The way I was taught, and i talk about sitting down with some of the older singers and dancers, some of whom have passed on now. The first or starting song ( song used to have the dancers get ready, but it also serves as a song for the spirits) was for the spirits, in some places that means the first start, but some don't dance period till the drum pickups after the first four starts.
They also EMPHASIZED that we show respects for the Head Gourd Dancer and his Society. I think a lot of people (out in other areas of the country, don't have any idea about what being a society member means) they just think its fun to have a patch to put on, sometimes it's seems like a game to have as many patches on as you can get.
I think if you can't represent and honor and be loyal to one society, then why be joining another.
Respecting the head gourd dancer meant for us that we didn't do anything in the arena without his OK,
We were also taught that you don't go dancing around the arena like a racehorse, only the veteran's were allowed to walk around in the arena.
We were also taught that you didn't approach the drum too quickly, some dancers just shuffle all fast up to the drum. as a singer that's might irritating
In the past, when i have felt like honoring i have always asked the head gourd, for his approval and most times the head gourd has approved and even helped in the honoring.
They also EMPHASIZED that we show respects for the Head Gourd Dancer and his Society. I think a lot of people (out in other areas of the country, don't have any idea about what being a society member means) they just think its fun to have a patch to put on, sometimes it's seems like a game to have as many patches on as you can get.
I think if you can't represent and honor and be loyal to one society, then why be joining another.
Respecting the head gourd dancer meant for us that we didn't do anything in the arena without his OK,
We were also taught that you don't go dancing around the arena like a racehorse, only the veteran's were allowed to walk around in the arena.
We were also taught that you didn't approach the drum too quickly, some dancers just shuffle all fast up to the drum. as a singer that's might irritating
In the past, when i have felt like honoring i have always asked the head gourd, for his approval and most times the head gourd has approved and even helped in the honoring.
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