Grass Dance
The
Grass Dance style is a very old dance rich in history that has become very
popular. In the old days, it was the job of the grass dancers to flatten the
grass in the arena before a pow wow. The name "grass" does not come from the
stomping of grass, but it comes from the old habit of tying braids of sweetgrass
to the dancer’s belts, producing a swaying effect. Today, Grass Dancers resemble
a multicolored swaying mass of yarn or fringe on the dance floor. The Grass
Dance is a very fluid and bendable style, with the dancers trying to move their
fringe in as many places as possible at once. The Grass Dance style was born in
the North, but its popularity has spread South, and now this beautiful style is
available for everyone.
The Regalia
The regalia of a Grass Dancer is very different from most other styles. The head gear is much the same: roach, spreader, and maybe a beaded headband. One primary difference in Grass dancers is the optional "antennas", which are long, thin wires with fluffs attached to the end that protrude from the spreader in the place of roach feathers. Most dancers today wear fringed capes that are edged with lots of yam or chainette fringe. Multicolored designs in the yam are popular, but all white with colored highlights is becoming popular. A matching apron to the cape is worn to cover the waist, and usually fringed sidetabs are worn as well. In stead of leather leggings, most Grass Dancers will wear a pair of jogging pants that have been modified with fringe just below the knees. The bells are worn just below the ankles above the moccasins.
Southern Native American Pow Wows- ver. 1.2
Chris Glazner, Roxanne Solis, and Geoff Weinman
What's New?
Penateka Lodge Spring Brotherhood and Fellowship
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