American Indian Dances Performed

Arrowmen from all over the country filled the Breslin Student Event Center for The American Indian Events Show Monday night. The excitement included loud music, t-shirt launching, the "LottOA" drawing for front row seats for a lucky lodge, and a drawing for the elusive four cushy seats in the "Skybox". This show showcased the best American Indian Dancers in the nation.

The show started with the national anthem in a native tongue. Before the dance styles were performed they were explained to the audience.  Up first were Old Style Dancers, Old Style Dance dates back to the earliest known American Indian dances. Next up was Traditional Dancing, which was developed during the reservation era of American Indians as they preserved their traditions from their homelands. Contemporary Straight Dancers then performed. This style originated from the traditional war dances of the Omaha and Southern Plains Tribes. The Grass Dance, designed to dance down the grass in new camps, was up next. Following the Grass Dance, Fancy Dancers performed. After the individual dancers, several group dances took place.

By the custom of many pow wows, a Blanket Dance was held to support a special cause--the Maury Clancy Campership Fund. What is a Blanket Dance? A blanket is carried by 4 people around the perimeter of the dance area to accept monetary contributions.  Spectators may contribute voluntarily by throwing coins or bills into the blanket.  The purpose is announced prior to the singing of the song.