Special Contest!

[nessadawn25]

Okay shawlers! I am intrested in knowing....

We (my family and I) are having an "entering the circle" special for my little girl. I am a single mom, so I'm on a fixed budget. I was wanting to spend some where around $1000.00 in prize money for this fancy shawl special. I threw around a couple of options to my family and we just can't make up our minds....so help me out what would you guys prefer if you were to take part in our little special?

1.$1000.00 Winner Takes All Women's
2. 4 Places($400.00, $300.00, $200.00, $100.00)
3. Winner Takes All Women's ($400.00) WTA Teens ($300.00) WTA JR's ($300.00)

Maybe I'm making this too complicated? Idk

[WocusWoman]

I like option number 2 the best; however, I would revise the amounts down slightly and use the extra cash, say 100-$200 and attain gifts to hand out to all participating in the contest dance.

[NSoto]

I agree with WocusWoman... #2 and save some cash for gifts. Great idea!

[ballin_n_shawlin]

i like # 2! ha ha...i'm not 2 fond of winner takes all... or how about paying 100 bucks out to all the dancers that you thought jammed out in all categories :D jr, teen, n adult.. just different thought... sometimes you can find good deals on jackets and get them embrodiered for about 50-60.. then you can give out lots of jackets...


just throwing out idea's

[nessadawn25]

Thanks I think we will go with number 2. Mostly everyone I asked likes this better. My extended family is helping with the majority of the give away stuff so I'm very lucky at that end. Now to think of how many and what type of songs we should select...hmm double beats has always been a favorite of mine to watch....

[chazziff]

dont forget .... you have to pay the drum(s) you are getting to sing the songs for the contest ....

and keep it simple .... one or two songs (a good straight song and a crow hop) ... dont make them dance a long series of songs (you know the type of specials ... six elimination rounds of two songs each round .... picking 20 one round 10 the next round 5 the next round ... and finally the winner - its really inconsiderate to the dancers). epecially if there alot of other specials and their regular contests coming up ....

most ppl dont understand what kind of stress they are putting on the dancers .... and can you imagine having to dance .... 8 or more songs in a row .... and walk away with nothing in a winner take all contest? put yourself in their shoes ....

and have a discussion with your judges on what you are looking for ... and pick judges you feel wont be standing there not paying attention or cant make a decision and ask for another song ... and since its undoubtedly going to be your family being the judges let them know ... PAY ATTENTION!!! LOL

if you go with ... a 300 200 100 ... leaves 400 ... with 100 or 200 for the drum(s) you plan to use ... and leaving either 300 or 200 for consolation money for the dancers who danced in the special. that way everyone walks away with a lil something ....

good luck!!

[kiyaanii mom]

I agree with Chazzy on the number of song you use for your special.... Be respectful of the pw committee's time also. Just cause you are enjoying the moment, doesn't mean you get 2 hours to run your special. If you have a lot of other give away stuff, them make sure you keep in mind how much time you are using... It's just better for everyone....

I'm always in the mind set of sharing the winnings. It really is nice to try to give all your dancers a little something. It doesn't have to be expensive, maybe just a gift bag with some goodies.

It's good you are asking. Because it will help make your event better and that is always awesome!!!

[nessadawn25]

I'm thinking one right after another, for the songs. I'm thinking straight, crow hop...pick finalists then maybe double beat or a trick song...we'll see. I wouldn't make dancers dance a marathon if I couldn't do it! Lol....besides long give aways seem to make the powwow drag and I don't want to do that. The little community I'm from has a powwow at the end of the summer, way out on the rez, so I'm probably gonna do it at that time. Yep drum money was factored into the giveaway stuff. I was always taught to lay items around the arena and to pass them out to elders. So that's probably what we'll do.

[chazziff]

I'm thinking one right after another, for the songs. I'm thinking straight, crow hop...pick finalists then maybe double beat or a trick song...we'll see. I wouldn't make dancers dance a marathon if I couldn't do it! Lol....besides long give aways seem to make the powwow drag and I don't want to do that. The little community I'm from has a powwow at the end of the summer, way out on the rez, so I'm probably gonna do it at that time. Yep drum money was factored into the giveaway stuff. I was always taught to lay items around the arena and to pass them out to elders. So that's probably what we'll do.

yeah its a good idea to take tobacco to the drum(s) you plan to use ... just to give them an idea what songs they have to have ready.

and scope out the category on friday night ... see how many dancers are registered and factor in maybe 5 or 6 extra dancers (jingle or trad or jus ladies at the pow wow for the day to participate - depending on the actual size of the pow wow) - or you can go with ... registered dancers only. that way you know ... how many consolation prizes you have to have ... and readjust the prize money accordingly.

[nessadawn25]

It's been on going planning, so we've been stocking up on pendeltons, tobacco, sweet grass,ect... I don't think all the participates will get $, only those that place. But everyone definetly will get a gift for participating! I really hope some other style dancers, will dress out too! Thanks for the imput, everyone I really appreciate it.

[chazziff]

a good idea for consolation prizes ... is material .... nice lookin satins ... that way they can make themselves a new skirt or shawl ...