DANCES

JINGLE DANCE

Originally from the Chippewas in the Great Lakes region, Jingle dresses were adapted into print cloth dresses as they moved west into the Dakotas and Montana. Made from soup or snuff can tops, the Jingles may be a woman's answer to the bells on men's outfits. Reappearing today, the dance was common in the 1930's. A Jingle dancer's movements are more confined and rigid than a Fancy or Traditional dancer's. Hands are kept at the waist. The Jingle dress's thigh cut allow the dancer to only move the feet up and down and back and forth.

BUCKSKIN DANCE

Exclusive dance of princesses and ladies in leadership roles, Traditionally, this was a dance of the northern tribes, but is now danced by southern tribes as well. Each participates with her own style. At a given time during the song, the dancer salutes the drum with her fan in a beautiful expression, "the catching of the spirit of the drum". Usually reserved for older women, this dance of honor reflects the women in Indian society, including their roles as givers of life, keepers of home and family, decision-makers and heads of households. Northern dancers dance in one position or area. Southern dancers move clockwise around the drum. Although the styles of dress vary, buckskin (sometimes weighing 40 - 60 pounds), or cloth dresses with ribbons and shells are often worn. There are two important items used by Traditional Dancers. One, is the fan. This fan is usually beaded and is raised to the drum, in honor, during the "honor" beats of the songs. The second item, is the shawl. This colorful, fringed shawl is carried over one arm. The fringe of the shawl sways with the movement of the dancer. Traditional Dancers wear beautiful jewelry. Many wear breastplates that hang to their knees. The hair barrettes are hand beaded and the women often have beaded pieces for the fur pieces that hang from their hair. The moccasins are either fully beaded (Northern style) or accent beaded (Southern style). Traditional dancers move with grace and elegance. They sway to the beat of the drum and slightly bend their knees. Although the movement is slight, the effect created by the movement of their fringe is breathtaking.