Pow wows are celebrations, social gatherings, and feiendly dancecompetitions; they are a time to meet with old friendsand make new friends, and celebrate life the creator has given us through dance. There are sacred traditions to be found in this coming together of people. There is a circle of dances which represents the circle of unity, the cycle of life. Dancers often follow the clockwise directions of the sun.
Everyone is welcome at a pow wow, regardless of race or tribe. For newcomers to these colorful events, there are a few general rules of conduct which must be followed at pow wows. The following explanation may enhance the enjoyment and understanding of the pow wow.
The grand entry is the parade of all dancers into the dance area. When the eagle staff is brought into the arena for grand entry, those who are able must stand, and hats are removed in respect. The same respect is shown should an eagle feather fall to the ground during the dancing. Everything must stop until a proper retrieving of the feather has been performed.
Do not touch any part of a dancer's outfit, for some outfits have special meanings to the wearer. All outfits are handmade and could cost thousands of dollars; they are cherished and sometimes are heirloom pieces which are handed down through generations.
As with most competitive events involving concentration, camera flashes could be distracting. Photos may be taken, but don't use a flash during the contest. Always as permission before snapping a dancer's picture outside the dance area, for this is for private time. Also, do not crowd the dancers or stand in front of those who are preparing to dance or sing.
Feel free to join in the inter-tribal dances on invitation of the master of ceremonies, for these are the only dances which are open to public participation, regardless of race or tribe.
Dances are either for men or women and the competition dances are divided into age categories. Here is a brief description of dances which you will see at the Fort Hall Replica Pow wow.
MEN'S NORTHERN TRADITIONAL DANCE: Lavish bustles of long eagle feathers--or other birds of prey--are worn around the dancer's waist. This is the orginal wardance which was danced by the old timers before and after going into battle. Some of the regalia worn are very old and were passed down from the generations. Some men's outfits may include a red eagle feather--which denotes a veteran who sustained an injury in battle.
MEN'S FANCY DANCE: The dancers wear brillantly colored outfits with double bustles behind the back, with small bustles on the arms. This is the most athletic dance of the pow wow. The dancers must be extremely coordinated, and are required to stop with the last beat of the drum, or lose points in the competition.
MEN'S GRASS DANCE: This dance is one of the oldest dances preformed at pow wows. The grass dancers wear outfits which have strands of yarn or ribbon hanging down form the arms and waist, which represents grass in the spirit world. The dancers move gracefully, and flow like strands of grass blowing in the wind.
WOMEN'S JINGLE DRESS DANCE: This dance stems from the Chippewa legend of long ago, where a young girl was very ill and was on her death bed. While her father slept, he was told in a dream to make a special type of dress which should be adorned with metal cones sewn around the cloth. He was told to put this dress on his daughter, and when she danced, she would be miraculously cured. The dresses make a gentle swishing sound when worn; these dresses were traditionally decorated with rolled tobacco can lids.
FANCY SHAWL DANCE: This is a dance where some of the ladies emulate the movements of a butterfly. The dancers wear elaborately beaded dresses, moccasins, and leggings--which is completed by a beautifully embroidered or decorated long fringed shawl, which is further complemented by the high spirited twirling and prancing movements of this exuberant dance.
WOMEN'S TRADITIONAL DANCE: This is the original dance style which the women were limited to in the old days. They women move in a very graceful bounce step, rhythmically dipping and swaying to the beat of the drum. The women wear dresses of buckskin, wool, or other material, which are heavily decorated with beadwork, shells or elk's teeth.
The competition is scored by judges which are selected at random, and the dancers are judged by their individual dance style, quality of outfit, athletic ability, and participation.
THE DRUM: The drum is the most important participant at any pow wow, because without the drum groups, there would be no dancing or singing--therefore no pow wow. The drum represents the heartbeat of the Indian people; some of the songs which are sung by very old and have been handed down through generations.
Bill Hayes is a well known international organizer of Pow-wow and dance troupes. He is responsible for this first ever event to be held at the Fort Hall Replica.
By the Pow wow Committee