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    Dance Styles
    As even the most novice of visitors will notice, there are many different styles of dance seen at pow wows. Although every dancer looks different, there are certain guidelines that all dancers follow when making their regalia. (Notice the lack of the word costume.) These styles have evolved from the old days and each has its own unique story and traditions. The following is a list of several common styles seen at pow wows that are linked to a page devoted to that particular dance style.

    Men's Styles


    • Southern Straight Dance

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      The Southern Straight Dance is the formal Southern dance style, tracing its roots to to the original formal war dance.



    • Fancy Dance

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      The Fancy Dance is the style of dance that contains the most color and movement. It was created on the reservations to attract visitors.



    • Traditional Dance

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      The Traditional Dance is one of the most common styles seen at pow wows and is considered the warrior's dance style.



    • Grass Dance

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      A popular dance that is full of color and movement, the grass dance originated from the original Omaha Grass Dance.


    • Gourd Dancing

      This dance is not a true pow wow dance style but a separate type of dance before the Grand Entry.


    Women's Dance Styles


    Traditional Buckskin

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    The Buckskin style of dance is very graceful and has some of the most elegant bead and craftwork of any style.



    Southern Cloth

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    The Southern Cloth style of dance is much like Southern Buckskin, but the beautiful outfits are made with fine cloths and ribbonwork.



    Jingle Dress Dance

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    The Jingle Dance is a very interesting and unique dance that was delivered through a vision many years ago, and has become popular all across the continent.



    Fancy Shawl Dance

    picThe Fancy Shawl Dance is the most exciting of the ladies' dance styles to watch, due to its many intricate movements and steps

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