Spectator Dancing

[hobbs49]

I'm posting this subject in the Spectators forum because, it is generally the non-NDN spectators that do what I'm going to whine about. This has been going on for some time now, but after a dance this past weekend, I just cannot take it anymore. If you’re a spectator and you’re invited into the dance arena by the MC to dance, PLEASE, try to remember what you’ve been watching and PLEASE, dance appropriately. Everyone is blessed in different ways, so I can deal with the “herky-jerkies” and the “gumbies.” But I have a real issue with those who feel that they must hop around and spin quickly while kicking their foot back and forth or whatever else they think is appropriate. If in doubt, WALK TO THE MUSIC. Maybe try some toe-heel or something like that. Regardless of what you see Kevin Costner doing in Dances With Wolves, you are not Kevin Costner and I’ve personally never seen Native People actually dance that way. The dance arean is a respected place and it deserves our respect. Oh and holding a rattle or a skull cracker or some other item you picked up at one of the vendors doesn’t change the rules.

The people that you came to see have spent a long time learning and developing their dance styles. Don’t minimize their effort by trying to show them that you can dance just like they do. It embarrasses yourself, your family and your people.

Please do go into the dance arena when asked. Please honor the head staff. Please show your appreciation for the drum during blanket dances. But PLEASE, do so with some decorum and respect.

Flame retardant suit is now firmly in place.

Sincerely,
Some White Guy

[Privateer6]

Amen!

[Eagle Plumes]

Ive seen my share of interesting folks lol one thing that did please me this week-end was they were having a blanket dance for teh drum and I always give money to my 5 yr old to put on teh blanket he likes doing that, so as we went around there was alady waving money and wanted my lil guy to put it on teh blanket for her , so off he go's to get teh money, we come around agin theres another lady waving money so ok off he go's to get the money, this happoned 6 different times! and he loved it. and most of teh bills were fives and tens. I went and said you know the money is for the drum and not for my son rite ? theyw ere like yes but thought he was sooo cute they wanted him to put the money on. Wich to me is way better than watching a person with emu feathers, wearing kilts dancing like they have to go to the bathroom lol

[Steffan Redhawk]

Just call me another guy... but I personally enjoy it...

I'm not all serious at a powwow, most of the time.. there are times I like to kick back and have a good time, its no worse than what most the drummers do during a 'break dance'

You have to admit, some of them bring a smile to your face. The only ones that I really think are just being we-todd-did are the rednecks and hillbillies that hop around the arena on one foot.. Then again, I've met a few miami guys that do the same thing.

(Not a slam against any tribe, I'm part miami, a fact that I don't often reveal)

So personally, I say, if making a fool of yourself, is what brings your friends and family out to show you the way it should be done, by all means, be the fool...

Better you than me!

:)

In all seriousness, if you can't dance, that's cool, just come and walk around with us. If you feel like hoppin and jumping a little bit, go ahead! Just don't fall over, or hurt someone, be safe, not stooopited.

and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

[WocusWoman]

Believe me, there is always at least one in every crowd. And then there was this guy, last year, with questionable indian blood, who lied about his military service, marching like a Nazi, holding a flag into grand entry, OMG. YES, true story!

[Redstone]

WocusWoman, maybe he was handicap and had wooden legs.

[CHEROSAGE]

I enjoy the dance and the arena is a place to be respected. I try to MC at the Sedalia MO dance. I see some pretty weird things out there. One thing that I WILL do is to go out in the crowd, when ever I invite the audience, and personally invite those that are mentally hadicapped to dance with me. I'm fortunate enough to have a portable microphone. I will also go and help someone who is physically hadicapped, if they aren't NDN. The NDN Handicapped know what to do and I will help- them as needed if necessary.

I do ask that the Hippy wanabes calm themselves and try not to be blessing each and every dancer. These are the weirdos.

[SuzzeQ4]

I prefer the ones who dance like idiots. the ones I hate are those who want to get some pictures before "THE SHOW" damn I didn't know weather to hit that woman this weekend or laugh. But mostly I hate the ones who run up & stand beside one of the kids while the other snaps a picture, like my kids are a tourist object. I don't care if they try to do it to me, my reaction time is quicker then my kids. My oldest is funny about it though. She is more then willing to accept a couple of bucks for a picture if the white people ask, but if they don't she is down right catty. I over heard her a few times this weekend. She said to one white "did no one teach you savages any manners" and told another "this isn't niagra falls, & I'm not a cardboard cut out".

