New dancer

[prestonb]

Hi,
I am basically a new (and overwhelmed) grass dancer. I have wanted to be a dancer for a long time, but I only started after a friend of mine gave me his old regalia. I have purchased the Missouri River pattern from Crazy Crow to make my own regalia, but I have a few questions.
1. How is the H harness worn? It seems like it would restrict the cape's movements If worn like suspenders.
2. What colors are acceptable? (What looks good...?)
3. I am an ok dancer, not reaady to compete, though. Can anyone tell me How to dance correctly? (What is the basic step?)I have been watching videos on Youtube (and mimicking them) to try, but if someone told me how, I might do better.
4. How long should the pants yarn be? From the knees to the ankles?
5. Where can a guy on a budget get a good roach?
6. Collar or no collar on the ribbon shirt? Which do your tribes do?

Those are my questions. I'm a dunce, so detailed replies would be nice...:.
Thanks for the help!
- Stressed out dancer.

[sookout sh'nob]

Hi,
1. How is the H harness worn? It seems like it would restrict the cape's movements If worn like suspenders.

Think of it as a long necklace that also ties at your waist (usually) - and no, it doesn't restrict the cape in any sort of appreciable way.

2. What colors are acceptable? (What looks good...?)

Check the gallery - there are tons of photos with every color combo imaginable available for viewing. Browse and pick what you like. This is, after all, your dance and style, si?

3. I am an ok dancer, not reaady to compete, though. Can anyone tell me How to dance correctly? (What is the basic step?)I have been watching videos on Youtube (and mimicking them) to try, but if someone told me how, I might do better.

Flat footed. pick up your foot and put it down, repeat with other side. Attempt to make the same moves on both sides of your body, although not necessarily at the same time.

Watch, dance, and learn. It sounds flip, but a text entry on the internet is a terrible place to learn to dance.

4. How long should the pants yarn be? From the knees to the ankles?

Long enough to dangle and short enough to not get caught up in your bells is the ideal length.

5. Where can a guy on a budget get a good roach?

The terms "budget" and "good" are mutually exclusive when talking about roaches. Set aside your dance money and save any extra cash until you can buy a nice one from someone like Powwowbum49. I don't even use a modern roach, just a deer tail.

6. Collar or no collar on the ribbon shirt? Which do your tribes do?

This is entirely up to you, and has more to do with comfort and personal style than any sort of tribal identity.


Good luck man.

[SuzzeQ4]

Sookout sh'nob's answers are right on. I would only add thst your friend who passed on his regalia has a responsibility to you in helping you learn the ins & outs, the dos and don'ts. so ask him lots of questions. Also keep up the you tube practice (daily) i have my kids do this, its a great way to practice especially up here (where I live) where winter makes our powwow season shorter

[prestonb]

Thanks!

Thanks for the help!
This will really help me! I really apprecaite it!

[Nezbah]

I agree with Sook.... go ask your friend who gave you the grass outfit, he should be guiding you. There are elders out there you should consult with too, offer them some tobacco and listen to their stories. Don't get frustrated if they don't respond to you right away.

Go with a design that is you, don't copy from someone else's outfits. That design will come to you when it does. Use your own colors or if your tribe has a specific color combination that you should use, then use those. Don't just do something to just 'look good'. There are reasons behind some of these guy's outfits that are handed down traditions. Then there are some that just want the most fanciest outfit with nothing behind it. Don't get caught up in that. Lately I have seen the old skool grass outfits being brought out and getting popular again, all ribbon work.

As for patterns, just get a shirt and pants pattern, then just make your hiders the way you want them, the style. They are not hard to make. Simplicity also has a 'Native American' pattern at Joanne's stores or any fabric store that sells Simplicity patterns.

Personally I wouldn't get a roach until you earn it. I don't believe that a roach or feathers should be worn to just to complete an outfit. Those things are earned, get in touch with your elders about that. But I was also taught not to dance until you have been brought in the circle the right way. Plan your 'coming into the circle' and get those things done if it hasn't been done yet. I wouldn't let my son dance in his regalia until he was brought in. Then 7 years later he earned his roach, feathers, etc when he was initiated into the grass societies but he had to prove himself, It wasn't just something he just put on one day and decided to dance.

So I suggest do your research, ask your elders, learn the right ways and it will all come to you in a good way. :D.

Good Luck and hope to see you in the arena someday.