Grass dance facts for kids
The grass dance is also known as the Omaha dance. It's a special style of dancing for men at pow wows. This dance began with warrior groups on the Northern Great Plains in North America.
Unlike many other pow wow dances, grass dancers usually don't wear many feathers. Their outfits, called regalia, are made of bright fringes. These fringes can be yarn, cloth, or ribbon.
The Start of the Grass Dance
No one knows for sure who first created the grass dance or why. Some say it came from the Omaha, Pawnee, Anishnabe, Ponca, Dakota, or Winnebago tribes. But it's generally agreed that it started in the Northern Plains. Warrior societies often used this dance.
There are a few interesting stories about how the grass dance began:
- One story tells of a medicine man. He told a boy who couldn't walk well to find inspiration in the prairie. The boy watched the grass sway in the wind. He then had a vision of himself dancing just like the grass. When he shared this vision, he could use his legs again. He then performed the first grass dance.
- Another story says the dance was used by scouts. They would bless and flatten the tall grass for ceremonies or battles. These dancers would also tie braided grass to their belts. People believe this led to the yarn and ribbons we see on outfits today.
How Grass Dancers Move
The grass dance is a fast and flowing dance. It uses smooth, sweeping movements and is very balanced. It's usually quicker than other Northern Tradition dances. But it's not as fast as a Fancy dance.
Like most pow wow dances, the dancer taps or steps their foot to the drum beat. A grass dancer must do the same moves on both sides of their body. This creates a balanced look, like waving grass. Wide, sweeping motions and tapping also help show the idea of flattening grass. Other moves might show a warrior sneaking through tall grass.
One special step involves planting one foot firmly on the ground. The rest of the dancer's body moves around that foot. This move is said to show a warrior still fighting, even if one foot is stuck.
Grass Dance Outfits
The main difference in grass dance outfits is the lack of feathers. Most men's pow wow dances use big feather bustles. Instead, grass dancers wear bright fringes made of yarn or ribbon. The goal for the dancer is to make these fringes sway and flow.
Dancers wear a roach headdress. This might have one or two feathers, or two fluffy antennae. Their outfits often include a beaded "H-Harness." This is like two long suspenders that hang down to their knees, plus a belt. They also wear beaded cuffs, a headband, and side tabs. Grass dancers often carry things like feather fans, mirror boards, scarves, dream catchers, hoops, or dance sticks.
