For those who have never danced.. some simple tips to follow if you plan on participating...(from hard lessons learned)
1. Be there on-time.. They won't be waiting for you cause your late..
if grand entry is at 12:00... the latest is 10 minutes maybe unless an
announcement is made that the time has been changed.
2. Get there
as early as you can.. because at some events, before you dance you have
to register and get your dancer number (the card you see on dancers
with the bold
black numbers on it). The Arena Director will be checking when you go into grand entry that you have your number attached.
3. Don't leave home without your Tribal ID and Cash Money if required..
if you plan to dance.. That is what you will need to register. They
won't take Debit or Credit Cards..
4. Make sure u have an
emergency sewing kit.. never know if there will be a seam, button, or
bead that loosens and wants to fall off, something rips, tears, gets
caught in something..
5. Bobby pins, safety pins... have them handy you never know..
6. When time for Grand Entry you will have to line up in your
category... for women always starts with Women's Traditional White
Leather, Women's Traditional Leather, Cloth, then on to Fancy Shawl and
Jingle.. The proper thing is the ladies are to line up from oldest to
youngest..but not always followed. Northern style almost always leads.
7. If the pow-wow is a competition Pow-wow you do not have to compete and just dance if you want to. You do have a choice.
8. Everyone who is a Veteran, Tribal or not /Registered or Not..is
invited into the circle to dance. Others who have a family member who is
in or was a vet are also welcome to dance...
9. Make sure you bring plenty of water for hydration cause it can get hot out there. Pre-hydrate as much as possible.
Hope this helps some folks.. good to know.. If anyone can think of some
more please add to this list..
Julie Spotted Eagle Horse Martineau
