Men's Traditional

This may refer to Northern or Southern old style outfits. These outfits are replicas of the style of dress worn (before and later during early reservation times) back in the 1800's. The manner of dance is quite a sight to see, since each dancer dances in whatever manner he deems suitable. He may imitate an animal, display a war exploit, or just be dancing for the fun of it. Watch them and you are seeing a part of history.
   

Women's Traditional

The outfits worn by women whether Northern or Southern is something to behold. The ladies wear either buckskin dresses or cloth dresses, which are usually made of Blue or Red Trade cloth. The dance styles of Northern and Southern women were quite different. Northern women usually remained stationery with slight movements, while the Southern women moved around during their dances. All in all, the women are poetry in motion.
   

Fancy Dance

Fancy Dancing originated in the South, and has been around since the 1920's. With these outfits, these men are the most striking aspect at a Pow-wow, with their U-shaped bustles, matching beadwork, and flashy color combinations. The style of dancing is unlimited. That is to say that the steps that are used vary with each dancer. Spins, turns, hops, skips, and more are the traits of these ever-changing dancers.
   

Shawl Dance

Shawl dancing is the women's version of fancy dancing. It is a comparatively new style, having been around only a couple of decades. Shawl dancing originated among the Northern tribes and was quickly adopted by the Southern tribes. The most evident aspect of these women is the shawls that they wear. Shawl dancing is similar to men's fancy dancing, however, the females only do the turns, high steps, and their own dance interpretation. Legend says, "the young ladies and their shawls represent the transition from a cocoon to a beautiful butterfly in flight." A famous Pow Wow MC once said of these dancers, "they're so light on their feet that the grass doesn't even bend under their moccasins where they dance."
 
Grass Dance

Grass dancers are sometimes also called Ribbon or Crazy dancers. This style is kind of a bridge between the Men's Traditional style and modern Fancy dancers. It originated from Canada down through Montana and the Dakota's. The basics of the outfits are shirt and pants with lots of ribbons and beadwork adorning them. Some of the clothing worn leans toward the traditional outfit, except for the feathered bustle which is absent from this style. The balance also leans toward the more modern and up-to-date Fancy dancer, again leaving off the bustle. Most Grass dancers have their own style of dancing, doing a little of all other styles combined, plus a little flair of their own. One reason these dancers were called Grass dancers is evident in the name. These men were the first in the arena, and they danced the grass down before the rest of the dancers entered. The Grass Dance has been described as "gutsy, swinging, slick, and old-time." The swaying motion is quite different from other styles of dancing. Perhaps the legends about the origin of the Grass Dance describe it best ... Before a dance, young boys were sent out to smooth down the grass, then, they would tie grass to their clothes ... from the movements of the Grass Dance, it is not hard to believe this legend.
   

Straight Dance

Straight dancing is a Southern style of dancing which is somewhat of an old style, as well as being new. That is to say, you can find older and newer versions of this outfit. Sometimes you will see a combination of both. The style of dancing is similar to the Men's Traditional style, but at some time period some of the dancers were dancing with a straight posture, so hence forth they have been called Straight dancers to this day.
   

Sneak-Up Dance

The Sneak-up dance and song was originally made back in the 1800's for warriors when the Indian triabes were fighting amongst each other, like the Lakota fighting the Crow and the Cheyenne fighting the Arapahores. When a boy come home from the battle and he was wounded, this special song, what we call Sneak- up today, was sung for him. During the song, the wounded boy would be placed out in the center of the arena either sitting or lying down, and then the warriors would sing the song three times. Each time, they would pretend to attack and keep going towards the boy. On the last beat of the drum, when they took up the song, the warriors would pick him upand bring him back. And that is the premise of the Sneak-up dance.
   

Story Dance

Story dancing is a version of dancing which tells the stories of Indian life. Many versions were used to explain Indian history, its culture, the animals they came in contact with, or Indian exploits. Some of the versions are the Snake dance, Courtship dance, and Beaver dance. The style of dancing is unlimited. That is to say that the steps that are used vary with each clan or tribe. There may be many ways of doing the Snake dance, depending on how it was passed down from generation to generation. The old traditional dress is acceptable, as well as the modern outfit. Many times you will see a combination of both traditional and modern styles.
   

Jingle Dress

Based upon a young Ojibwe woman's dream, the Jingle Dress dance is revered as a healing dance. Legend says, "the Jingle Dress was given to Indian people in a vision." The Jingle Dress is often referred to as a "healing dress" and Jingle Dress dancers are sometimes called upon to dance for a sick or injured community member. Cones shaped from chewing tobacco lids are positioned upon masterfully designed cut dresses. Traditionally, a cone is secured on the dress for each day of the year (365 cones). The Jingle Dance has been termed "jingle" for the "shuck-shuck" noise they make.
 
 

First Opened: November 13, 2000
Revised: June 2004