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Native Americans have been here for a long time. Even though they have adopted new ways and assimilated into society some ideas and traditions remain ever strong. Even though each nation may go by a different name, the traditions of these nations are very much alike in many ways.
In the early days when the best American Indian warriors would return home from the hunt they would tell of their feats of bravery by acting them out. Since those days of long ago, dancing has played a significant role in storytelling among the Native Americans of this country. Most of the dances performed by American Indians illustrate a story. Some dances also tell of an accomplishment. Dances such as "The Grass Dance" tell a story of the connection between Native Americans and the earth.
American Indian dance usually varies from one Indian Nation to the next. The one thing these dances have in common is the elaborate costuming presented with each dance. Each costume is as distinct as the dancer. Each article of clothing represents an event, or a tradition of the nation.
Each native person performing one of the dances is responsible for making their costume. The traditions of each particular nation dictates how the costume will be assembled. Most costumes have been copied from traditions handed down generation to generation. The costumes contain traditionally tanned skins, woven cloths, and other articles that authenticate them. Some of the ornamentation such as eagle feathers are blessed and very sacred.
Traditional dancers are either men or women. In traditional dance, men tell their story of the hunt of long ago. Each step taken in the dance routine tells a story centuries old.
Women are valued in the native communities so their dancing portrays the role of woman in society of the Native American nation she belongs to. Usually, Native American nations are matriarchal, so the women hold much power and are shown great respect.
The costume for men is usually adorned with sacred, blessed eagle feathers. The women wear traditional buckskins that represent grace and honor. In both cases you will usually see the dancer wearing a breastplate made from bone or quills. The breastplate is tied together with animal sinew.
The grass dance is one of the oldest and most widely used dances in American Indian culture. Depending on the variation of the dance and tradition of the nation it can be done by either men or women. Although traditionally a men's dance, more women are begining to enjoy the dance and what it represents. The dance itself represents a connection with earth, nature and God.
All Native Americans gain spiritual strength from their mother earth. The grass dance is an expression of harmony with the universe and mother earth. The regalia worn by dancers is unique because each strand of yarn or fringe attached to the arms and back of the costume represents the grass. These strands must move in time with the dancer and replicate the movement of grass blowing in the breezes.
The grass dance is graceful and the dancer must be highly skilled to perform this dance. Each participant must dance in perfect time in order to keep with the theme. As the movement starts it resembles the motion of the grass blowing gently in the breezes over the prairie. In older and more seasoned dancers you will notice that the fringes actually look as though they vibrate as they move.
The dancer enters the arena and begins the dance to the slow beat of the designated drummer. As the dancer begins to sway, the movement of the body causes the fringe attached to the regalia to move in opposite direction as the dancer. The dancer will then move about the arena slowly in a clockwise direction. The dancer is so skilled you can barely detect his or her feet moving side to side in a shuffling manner. The body moves right, the fringe on the regalia moves left, while the feet sway from side to side.
While watching the grass dance you do feel as if the dancer is actually lighter than air and that he or she is blowing in the wind. It is as if they become blade of grass. The key is for the dancer to respond like a blade of grass would in the wind. The focus and concentration of the dancer allows he dancer to actually become the blade of grass in his or her mind.
Those in attendance should be aware that special blessings are not only bestowed on the dancers, but the observers as well. The grass dance was originated with harmony and respect for the earth in mind. As the observer watches special prayers are said in hopes the observer learns to appreciate the soul of something as simple as a blade of grass. Prayers are also said that each person will respect mother earth and all she has to offer.
In each dance you witness such as the grass dance you should keep in mind several things. Each dancer performs with dignity in honor of their ancestors. These ancestors are felt to be present in each step the dancers take. It is with honor and dignity and with a happy face each native American presents traditional dance for people now and in many generations to come.
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