Native American Sacred Dances for Nature
- 10 years ago
Dances have always been significant in the lives of Native Americans as both a common amusement and a solemn duty. Many dances played a vital role in religious rituals and other ceremonies; while others were held to guarantee the success of hunts, harvests, giving thanks, and other celebrations.
Commonly, dances were held in a large structure or in an open field around a fire. Movements of the participants illustrated the purpose of the dance -- expressing prayer, victory, thanks, mythology and more. Sometimes a leader was chosen, on others, a specific individual, such as a war leader or medicine man would lead the dance. Many tribes danced only to the sound of a drum and their own voices; while others incorporated bells and rattles. Some dances included solos, while others included songs with a leader and chorus. Participants might include the entire tribe, or would specific to men, women, or families. In addition to public dances, there were also private and semi-public dances for healing, prayer, initiation, storytelling, and courting.
Dance continues to be an important part of Native American culture. The dances are regionally or tribally specific and the singers usually perform in their native languages. Depending upon the dance, sometimes visitors are welcomed; while, at other times, the ceremonies are private.
This list of dances is far from all encompassing, as there were literally hundreds of dances and variations across the continent.
Dancing Associations:
(^_^)>http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-dances.html
Native American dance is unlike most other dances in the world. ... a way of expressing joy or grief, and a method of becoming closer with man and nature;
(^_^)>http://www.ani-kutani.com/nativeamericanfacts/native_american_dance.htm
KGB
Commonly, dances were held in a large structure or in an open field around a fire. Movements of the participants illustrated the purpose of the dance -- expressing prayer, victory, thanks, mythology and more. Sometimes a leader was chosen, on others, a specific individual, such as a war leader or medicine man would lead the dance. Many tribes danced only to the sound of a drum and their own voices; while others incorporated bells and rattles. Some dances included solos, while others included songs with a leader and chorus. Participants might include the entire tribe, or would specific to men, women, or families. In addition to public dances, there were also private and semi-public dances for healing, prayer, initiation, storytelling, and courting.
Dance continues to be an important part of Native American culture. The dances are regionally or tribally specific and the singers usually perform in their native languages. Depending upon the dance, sometimes visitors are welcomed; while, at other times, the ceremonies are private.
This list of dances is far from all encompassing, as there were literally hundreds of dances and variations across the continent.
Dancing Associations:
(^_^)>http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-dances.html
Native American dance is unlike most other dances in the world. ... a way of expressing joy or grief, and a method of becoming closer with man and nature;
(^_^)>http://www.ani-kutani.com/nativeamericanfacts/native_american_dance.htm
KGB