| A Powwow is a traditional social gathering. It is a chance to see
old friends and to make new ones. It is a chance to dance, to sing,
to eat, to rejoice in being alive. We can practice old songs and
dances, and learn some new ones as well. News and stories are exchanged
and our friendships are affirmed, until we meet again at another
stop on the "Powwow Trail".
The dances tell stories of the rich culture of American Indian life.
They honor the spirits of animals and legendary beings that interact
with Indian people. War dances tell of acts of bravery and cunning
in the face of adversity. Friendship dances strengthen relationships
and make new friends. Dance contests allow dancers to show off their
skills. The outfits of these dancers are indicative of their tribes
and clans. The beadwork, feathers, bells, furs and jewelry all tell
who this dancer is, where he or she comes from and what special
relationship he or she has with the earth.
The drum is an essential part of the Powwow. Each drum has a spirit
within it, and the singers call this spirit out. This spirit guides
the dancers, and helps the people to remember their ancestors and
their traditions. A drum is a sacred item, and you will observe
the singers treating it with respect. The songs are not written
down, and must be taught by each generation to the one following.
The Powwow begins with the Grand Entry. The Grand Entry is the first
time the dancers enter the arena. The dancers will follow the flag
bearers, who carry the United States and Indian flags. After the
Grand Entry a Flag Song will be sung, often followed by a Veteran's
Song to honor all veterans present. After the Veteran's Song an
elder will give an invocation prayer, usually in the native language
of the elder.
DURING THE GRAND ENTRY, FLAG SONG, VETERAN'S SONG,
AND INVOCATION, IT IS APPROPRIATE TO STAND AND REMOVE HATS.
After the invocation, intertribal dancing begins. The drums will
take turns singing songs for the dancers. Dancers of all ages and
tribes, Indian and non-Indian join in the intertribal songs. Following
is a description of some of the styles which may be performed:
- Snake Dance - The story of the life cycle
of the snake is told in this dance. The dancers will form a long
line, and twist and turn like the snake does.
- Two Step (or Round Dance) - Originally
this was a courtship dance, and the only dance in which women
and men hold hands. Today it is considered a friendship dance.
This is usually a women's choice dance.
- Crow Hop - The unique hopping step of
this dance honors the Crow.
- Sneak Up - As the drum beats rapidly
dancers "sneak up" in this traditional dance that showcases
their talents.
- Swan Dance - This is a traditional women's
dance that depicts the graceful flight of the swan.
- Fish Dance - This is a traditional men's
dance that depicts the struggles of the fish as they swim upstream.
- Honor Song - Often a person or group
of people is being honored at a Powwow. During an Honor Song,
dancers will shake hands with the people being honored and then
dance behind them. Like the Grand Entry, it is appropriate to
stand and remove hats during an Honor Song.
- Trick Song - The drum will test the dancer's
skills as they try to "trick" the dancers by stopping
at various points in the song.
- Intertribal Dance - All tribes and peoples
are invited to dance together in peace and friendship in this
dance. The style of this dance varies from tribe to tribe.
- Competition Dance (or Exhibition Dance)
- Many Powwows will feature competitions or exhibitions of the
different dance styles: Men's Traditional and Grass Dancers, Women's
Traditional Shawl and Jingle Dresses, Men's Fancy Dancers, and
Women's Fancy Shawl.
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