First, I would like to say that powwow in itself is Intertribally influenced by many Tribes as certain styles and dances vary by region. There are multiple stories when it comes to how certain styles or parts of powwow originated and developed. That is one of the many beautiful things about powwow, it is not simple, but rather complex and beautiful, as it integrates and connects many Tribes cultures and styles by the communities who helped to influence it.
Growing up in the New Mexican powwow community, most notably Gathering of Nations, I was always told that women’s fancy shawl was one of the newer styles of powwow dance. I learned by the Tribal grapevine that men’s fast and fancy existed before women’s fancy. When women started to dance fancy in the 1950’s it was because they also wanted to dance the fast and aerobic style. From there, women’s fancy evolved into what we see today.
Powwow has taken on a life of its own, a culture and tradition of its own, while maintaining regional representation and traditions.
Powwow is a microcosm; dance that has larger Tribal representation than one or multiple or regional traditional dance. It is influenced by Tribal people and communities who took an an active role in participating in connecting with other Tribes through dance – a common language and thread amongst sometimes very different Tribes. Powwow dance connects us to Creator, Mother Earth, Father Sky and to each other. It simultaneously evolves by taking on new components of style, culture and movement while also incorporating older styles and movement. Its fluidity and adaptation to the times is one of the most beautiful things I find about powwow.
To me, powwow dancing is an honoring of the past while creating space for the future and the creativity of those to come. The ultimate showcase of Tribal peoples resilience and flexibility.
Today, many people associate women’s fancy shawl with butterflies, and often when I’m dancing or practicing dancing part of my mantra is to be light, quick and graceful like a butterfly; to remember the sacrifices of our ancestors in order to preserve our practices and cultural beliefs. Today powwow has lived on and been nurtured by us, collectively, as Native people and those are often the thoughts that make me excited to dance.
Through dance I feel empowered.
Take care and thanks for writing in!
Auntie Rosa
Fancy Shaw Dancer