Suzze

[Czechy]

I wish more MC's would explain to everyone what is appropriate (and why) not only in regards to dancing but also for regalia. And repeat it throughout the powwow so that everyone hears it and it hopefully, sinks in.

[Redstone]

Nice thoughts there Cherosage. Sometimes we have to realize not everyone has the ability to get around so easily. Suzze04 love your post, smart kids!

I guess we all have seen some strange things. My favorite are those who looked like they're taser has gone off and have no rhythm. But its the ones who twirl and kick that make me real nervous.

One time a friend of mine and I were both wearing otter caps with our straight clothes and we were asked if we were Russian. I slipped away and left my friend to answer that one. They were wearing a fish net shawl, and all with bare feet.

[Mud_Woman]

If you’re a spectator and you’re invited into the dance arena by the MC to dance, PLEASE, try to remember what you’ve been watching and PLEASE, dance appropriately. Everyone is blessed in different ways, so I can deal with the “herky-jerkies” and the “gumbies.” But I have a real issue with those who feel that they must hop around and spin quickly while kicking their foot back and forth or whatever else they think is appropriate.

There was a powwow last summer, and this guy was dancing like that. Kicking, stomping, and hooting. Some elders were laughting, while others were leaving the arena. People just looked at him as a clown.

My oldest is funny about it though. She is more then willing to accept a couple of bucks for a picture if the white people ask, but if they don't she is down right catty. I over heard her a few times this weekend. She said to one white "did no one teach you savages any manners" and told another "this isn't niagra falls, & I'm not a cardboard cut out".

Your daughter is wonderful. Good for her. I dont like it either when people take pictures of my girls in their regalia.

[Steffan Redhawk]

There was a powwow last summer, and this guy was dancing like that. Kicking, stomping, and hooting. Some elders were laughting, while others were leaving the arena. People just looked at him as a clown.

I've met some people that take the arena way too seriously. I remember one gentlemen, I think he had been around for about 4 years or so, got in someones face (a singer) about how he was dancing saying this kid was making a fool of himself, during this talk, I could hear the gentlemen yelling, telling the kid he was an idiot, moron, and several names this post would be edited for.

A few moments after they were done speaking, I took tobacco to this gentlemen, who I've seen around, but never met. I introduced myself, gave a brief history on my background, and asked the gentlemen about his.

Apparently he is the great great grandson of sitting bull, and he is full blooded cherokee. He was taught by 'Watchful dog' from Rosebud (get this), North Dakota.

This guy was in his mid 30's, so I just figured he was semi retarded, as to not disrespect my elder (at least in age) I did not disagree with what he told me. I spent about 15 minutes explaining to him how belittling someone else who was doing no wrong, wasn't our way.

He told me it was his right because this 'child' was younger than he was. (Kid was about 22-23) So, I asked him a few questions, about his beliefs, and he told me that Elders were always right, and that any good indian does what he is told.

Seeing that I would not get anywhere with him, I introduced him to my mother, and whispered in her ear that he was her new slave.

The rest of the day I saw him fetching things for my mother, and wheeling her around in her chair.

Talk about a good feeling :)

I luv my mumz... I really dislike hobbietots.

I've seen the guy around a few times since then, but I've never seen him give anyone a 'firm' talking to, but I can't wait until I do :D

[tsuj510]

My personal favorite is what I call the " I feel like chicken tonight" dance; you know the one... Make a fist, stick in in your armpit ala the funky chicken and stomp around...

Gas money for PowWow $50
Food Money for PowWow $100
A Yonega with the "White Man's Overbite" doing the "I feel like chicken tonight dance"....priceless

[whitewave]

My oldest is funny about it though. She is more then willing to accept a couple of bucks for a picture if the white people ask, but if they don't she is down right catty. I over heard her a few times this weekend. She said to one white "did no one teach you savages any manners" and told another "this isn't niagra falls, & I'm not a cardboard cut out".

Suzze

hehehehe I love it! How old is she? lol U did good mom....

[SuzzeQ4]

Gas money for PowWow $50
Food Money for PowWow $100
A Yonega with the "White Man's Overbite" doing the "I feel like chicken tonight dance"....priceless

great point!!

Suzze