36 NEBRASKAland • MAY 2015
POWWOW DANCE STYLES
MEN'S DANCE
Men's Traditional
The dance simulates the warrior preparing
for battle. A dancer will crouch close to
the ground and stand up at different times
through the dance. At times, the drum uses
heavy beats that represent the sound of
gunfire.
Fancy Dance
With fast steps and flashy regalia, the dance
originated in the 1950s to attract visitors. The
dancer requires strength and endurance to
keep up the pace.
Grass Dance
Believed to have originated when men
would locate a village site, the men would
trample on the grass in a ceremonial dance.
The movement of fringe of the dancer's
regalia sways and resembles the movement
of prairie grasses.
Chicken Dance
Mimicing the quick, strutting moves of the
prairie chicken, men's dance regalia includes
a porcupine hair roach, breech cloth, feather
bustle and are often decorated with round
bells and mirrors.
ABOVE: Quick movements make up the men's fancy dance at the
Indian Center in Lincoln.
BELOW: Youth grass dancers line up for grand entry at Fort Robinson
State Park.
PHOTO
BY
AMY
KUCERA
