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Native American Powwow Drumbeats cut through the heavy summer air, accompanied by a soloist singing the introduction of the song. Native American dancers remain still, posed like mannequins, until the introduction is complete. When the members of the drum ensemble raise their voices, the dancers come to life. Brightly colored bustles and elaborate headdresses quiver as the competitors dance. Visitors travel great distances for the opportunity to witness the festive dance competitions at a powwow, but the events are more than competitions or public exhibitions. For Native Americans, powwows provide cultural continuity, allowing them to participate in their culture and pass it on to the next generation. Two large powwows are held in Montana—the Arlee Celebration on the Flathead Reservation
and North American Indian Days on the Blackfeet Reservation. Each powwow commences with the Grand Entry, as participants dance their way around the arena in spiral formation until all participants have formed a tight circle around each other. After the tribal members perform a flag song, treated with respect like our national anthem, the competitive dancing begins.
beautifully decorated shawls held out by the dancers as they twirl. Many of the dance competitions are for tiny tots, children, and youth, but even during the adult dance contests, children often dance on the sidelines, practicing the particular dance being performed by their elders. After the men complete a prairie chicken dance, a young boy is honored with $20 for his exhibition, to encourage him as a future champion dancer. During the golden age competition, the master of ceremonies reminds everyone to stand for the duration of the dance and explains to the younger generation the importance of showing respect for their elders.
The dance is based on the “double step” in which each foot touches the ground twice: tap, step, tap, step. From this step, footwork is varied with speed, leaps, twirls, arm motions, and artistic or even acrobatic moves. Rapid movement may make it appear the dancers are stomping their feet, but these agile dancers are very light-footed and graceful. Types of dance include the traditional dance (representing a warrior scouting before a battle), fancy dance (where dancers are noted for their fast footwork, athletic ability, originality, and bright colored regalia), grass dance (dancers move their bodies in harmony replicating the image of grass swaying in the wind), and jingle dance (outfits include “jingles” made from hundreds of metal can lids). The women’s shawl dance regalia displays
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Educating the next generation, as well as spectators, seems to be a central purpose in the events. The tribal elders demonstrate and explain a number of cultural traditions. For instance, most Native Americans have long considered the eagle feather to be sacred. During one of the children’s dances, an eagle feather falls from a headdress. The contest is stopped while the War Dance Chief performs a special ceremony to pick up the fallen eagle feather.
from generation to generation. Guests are advised not to touch a dancer’s outfit or accessories. Judges score each dancer on their regalia, their individual style, and how well they know the song. During each song, two competitions occur at once; the drum groups compete along with the dancers.
Such traditions may seem strange and unfamiliar to spectators, but the master of ceremonies tells the audience what they need to know, such as when to stand or be quiet and when photography may not be allowed. Guests are expected to respect the rules of the event. At the North American Indian Days, photo passes cost $10 for anyone with a camera. Since there are no fees for admission or parking, this seems a reasonable request.
A dancer’s clothes are never referred to as a “costume” because a costume is something worn to pretend. A dancer’s outfit may cost thousands of dollars, and some parts of their regalia may include family heirlooms passed
Visitors do not remain spectators for long as the cadence of the drums sets feet to tapping. In fact, the master of ceremonies invites everyone to participate in the intertribal dance. Street clothes are acceptable for this dance, allowing everyone to join in the fun. No one is required to participate in the intertribal dance, but doing so is enjoyable and shows respect for the culture.
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I remained a spectator at my first powwow, but at the North American Indian Days, I join the intertribal dance. About 50 guests dance alongside the Indians, trying to mimic their dancing, while looking and feeling rather foolish. The double step is challenging at first because the dance moves on beats two and four, rather than beats one and three.
because these cultural events impression on young and old alike.
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After dancing with the Indians for five songs, the master of ceremonies has us dance by ourselves to see how much we have learned, saying, “I need a good laugh.” He encourages us, adding, “Remember, this is on live television and afterward we will put it on YouTube.” We bravely start dancing. Afterward, he jokes, “You folks look like you are river dancing or something.” To the Indians he quips, “Remember, that’s what you look like when you’re trying to dance like white folks.” It’s all in good-natured fun, and everyone has a good laugh. During the dance competitions, a change in the breeze delivers the aroma of grilled foods served by various vendors just outside the arena. I survey the options and find the crowd favorite seems to be Indian tacos—tacos served on Indian fry bread. After sampling the culinary treats, I take time to peruse the booths of the artisans and admire the handmade jewelry and leather goods, as well as Native American toys, traditional and contemporary art, and music. I take home some music so I can practice dancing before the next powwow. I am hooked! Fifty-two weekends a year a powwow occurs somewhere in the country. Depending on the size, the event may last for an afternoon or for several days. Check with the nearest tribal visitor center to find out if there is a powwow near you. Be sure to take the whole family
©2010 Christy Bower. The author grants permission to share print or digital copies with this copyright notice intact. www.ChristyBower.com (Photos ©2008 Christy Bower)
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