Dance regalia worn by today's dancers may reflect a particular tribe in
style but many dancers' outfits are a combination of different traditions. While some dancers may have
very traditional dance regalia, many reflect the modern world's use of sequins, synthetic fabrics and
dyes, yarn and other less than traditional materials. However, whether the dance clothing is made of
traditional or modern materials, the use of traditional decorative designs and symbols is still
persistent (Ancona 1993:3).
Today's powwow dance activities are divided into two types, intertribal
(social dances) and competition dancing. When intertribal songs are sung, all dance styles, all ages and
genders participate, Indian as well as non-Indians, may enter the arbor and dance (Roberts 1992:125). A
popular dance for non-Indians during an intertribal is the Round dance. It is an easy dance to follow as
everyone joins hands inside the arbor forming a big circle moving clockwise. If there are many people
participating, an other circle is formed inside the first circle that moves in the opposite direction.
The Round dance creates a simple and fun activity that brings both cultures together for positive
interaction (Braine 1995:32).
Competition dancing became popular in the 1920's (Campbell 1995:7).
Nearly all Powwows have dance competitions with cash awards in both the men and women divisions. Dancers
participating in competition pay an entry fee and wear a number on their outf its. Many dancers simply
dance because they enjoy it and do not participate in the competition. Money for the dance contest
winners is provided by the powwow committee, but sometimes there are "specials", which are contests
sponsored by an individual or outside group (Braine 1995:19,32).
The prize money from the competition dancing is an important factor in the popularity of the powwow. A
good dancer can make a reasonable living by competing nearly every weekend during peak season, if he is
willing to travel (Parfit 1994:6,94).
Sometimes during dancing at a powwow, an eagle feather may fall off a dancer's outfit. As soon as it
is known a feather as fallen, all dancing stops, the arbor is cleared, and a special traditional ceremony
is performed right then. The feather is treat ed like a fallen warrior whose spirit must be cared for
immediately (Braine 1995:34). The ceremony is performed by four veterans who have earned the right to
touch the feather--veterans who have earned honors in battle, The four veteran traditional dance rs
perform the picking up ceremony and a veteran who has been wounded in combat is selected as the "Brave
Man" to pick up the feather with another eagle feather. He then recounts a war deed or special military
story of his service and then returns the feather to its owner. A gift is given by the owner of the
feather to the veteran and the drum of honor for the service they have performed (Roberts 1992:5).
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