The Jingle Dress Dance

Originating among the tribes of Canada, the Jingle Dress Dance is relatively new to the southern plains. In the last few years, ladies of other tribes have begun to learn the dance and perform in competition. This is an example of a very old dance which held a very spiritual meaning, through that meaning is somewhat clouded by time.

It is a dance of pride and dignity, which allows a significant amount of individual expression. There is no set choreographic patterns, but is quite active and very exciting to watch.

The Jingle Dress is not only very colorful, but furnishes much of the musical accompaniment for the dance. Long, tubular cones form a fringe-like decoration which "jingles" as the dancer moves. Few dances can match the sheer brilliance of costume and sound of the Jingle Dress Dance.