DANCE CATEGORIES AND STYLES

During wacipi, judges selected by the SMSC Wacipi Committee will evaluate a dancer’s performance based on three criteria: knowledge and skill of the specific moves of his/her category; ability to keep time with the drum; and his/her regalia.

MEN’S TRADITIONAL

MEN’S GRASS

Warriors and hunters danced out the story of their battles or hunting endeavors when they returned.

Traditionally performed after moving camp, to help prepare the earth in a good way for the people.

MEN’S FANCY

Originated in Oklahoma at the beginning of the 20th century and sparked contest dancing.

MEN’S CHICKEN

One of the oldest styles of dance, originating from the Blackfeet.

WOMEN’S TRADITIONAL WOMEN’S JINGLE DRESS

A dance exemplifying elegance, grace, dignity, and modesty.

May carry shields, weapons, staffs, or sticks, and possibly wear a bustle.

Long, flowing fringe of yarn or ribbons to represent grass. A yoke, breechcloth, a roach or wape a (wah-pe-sha), fringed anklets, ankle bells, beadwork, and moccasins may also be worn.

Bright and colorful, with two bustles, a roach with feathers that are kept rocking, arm bustles, angora anklets, bells, and moccasins.

Skintight clothing, with smaller, old-fashioned bustles—often made with pheasant feathers—as well as ankle bells and bell drops.

Buckskin or cloth dresses and a breastplate, carrying a shawl, a fan often made with eagle feathers, and a bag. A belt is often worn, with an attached knife sheath, awl carrier, and strike light bag.

Northern and Southern styles are distinct from each other, with a different competition for each.

The movements of the dancer represent the flow of the prairie grass in the wind. Dancers shake and sway, while their feet perform a variety of slides, hops, and other moves.

Consists of the standard double-step, with fancy footwork, acrobatics, speed, and showmanship on high display.

Dancers imitate the prairie chicken mating dance.

Originated with the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) as a ceremonial dance.

WOMEN’S FANCY SHAWL

A relatively new dance from when women switched over from blankets to shawls.

Dresses have rows of tin jingles made of snuff can lids. Dancers carry fans or bags, and wear eagle plumes on their heads.

Colorful, calf-length dresses or skirts are worn, with bright shawls and beadwork.

Northern dancers often dance in place with the fringe of their dress and shawl swaying to the beat. Southern dancers move gracefully around the circle with their fringe swaying back and forth.

In traditional jingle dress movements, the feet were barely raised above the ground, but modern dance steps have become more intricate.

A very athletic dance, with competitors moving around the circle quickly to the beat of the music, spinning and using fancy footwork.