The Web Site for the
Study of Native American Pow-Wow Ettiquette and Tradition |
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Remember that when we participate in the Native American Dance, we are borrowing a culture that has a reverence and spirit of its own. It is still alive and living strong in this nation. As a dancer, we must adhere to the traditions and respect and the proper etiquette of the powwow. |
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1. Be on time. The Committee is doing everything possible to ensure that activities begin and run smoothly. Please cooperate in this regard. 2. Appropriate dress and behavior are required in the Arena. Anyone unwilling to abide by this rule will be asked to leave by the Arena Director. (If you are going to dance, try to wear dance clothes.) 3. Show respect to the flag and honor songs by standing during "Special" songs, stand in place until the sponsors of the song have danced a complete circle and have come around you, then join in. If you are not dancing, continue to stand quietly until the song is completed. 4. Arena benches are reserved for dancers in dance clothes. Dancers wishing to reserve a space on the bench should place a blanket in that space before the dance begins. Please do not sit on someone else's blanket unless invited. Uncovered benches are considered unreserved. |
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5. In the Dance Arbor, never move against direction of drum. Generally, tradition suggest that this is a clockwise movement for a southern drum, and a counterclockwise movement with a northern drum. The style of the drum, not the location of the arbor, decides the movement. This also applies for movement between songs and by non-dancers in the dance arbor. 6. The Master of Ceremonies announces who is to dance, and when. 7. Respect the position of the Head Man and Head Woman Dancers. Their role entitles them to start each song or set of songs. Please wait until they have started to dance before you join in. 8. Dance as long and as hard as you can. Dance with respect to the Dance Arbor and other dancers. When not dancing, be quiet and respect the Arena. |
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9. Be aware that someone standing behind you may not be able to see over you. Make room, step aside, sit, or kneel if someone is behind you.
11. Some songs require that you dance only if you are familiar with the routine or are eligible to participate. Trot dances, snake, buffalo, etc. require particular steps or routines. If you are not familiar with these dances, observe and learn. Watch the Head Dancers to learn the procedures. Only Veterans are permitted to dance some Veteran's songs; listen to the MC for instructions. 12. Powwows are non-profit. It depends upon donations, raffles, blanket dances, etc. for support. Donations are encouraged as a way to honor someone. Any participant can drop money onto the blanket to aid in the powwow expenses. Support the Committee and buy raffle tickets. |
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While dancing at any powwow, honor the protocol of the sponsoring group
and the drum. |
14. Giveaways, attributes of Indian generosity, are held at many dances. They are acknowledgments of appreciation to recipients for honor given. When receiving a gift, the recipient thanks everyone involved in the giving. 15. Praising fellow dancers and other participants of the Pow Wow is encouraged. Dancers usually "clap" by shaking their legs, sounding their bells. 16. When the dancer starts to dance during a song depends on the tradition of the dancer. Generally, the more traditional and older styles of dancers start to move after the opening phrase, which is song solo by the leader of the drum. Modern dances may start as the head singer sings this opening verse. If you are not sure, watch the other dancers. 17. If at any time you are uncertain of procedure, etc., please check with the MC, Arena Director, or Head Singer. They will be glad to help you with your questions. 18. Remember you are Guest. 19. Remember that in each area you travel to and visit, things can and will be slightly different than your area. Different groups and have different customs and methods of doing things. Different is not wrong, just different. Be respectful of the uniqueness of each area. |
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Glazner, Chris et all, 2000 Etiquette for Dancers. Southern Native American Pow Wows<http://library.thinkquest.org/3081/rules.htm> 2001, April 24 PowWows.com, 2000 Pow Wow Etiquette. PowWows.com <http://www.powwows.com/dancing/etiquette.shtml> 2001, April 24 |
