RAMA FIRST NATION
POW WOW
Dance 101
Acknowledgements
MIIGWECH
The creation of this booklet was made possible from the following resources and contributors: The Rama First Nation Powwow Guide 1 Anishinabek Nation Pow-Wow '212 Rama First Nation Members Contributions to this booklets creation: Ben Cousineau Caroline Calverley Lise Kwekkeboom Ryan Stiles Vicki Snache All photographs contributed from: Cindy Rossit Photography
1Powwow
101 by bencousineau - Issuu 2 PDF Flip (anishinabek.ca)
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Traditional Style Dance & Regalia (Women) Traditional Style Dance & Regalia (Men) Fancy Shawl Dance & Reganlia Jingle Dress Dance & Regalia Fancy Dance & Regalia Grass Dance & Regalia Woodland Dance & Regalia Hoop Dance & Regalia
Table of
CONTENTS
Traditional Style DANCE & REGALIA Traditional Style Dance (Women) When dancing at a medium, fast, or slow pace, at least one foot of the dancer never leaves the ground. Most regalia is made from Buckskin or cloth or a combination of these materials, usually the regalia is decorated with beading, fringes, quillwork and other ornaments. Some dancers wear full buckskin regalia and others utilize a t-dress style with beaded yokes. Part of this dance is recognizing the grace and maturity that comes with age, these dancers are highly respected, they take small steps and dance softly with one foot always connected to the Earth. Dancers typically carry feather fans that are waved during honour beats during the song.
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Traditional Style DANCE & REGALIA Traditional Style Dance (Men) Movements in this dance style tells the story of battle and hunting, the dancer usually moves in a two steps on a foot at a time, body movements are deliberate, sometimes in a more crouched position, and often a dancer moves their head and body side to side to replicate the hunt. Regalia is usually a vest, belt, moccasins and cuffs. Accompanying the clothing is a beautiful and large feather bustle, porcupine roaches, breast plates, war shields, bags and dance staffs. Bells are also incorporated at the ankles of the dancer.
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Fancy Shawl DANCE & REGALIA Fancy shawl is high energy, fast with quick movements in the dance steps. Dancers utilize outstretched arms to replicate wings, this dance is meant to mimic butterflies in flight. This dance is thought to be newer in its existence. Regalia for this dance typically includes a cloth dress, leggings, moccasins and a flowing fringed shawl. An array of colours are utilized in the regalia for this dance, usually coinciding with brightly beaded accessories for the hair, moccasins and leggings.
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Jingle Dress DANCE & REGALIA This dance originated out of ceremony, the dance was gifted to the people as a means of providing healing. There are typically two styles of dancing. One style of the dance is light movements close to the ground in a pattern that can propel the dancer backward and in a complete circle. The second style, a more contemporary style of dance, showcases footwork that is fancier, intricate and lifts off the ground more. Regalia for this dance includes cloth materials, the cut of the dress can also be shaped to accommodate the dancers particular style as well, be it more traditional in style or contemporary. Rows of cones for the classic jingle sound and look, along with moccasins, leggings and hair ornaments. Dancers may also incorporate feathers and ribbons, some also carry feather fans, bags, scarves or medicines that have been braided into a loop.
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Fancy Feather DANCE & REGALIA Fancy Feather Dance Characterized by bright colours and a double bustle this dance combined intricate footwork with up-and-down spins that assist in flaring the feathers and ribbons out and distinguish this dance from other dances. The quick moves of this style usually require agility and stamina as this style of dance is very energetic and much quicker than other styles of dance. Regalia typically features bright ribbons, cloth and a great amount of beadwork that includes: headbands, medallions, armbands and cuffs. Usually their capes and aprons that are worn directly on the body include ribbon or yarn fringing. Dancers also wear a roach. At the top of the waist and the shoulders are twin bustles and are colour co-ordinated with the rest of their regalia.
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Grass DANCE & REGALIA Grass Dance One of the oldest dances, comes from the prairies, it has been said that the dance came from stomping down the long grasses found on the prairies to make space for additional dancers, others say the dance came about as a result of dancers tying sweet grass braids from their waists or belts. This dance does require some flexibility and stamina for some of their movements. Regalia for this dance utilizes yarn and ribbon that emphasizes the loose and flowing motions employed by the dancers. Yarn and ribbon of all colours are utilized, dancers attach the yarn and ribbon to shirts and pants and they have beaded belts, along with aprons. This dance does not use bustles, but it is common to wear a roach and some dancers incorporate bells at their ankles.
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Woodland
DANCE & REGALIA This style of dance represents Ojibwe, Pottawatomi and Odawa nations, it is an older style of dance. There are no bustles with this style but dancers will sometimes carry eagle feathers or wear them. The general style of dance is soft and seemingly floats across the earth in a natural and comforting way. Regalia can utilize fur hats, chest plates or elaborate neckwear, clothing may be covered in floral designs of either bead work or appliques. Dancers may also carry or have bags in a cross body style.
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Hoop DANCE & REGALIA Hoop dancers utilize their hoops to tell stories and share images in this dance style. Each hoop design that gets created makes a contribution to the overall story being told within the dance. Different colours in their hoops may also have meaning specific to the dancer. In regards to regalia, differing from other dancers, the regalia worn is often simple and close fitting some will have aprons as part of their regalia. Some dancers wear short type bottoms, and some dancers wear a skirt with leggings. This dance requires fitness and an ability to fit in and out of their hoops as they build their creations throughout the songs.
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