Native American Student Association

Pow Wows are the Native American people's way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and make new ones. This is a time to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage. Dancing has always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. The outfits worn by the dancers, like the styles of clothing today, evolve over time. It is not a stagnant culture but a vibrant and changing way of life. Tips for visiting Pow-Wows click here.

Women's dance categories

Jingle Dress Dance
The Jingle Dress is made of cloth with hundreds of rolled metal cones (jingles) sewed in various patterns. It is said to sound like rain when they dance.

Women's Fancy Shawl Dance
This is the newest form of women's dance. Fancy Shawl is often called Northern Shawl, as it does come form the Northern tribes along the US Canadian border. This is very similar in dancing and the bright colors to the Men's Fancy Dance. The ladies wear their shawls over their shoulders, and dance by jumping and spinning around, keeping time with the music. They are to mimic butterflies in flight, and the dance style is quite graceful. Emphasis is paid particularly to the shawls, with elaborate designs, appliqué, ribbon work, and painting. Long fringe hangs from the edges of the shawl, and flies around as they dance.

Women's Traditional Dance
Traditional Dance dresses range from buckskin with beaded tops to cloth decorated with ribbon work and other decorations. Most Traditional Dancers carry a shawl, along with a feather fan or a single feather. Traditional dancers bend the knees and have a slight movement of body. The feet shift subtly and the women turn slightly.

Men's dance categories

Grass Dance
The Grass Dance outfit can be recognized by the yarn or ribbon hanging from their outfit. Dancers carry fans, whistles, and dance hoops. Before a dance could be held on the prairie the grass had to be stomped down, where many of the movements are believed to come from.

Fancy Dance
This is relatively new dance style. The outfits can be recognized by the more brilliantly colored feather bustles. The fancy dancer displays fast and intricate footwork and is based on the standard A double step@ of the Men's Traditional and grass dances.

Men's Traditional Dance
This form of dancing has evolved over the years, and is the oldest form of Native American dancing. There is no fixed description, as variations exist from area to area and from tribe to tribe. Many of the clothing items are the same as other styles mentioned. The distinguishing feature is the bustle, which is a circular or U shaped row of feathers with two feathers at the top pointing up. The movement in this style is said to be re enacting the movement of a warrior or a hunter.

Native American Princesses
Native American princesses are ambassadors, unlike the European sense of heritage. Princesses are chosen by different tribes and organizations and travel across the country to other pow-wows promoting her tribe or organization.

Tips for Pow-wow Visitors
Everyone is welcome to the SUU Pow-wow. Here are some tips for the first time visitor, to enhance your enjoyment.

Dance Arena:
Please show respect and do not walk across the dance arena. Please do not allow children to run into the arena. The dance arena has been blessed and is spiritual ground.

Photography:
-Do not enter the dance arena to take photographs or video.
-Please ask permission before taking an individuals photograph outside the dance arena.
-During a blessing, the MC will request that no photographs or video be taken.

Tape Recording:
Ask permission of the Arena Director before tape recording singers.
Dances:
Feel free to join in the inter-tribal dances by invitation of the MC.
Request to stand:
Everyone, who is able, stands when the Eagle Staff is brought into the arena at grand entry, traditional dancers, specials, and at the request of the MC.
Traditional Regalia:
Regalia or ornaments which are worn often signify special events or honors in a persons life. Please don't touch any outfits which may be delicate family heirlooms. (The term A costume is viewed by some as derogatory. )

Native American Student Association
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Dance Categories Tips for Pow-wow Visitors Photography	Pow Wows are the Native American people's way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and make new ones. This is a time to renew thought of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage. Dancing has always been a very important part of the life of the American Indian. The outfits worn by the dancers, like the styles of clothing today, evolve over time. It is not a stagnant culture but a vibrant and changing way of life. Tips for visiting Pow-Wows click here. Women's dance categories *Jingle Dress Dance* The Jingle Dress is made of cloth with hundreds of rolled metal cones (jingles) sewed in various patterns. It is said to sound like rain when they dance. *Women's Fancy Shawl Dance* This is the newest form of women's dance. Fancy Shawl is often called Northern Shawl, as it does come form the Northern tribes along the US Canadian border. This is very similar in dancing and the bright colors to the Men's Fancy Dance. The ladies wear their shawls over their shoulders, and dance by jumping and spinning around, keeping time with the music. They are to mimic butterflies in flight, and the dance style is quite graceful. Emphasis is paid particularly to the shawls, with elaborate designs, appliqué, ribbon work, and painting. Long fringe hangs from the edges of the shawl, and flies around as they dance. Women's Traditional Dance Traditional Dance dresses range from buckskin with beaded tops to cloth decorated with ribbon work and other decorations. Most Traditional Dancers carry a shawl, along with a feather fan or a single feather. Traditional dancers bend the knees and have a slight movement of body. The feet shift subtly and the women turn slightly. Men's dance categories Grass Dance The Grass Dance outfit can be recognized by the yarn or ribbon hanging from their outfit. Dancers carry fans, whistles, and dance hoops. Before a dance could be held on the prairie the grass had to be stomped down, where many of the movements are believed to come from. Fancy Dance This is relatively new dance style. The outfits can be recognized by the more brilliantly colored feather bustles. The fancy dancer displays fast and intricate footwork and is based on the standard A double step@ of the Men's Traditional and grass dances. Men's Traditional Dance This form of dancing has evolved over the years, and is the oldest form of Native American dancing. There is no fixed description, as variations exist from area to area and from tribe to tribe. Many of the clothing items are the same as other styles mentioned. The distinguishing feature is the bustle, which is a circular or U shaped row of feathers with two feathers at the top pointing up. The movement in this style is said to be re enacting the movement of a warrior or a hunter. Native American Princesses Native American princesses are ambassadors, unlike the European sense of heritage. Princesses are chosen by different tribes and organizations and travel across the country to other pow-wows promoting her tribe or organization. Tips for Pow-wow Visitors Everyone is welcome to the SUU Pow-wow. Here are some tips for the first time visitor, to enhance your enjoyment. Dance Arena: Please show respect and do not walk across the dance arena. Please do not allow children to run into the arena. The dance arena has been blessed and is spiritual ground. Photography: -Do not enter the dance arena to take photographs or video. -Please ask permission before taking an individuals photograph outside the dance arena. -During a blessing, the MC will request that no photographs or video be taken. Tape Recording: Ask permission of the Arena Director before tape recording singers. Dances: Feel free to join in the inter-tribal dances by invitation of the MC. Request to stand: Everyone, who is able, stands when the Eagle Staff is brought into the arena at grand entry, traditional dancers, specials, and at the request of the MC. Traditional Regalia: Regalia or ornaments which are worn often signify special events or honors in a persons life. Please don't touch any outfits which may be delicate family heirlooms. (The term A costume is viewed by some as derogatory. )