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• 2000 Powwow
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• 2002 Powwow

Women's Fancy Shawl Dance

The Fancy Shawl dance was established by the Northern nations. Stories about how the dance originated vary. One says that a young lady was dancing when the spirit of the drum moved her so much that she began picking up the pace until she was fancy dancing. Another story says a butterfly lost her mate and went into mourning. When she again discovered joy in life, she emerged and danced to celebrate.

A fancy shawl dancer's regalia is brightly colored, characterized by a shawl with long fringes. A fringed cape is worn over the shawl to accentuate movement. She wears beaded leggings and moccasins.

The fancy shawl dance is very detailed and athletic. The dancer's footwork is intricate as she spins to make her fringe fly. The grace of dance is so expressive that her feet will barely touch the ground, almost appearing as a butterfly in flight.

Image from the 2000 Pow wow
Taken by Erin Clements