Onaj~Native Pow wow Dance Styles

The Grand Entry signals the start of the pow wow by bringing together the singers, drummers and dancers who participate in the celebration. It sets a special time for showing respect to the various dancers and their sytles of dancing.

Dancing
The exuberance of a pow wow is best expressed in vibrant color (beads, feathers etc.). Regalia is decorated with exquisite beadwork and bells. Each movement of the dancer is calculated and each individual style depicts the inner nature of the soul.

Men's Traditional Dance
Through traditional dancing and singing we retain values from the past and are encouraged to carry into the future what we have learned to respect in life. Power, grace, pise are all exemplified as the male traditional dancers move in exact thythm with the drumbeat. Roots of the Men's Traditional and / or Straight Dance can be treaced back to the Omaha Nation of the Central Plains. Warrior societies wore regalia that distinguished their bravery and honor. The wearing of eagle feathers, crow belts and colorful markings serve as signals of rank within certain societies. Most traditional regalia reflects identity, status and honor. The traditional dancer emanates respect and pride.

Grass Dance
Today the Grass Dance is known by various names indicative to each tribe, however, the dance, songs and outfits remain similar. Originally to enact war experiences, today each dancer uses his favortie steps and dances for his personal enjoyment. Grass dancing had developed from a ritual to a popular dance. Though symbolism has changed, the dance retains elements of original choreography.

Share Your Style ~ e-Mail Us Your Dance Sytle

PayPal Aceppted !

naanok ?ans naat sat'waYa naat ciiwapk diceew'a "We help each other; We will live good" Please Join Us Again Soon!

OnajNativeStore©2004-2007