Red Earth Tail Dance

[Fat Albert]

So I was just checking out the tail dance they did at Red Earth. Interested to hear more about it. What do you all know about it?

[Gledanh Zhinga]

I watched the one song version on powwows.com, and I can only say that they had comfy looking chairs.

[Paul G]

Here's one video if you haven't seen it:

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[legalstraight]

Thanks Paul,

And ya geez dem are comfy lookin chairs, beats the heck out of the benches and the old church folding chairs you usually get.
Ya think red earth would let some folks borrow them?

[rodond]

watching some of the videos from this years tail dance what is up with some of the dancers dancing counterclockwise

[Paul G]

watching some of the videos from this years tail dance what is up with some of the dancers dancing counterclockwise

1 dancer danced counterclockwise. He was the Whipman.

[WhoMe]

watching some of the videos from this years tail dance what is up with some of the dancers dancing counterclockwise

In the video above one of the dancers danced counter clockwise and changed direction.

At that particular dancer's man dance, all the man dancers dance counterclockwise.

[rodond]

i watched all four videos saw several dancers dancing counter clockwise and some walking the wrong way around the drum when the song was over or was it just me seeing things

[Paul G]

i watched all four videos saw several dancers dancing counter clockwise and some walking the wrong way around the drum when the song was over or was it just me seeing things

I only remember seeing 1 person dance counterclockwise. For the tails, I'm sure some people may have taken a shortcut :).

[Josiah]

I only remember seeing 1 person dance counterclockwise. For the tails, I'm sure some people may have taken a shortcut :).

This has come up before but the Osage people dance counterclockwise.
Not saying these particular dancers are Osage but it is so common to see them dance here in Oklahoma that dancing or walking around the drum in either direction is very common...

[Gledanh Zhinga]

Perhaps Fat Albert's initial question was never really addressed. Like, who put up the dance? Was there a committee? What drum did they use? How long did the tail dance last? Was there a purpose other than showing the procedure and maybe as a memorial to show how the dance began and evolved? Maybe to honor those who had gone before?

[WhoMe]

Perhaps Fat Albert's initial question was never really addressed. Like, who put up the dance? Was there a committee? What drum did they use? How long did the tail dance last? Was there a purpose other than showing the procedure and maybe as a memorial to show how the dance began and evolved? Maybe to honor those who had gone before?

Gledanh,

I wasn't there but could tell alot by just watching the video clip.

It looks like the Red Earth dance committee, specifically, Randy Frazier requested the tail dance exhibition.

It looked like Johnny Kimble was handling the drum. Johnny has a vast knowledge of songs for man/tail dances. He is also well liked and an icon in Central Oklahoma.

Red Earth usually showcases dances unique to Oklahoma. Normally, they are just exhibitions. In the video, I saw straight dancers who also participate in formal man dances of the Ponca, Pawnee, Otoe-Missouria, Osage and Omaha.

I hope this helps.

[Paul G]

Gledanh,

I wasn't there but could tell alot by just watching the video clip.

It looks like the Red Earth dance committee, specifically, Randy Frazier requested the tail dance exhibition.

It looked like Johnny Kimble was handling the drum. Johnny has a vast knowledge of songs for man/tail dances. He is also well liked and an icon in Central Oklahoma.

Red Earth usually showcases dances unique to Oklahoma. Normally, they are just exhibitions.

I hope this helps.

Yes, it was just an exhibition. They did just 1 set of songs.

[CHEROSAGE]

I've just been able to watch this video. I guess my (?) is, who were the tail dancers. Looked to me if everyone tailed the song? AND, I would have to ask why they were dancing clock wise?

[Fat Albert]

Gledanh Zhinga you got it... and Who Me... thanks for the answer. Just wondering. I have been out to Red Earth a few times and have seen some of the various exhibitions. We did not set up a booth this year so no need to go this time. Any ways, I watched a few clips and noticed some folks were not in it. I assume you could elect to participate in it or was point given for participation? I just noticed a few folks that were there not involved so I figure...they stepped out to get some fry bread. LOL!