Ladies' Southern Cloth Dance

Ladies Southern Cloth Dance is the perfect counterpart to the Men's Straight Dance. The slow, graceful walk and gentle sway in exact time to the music contribute to the stateliness of the dance. The gentle motion of the shawl folded over the arm is a harmony with the motion of the body to the drumbeat.

The dancer's dress may vary according to tribe and expression of the individual. Buckskin or cloth leggings and moccasins are beaded in symbolic ways. Beadwork and intricate ribbon designs decorate the regalia which is also often complimented by a long necklace made of tubular beads.

A gentle tinkle provided by tin cones and silver tubes on the belt becomes an additional accompaniment to the dance.