Chapter 1: Native American and First Nations Dance
Powwow meanings: continuing and building friendships, strengthening and maintaining
tribal identity, and celebrating the commonalities of identity across tribes. Shared
identity is called pan-Indian. Specific tribe  Native American/First Nation 
American/Canadian
Over 500 federally recognized tribes in the U.S., over 600 in Canada, with 220 different
languages spoken.
Evolutionary fallacy: discredited idea that cultures move in a single line from most
primitive to most civilized.
The 19th-century invasion and “kill the Indian to save the man” wiped out all Native
cultures, traditions and practices. 1890 Reservations, Native way of life contradicted
with the Western ideal of individualism. The only place they could legally dance was wild
west shows where they were exploited.
Wild west shows are a strong influence on modern day powwow practices, as well as
rodeos with competitive events and rankings. Competitive dancing and prizes at
powwows did not exist prior to the 20th century.
Intertribal powwows (modern) were first held in Oklahoma after WW1, as a way of
welcoming home Native soldiers after the war. Powwows became large-scale
homecoming events, becoming even more popular after WW2. Also precipitated
women’s involvement in dancing at the powwow, since women were serving.
In intratribal powwows, outsides are not invited nor welcome. They tend to focus more
on unity and tribal identity.
Drums, representing the heartbeat, which sustains life. Dancers should follow the drum
at all times.
Dances
* Round Dance (Friendship Dance)
o Brings in the dancers and the spectators to dance together in the dance
ring. Connecting people through movement and music
* Men’s and Women’s Fancy Dance
o Contemporary dance that are fast, athletic, and showy. Must keep to the
beat of the drum.
o “fancy dance” comes from Buffalo Bill, asking Natives to “fancy it up” for
the audience.
o In some dances, women must keep one foot on the ground at all times,
symbolizing that women are closer to the Earth. Also known as shawl or
butterfly dance.
* Hoop Dance
o Quick precise footwork and hoop handling skills. Dancers of any age and
gender can participate. Roots are from the Pueblo, popularized in 1942
from the movie, The Valley of the Sun. through 20th century, tribes adopted
the dance and has become a pan-Indian dance.
o The hoop is a symbol of unity, the life cycle, and Mother Earth and her
connectedness. It has no beginning and no end, representing the neverending cycle of life.
* Special Dances
o Held at an individual's or a family’s request. Usually, in honor of a special
achievement or a memorial for a deceased relative. Giveaways often
accompany honor songs, usually preceded by a period of hardship by the
family.
Chapter 2: Social Dance in the US
Drag ball culture – dance as a means of expression and socialization in marginalized
subcultures.
Mixture of European, African, Latin American, and Caribbean in US dance.
As the country developed, cultural influences shifted from external to internal, and
technology enhanced the sharing of social and artistic influences. Social dances have a
history of being passed culture to culture, movements and styles adapting them to fit
each.
Social dances are mostly meant for participation. It creates environments of inclusion,
which are extremely necessary when looking specifically at marginalized populations.
“It takes up the question of what we can make together” (Martin 2010, 59).
Chapter 3: Danza Folklorico and Mexican American Culture
Fandango = “elaborate ornament” originated in Spain and includes the jota and
flamenco dances. Although some believe that indigenous Mexicans performed the
dance in community and ritualistic gatherings.
Blending of indigenous, traditional, ranchero lifestyle, catholic and enslaved African
influences to what is seen today.
La Conquista – dance that portrays the execution of Aztec rulers. Used as a reminder
“We must not forget; we will triumph”
Chinelos (masked dances of carnival) – satirical dance that mocks Spanish royals,
priests, or officials
A lot of storytelling. Mexican music and dance are entwined throughout the nation’s
history.