Fancy Feather Dancing – Native American Fancy Dance
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The Oklahoma Feather Dance or “Fancy Dance” is one of the most popular styles of Native American dance and outfits seen at modern pow wows. The Fancy Dance outfit, as such, has no single Native American tribes.
The “Fancy Dance” originated as Fancy War Dance by the Hethuska Society in Oklahoma. The individual who invented the dance was Gus McDonald. He was also the first World Champion Fancy War Dancer. The McDonald family, specifically Julep Farmer McDonald, the Ponca Tribal Matriarch still presents the trophy to the Fancy War Dance Champion each year because of this family honor.
Gus McDonald also invented the “feather pull” which is another contest of the Fancy Dancer’s agility and ability to keep time with the drum. This dance is done only by permission of the McDonald family.
The McDonald Family Song is also sung in honor of Gus McDonald’s honor to the Ponca tribe and to the pow-wow world. This war dance song is only started by permission of the McDonald family and in their presence. Gus McDonald, Ponca and the first World Champion Fancy Dancer, should be recognized for his contribution to the Native American heritage and history.
The most obvious items in the Fancy Dance outfit are great amounts of loom beaded sets of suspenders, belt cuffs, headband, and armbands. The designs are usually matching in all items and of a rainbow feather or geometric design. Beaded medallions are on the forehead and bustles are also quite common. Occasionally a breastplate will be used in place of the beaded suspenders or in conjunction with them.
The other trademark for Fancy Dancers is
the use of large feather bustles. Currently most bustles are color-coordinated with the bead work by using large amounts of feather hackles dyed the appropriate colors.
Small matching hackle bustles are sometimes worn as armbands. Hanging beneath the bottom bustle is a pair of trailers, usually with some ribbon work, made from navy blue, black or red wool.
Moccasins are Cheyenne style rawhide sole and may be partially or fully beaded. Sheep bells mounted on leather are worn just below the knee and below the bells about one or two inches are worn angora anklets. The apron pieces (two) are usually navy blue, black or red wool or trade cloth. Decoration may be floral beadwork, ribbon work, or medallions. The apron is usually trimmed with ribbon or fringe. The side drops may be loom beaded strips or finger woven yarn. Chokers may consist of silk scarves, beaded strips or bone hair pipes. Necklaces with medallion drops are also seen. A standard porky/deer-tail roach with two feathers attached to a rocker assembly tops the head, often with decoratively trimmed side feathers. Each dancer carries either a loose or flat fan and often a tubular whistle. Ribbon shirts are becoming more common, as are matching cape and aprons.
The dance style is of two types: a basic simple step while dancing around the Drum and a “contest” step with fast and intricate footwork combined with a spinning up and down movement of the body. This style of dance highlights the beauty of Native American culture.
Find out more in the fancy feather forum.
View more images of fancy feather dancers in the fancy feather gallery.
TOPICS: Native American Dance Styles Page | Types of Dancing | Powwows.com, Pow Wow
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6 Responses to “Fancy Feather Dancing – Native American Fancy Dance”
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As a former champion fancy dancer, now in my 60′s, I have seen many, many fancy dancers and the one I feel is truly one of the top three fancy dancers is: Isiah Bob. This young man has such intricate footwork combined with speed and agility that I really enjoy this young man dance!
I am looking to be a fancy dancer. is there anything I need to learn? I am 16.
Yes, quite a bit!
You should talk with local dancers. Also watch our videos on Pow Wow TV and participate in our Fancy Dance forum.
Hey, I’m 22 from eastern Canada. Don’t see many fancy dancers here at all in (Nova Scotia) but was looking to start, got my regalia all set and stuff but I just need hackles. Anyone know where I get can hackles in Canada besides ordering from Crazy Crow Trading post?
I had a real bad last couple of days……one of my brothers just died and his funeral was today……I couldn’t make the funeral…laid up at the local IHS.
Just heard a song that lifted my heart,for that I thank you.