NA Writing Lesson Six: Shawl Dance

I learned what a Pow-Wow is and a Pow-Wow sounds neat. I am writing about one of the dances I read about. The Women's Fancy Shawl Dance caught my attention. I thought that it was interesting that the Native American women wear their shawls over their shoulders and dance by jumping and spinning around and keep time to the music. They look like butterflies in flight and dance gracefully. I love to see butterflies flying and I would enjoy this. Their shawls are a work of art with elaborate designs, applique, ribbon work and painting. This sounds like art and scrapbooking style and this is something I would like to see. Lose fringe hinges hang from the shawl and fly around. This would be breath taking to see.

I learned that non-Native Americans can be invited to dance and it would be disrespectful to decline. They aren't allowed to touch the garments made and worn by the Native Americans for the dance. These garments have a lot of work and time put into them and they are gifts from family and friends.If something falls, leave it. Inform the person he or she dropped an item and the person will retrieve it through proper procedures. The MC will tell you when to stand and when you may sit to honor songs. He will announce inter tribal dances and other invitations for guests to participate. Admire the Native American dancers and their beautiful garments but don't touch. Enjoy the Pow-Wow dances!

I would love to go to a Pow-Wow and see Native Americans dance. I would do the Women's Fancy Shawl Dance and look like a butterfly dancing. Being part Cherokee. this would be fun and another way to be in touch with my roots.