Otoe, Pawnee, and in more modern times, the Comanche. These dancers typically do not wear bustles, but instead, wear long trailers down their backs made form either otter skins or silver “hairplates”. The Straight Dance has directly evolved from warrior societies that were prominent in the 1800’s. These societies that were prominent in the 1800’s. These societies looked after the well being of the people and promoted values associated with good living. Many say that the name Straight Dance comes from the dignified posture of these dances, but these dancers execute elaborate moves as well.



MEN'S FANCY DANCE

Fancy dancing originated in Oklahoma in the 1920’s and 30’s. Originally, the style of dancing was characterized by elaborate, circular “fluffy” bustles tied to the back, neck, arms, and even knees. This has evolved to the use of two “U-shaped” bustl3es, one tied at the waist and one higher on the shoulders. Died hackle feathers from roosters are used to decorate the feathers in these bustles. The beadwork worn with these outfits is often quite elaborate. Dancers often use their artistic expression to add to their outfits. You can never know what you might see! The style of dancing is unlimited and athletic: spins, turns, hops, and splits are traits with these dancers.



WOMEN'S TRADITIONAL

The regalia worn by women, whether Northern or Southern, is something to behold! The dance style is graceful and flowing. Among the different varieties are buckskin and cloth dresses. Women in the category carry a shawl over their arm, sometimes decorated with ribbon work and appliqué patterns.






JINGLE DANCE

Jingle Dress dancers make up a sub-set of Women’s Traditional. This dance traces its origin to a society of women dancers from the Anishinabe people. This society danced (and, in some cases, still does to this day) for the health of their people. The jingles that adorn these cloth dresses are often made from the lids of snuff cans. The material available to them! When these dancers dance, they offer a unique sound to the Dance Arena.


SHAWL DANCE

Shawl Dance is the women’s variety of fancy dancing. It is a comparatively new style having been around only for a few decades. Some call this “butterfly” dancing because of the appearance of the shawl that is worn across the back and around the shoulders of this style dancer. Others link this to term to a story of a beautiful butterfly emerging from a cocoon after mourning for her mate killed in battle. The most evident aspect of this style of dancing is the fancy footwork and the spins that are combined with elegance and grace.









GRASS DANCE

Grass dancing is sometimes placed under Men’s Traditional and sometimes under Men’s Fancy. It has links to both. Grass Dancing evolved from and old style of dancing on the Northern Plains. Some say that this style got its name from the dancers that were sent out to dance the grass down before a ceremonial dance was to begin. Others trace the origin to warrior societies where the dancers tied braids of sweetgrass to their belts. This evolved to wearing braids of sweetgrass at the top of dance bustles worn on the back. Sweetgrass is used by many Native Americans for purposes associated with purification and protection. Some say it is braided to represent the hair of Mother Earth. Grass dancers today wear a modern outfit decorated with colorful yarn and/or ribbons. The movement of these dancers can often be imagined to resemble tall grass swaying in the wind. These dancers are known for the flexibility of their bodies and for their fancy work.




 

THE SINGERS & THE DANCERS

The singers are regarded caretakers of the old songs and the composers of new songs that are linked to the traditions of the past. Without the singers, there would be no music, and without the music, there would be no dance. The position of singer brings with it much responsibility. Not only are the singers responsible for keeping the tradition of the music alive, they assure that the Drums are properly cared for. To many Native Americans, the drum is said to represent the heartbeat of the People. It is said that, as long as the Drun sounds its voice, Indian people will continue to live on this Earth. When the Drum ceases to sound, Indian people will no longer exist.

To some people, all Indian singing sounds alike. But if one listens carefully, each pf the songs has a distinct and completes melody held together by a traditional structure at the Drum.

Most of the songs sung at powwows today are intertribal sounds that are shared among people of all tribes through celebrations, family gatherings, Indian radio stations, cassette tapes, and CDs. In modern powwow culture, singing is usually categorized as Northern or Southern. Northern music traces its origin to the Northern Plaines of the United States and today, is sung in a higher register. Honor beats are placed in the second chorus of the song. Southern music traces its origin to the Southern Plains of our country, particularly Oklahoma and the surrounding region. Southern music is typically lower in its register and loud beats are placed between the choruses. Usually, at The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Powwow, there is a mix of both Northern and Southern Drums.