Site Map
Search the Site

Contents:
I. DEFINITION OF GROUP DANCING
II. ACCEPTABLE HISTORICAL GROUP DANCES
III. TIME LIMIT
IV. REGISTRATION
V. RECOGNITION AND AWARDS
VI. IMPORTANT NOTES

I. DEFINITION OF GROUP DANCING

A. A group dance team shall be made up of four (4) or more (at least three of whom must be dancers). All team members must be from the same lodge. A team may perform a maximum of two (2) specific group dances.

B. The dances must be historical group dance(s) of specific tribal groups.

C. No section teams or teams made up of members from more than one lodge may enter the competition. All members MUST be from the same lodge.

D. All team participants must be under twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of the conference, be registered members of the Order of the Arrow, and registered conference participants.

E. A team dance is a coordinated group effort. It is not a series of solos grouped under one title.

F. Synchronized line dancing, as done at modern pow-wows is NOT appropriate for Historical Group Dance competition.

Back to top

II. ACCEPTABLE HISTORICAL GROUP DANCES

In choosing the dance(s) in which you will perform, consider the following:

A. Dances must be NON-RELIGIOUS and in good taste.

B. Society, clan, or family dances are acceptable ONLY if written permission is granted by the Tribal Council, society, clan or family of the specific tribe from which the dance comes. Note: SUCH TYPEWRITTEN PERMISSION MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE BOUND PACKET REOUIRED FOR REGISTRATION. Therefore, permission must be requested far enough in advance to meet the registration packet deadline. Without permission the dance will not be allowed.

C. Tribal councils have asked that Scouts refrain from performing the following dances THESE DANCES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR CONFERENCE COMPETITION.

• 1. Masked dances of: Pueblos, Apache, Iroquois, Creek, Cherokee Creek, or Northwest Coast tribes. A mask is defined as anything that covers the face of the wearer hiding his true identity.
• 2. The Ghost Dance, The Pipe ceremony, The Pipe Dance, The Sun Dance, The Hopi Snake Dance, and the Peyote Ritual.

D. Dances that are kept so secret that information on them is incomplete should be avoided. You must have accurate information.

E. No protected species parts allowed on any attire. Please be aware of State and Federal laws regarding endangered species parts.

F. Within the guidelines found in the U.S. Code as to the American Flag, flags are not to be used as wearing apparel. With this in mind, no type of U.S. Flag(s) will be permitted as a part of dance attire and should be removed prior to the conference. Flag motifs in quill work and beadwork are acceptable.

G. National Order of the Arrow Face Paint Policy: Order of the Arrow National Conferences and events conducted beyond the individual lodge will not permit face paint, body paint or wigs to be used in social or competition dancing or in ceremonies or ceremonies competition.

H. The Boy Scouts of America policy regarding weapons will be followed.

Back to top

III. TIME LIMIT

Fifteen (15) minutes total time on stage. Total time begins with the announcement by a team member. It includes prop set up, the dance(s) plus costume changes (if any) and is concluded when the stage is clear.

NOTE: All team members should be prepared to talk with the judges if asked.

Back to top

IV. REGISTRATION

To register for Historical Group Dance competition, use the customary pre-registration form for Group Dance. In addition to sending the form to the National office, send a copy to Arthur Werner, 172 Louvaine Dr., Buffalo. NY 14223-3744.

To complete your registration for Historical Group Dance competition, submit five (5) copies of the following research material, not later than June 15. 1998, to Mr. Werner at the address above. Late submission will result in a deduction of scoring points.

In addition to the five (5) copies submitted to Mr. Werner, two (2) complete copies of your research material should be brought to NOAC. ALL RESEARCH MUST BE TYPE WRITTEN AND ASSEMBLED IN A SUITABLE BINDER, AND MUST INCLUDE:

• A. A description of the dance(s) as you will perform them.
• B. The historical background of the dance(s).
• C. The historical background of the song(s) used in the dance(s).
• D. A clear description of the props used. Include pictures and/or drawings.
• E. A clear description of the outfits you will wear for the dance(s). Please include pictures and/or drawings.
• F. A description of the music & accompaniment you will use (See "C" above).
• G. A complete bibliography of references you have used to research your dance(s),( i.e., books, publications, people).
• H. A copy of the letter or permission from the tribal council, society, clan, or family as required for certain dances.
• J. Name. address, and phone number of a contact person representing the team.

Back to top

V. RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

A. Awards will be given to the top finishing teams according to the judges' discretion.

B. Awards will be given for authenticity.

C. Certificates will be awarded to each entering team.

D. The top team will be given the opportunity to perform at the American Indian Show on Tuesday, August 4, 1998.

Back to top

VI. IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Group Dance Competition will be held on Tuesday, August 4,1998.

2. The chairman of each dance team must check with the American Indian Activities booth or office on Saturday, August 1 or Sunday, August 2, 1998.

3. There will be a meeting of all judges and leaders of the teams in competition at 10:30 pm, after the NOAC show, on Monday, August 3, 1998. A representative of each entering team must be present at this meeting.

4. Any questions regarding the Historical Group Dance Competition should be addressed to: Arthur Werner, 172 Louvaine Dr., Buffalo, NY 11223-2744.

Back to top