The Wakan Circle

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The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More

Most interesting is watching the story line develop as each dancer challenges the enemy. Even with the slow tempo, the rhythm must be in harmony with the drum. One may enjoy trying to interpret each motion and compare the different ways dancers imitate the eagle or the porcupine.

Men's Northern Traditional Dance

The traditional dance may be the original dance of the Indians of the norther plains. Its origin is lost in antiquity, but its style allows for much individual expression on the part of the dancer. This is the reason for its growing popularity among the tribes.

There is a close similarity of story line to the Southern Straight Dance - that of a war party recounting its feat for the tribe. The interest is heightened by the use of a long "coup stick" and the motion of the feather bustle.

A much slower tempo allows the dancer to convey his emotions in singular fashion. He always faces the enemy, never turning a complete circle. Faces are painted in a way designed to intimidate the imaginary opponent with the fierceness of the brave. The dancer will mimic each element which makes up his regalia.

MEN'S GRASS DANCE

Several stories about the beginnings of the grass dance are told. One tells of the grass dance coming from the movements of the early scouts seeking a site. The grass being high in new areas, the scouts would dance in a special way to flatten the grass an d make it acceptable for a new camp or meeting site. The grass dance movements also reflect warrior movements such as stalking the game or enemy and fighting the enemy (including one movement representing one of the warrior's legs being staked and unable to move and battling with this leg in a held position). The grass dance is often said to reflect the need for balance in life; each movement that is danced on one side must be repeated by the other side. Some people talk of the grass dance as a gift from the Creator to celebrate joy. There is rich lore surrounding this dance. The regalia for the dance is comprised of long strands of yarn, ribbon or fabric attached to a base outfit to represent grass or in some theories the scalps of enemies. A headdress c alled a roach is worn. The roach has two feathers attached in such a way that they rock or twirl as the dancer moves. As in all the dances, the dancer must move with the beats of the drum ending with both feet on the ground on the final beat.

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
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