Upcoming Pow wows and Round Dances

Dances have always been a very important part of the life of the Indigenous people. Most dances seen at Pow wows today are social dances that might have had different meanings in earlier days. Although dance styles and content have changed, their meaning and importance have not. The outfits worn by the dancers, like the styles of clothing today, evolve over time; it is not a stagnant culture, but a vibrant and changing way of life.

The dance styles seen most frequently at modern Pow wows include Chicken, Grass, Fancy, Straight and Northern Traditional for the men. The women dance Buckskin, Cloth, Jingle and Fancy Shawl. Depending on the region, you may see other dance styles such as Smoke, Bird or Gourd Dancing.

For information on upcoming Pow wow's and Round Dances in Michigan and beyond, go to powwows.com or Facebook.