Boozhoo John, If you’ve ever been to a Native American pow wow, you’re familiar with the sights and sounds of the gathering: the bustling crowd, the steady sound of the drum song, the colorful regalia of the dancers, and the tempting aroma of piping hot frybread!
Occasionally, you might also notice a young man stepping into the dance arena holding a small hand drum and all alone, he begins to sing. Dancers from the audience – usually women – begin to step forward and the circle starts to grow.
Another round dance is born. A Shared Connection
A long time ago, the Round Dance originated within the Plains Native culture, and like most tribal dances, the dance circle bears important significance in form and meaning. The primary intent of the Round Dance is to socialize, strengthen community identities, and bring us together during the winter season.
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Dancers are connected in a circular chain and move in a sidestep. Here in Wisconsin, dancers connect by holding hands, while others may dance alone. Tribes may have different variations on the dance, but however the dancers come together, a connection occurs and everyone moves in the same direction.
The Round Dance has evolved into a dance of friendship, often with songs about love, love lost, and even humor. As the hand drum beats, so closely emulating the human heartbeat, participants feel that strong and abiding connection between one another as they dance. |
