Can a white guy Fancy Feather Dance?

Mukluk_guy1 · 12-08-2007, 01:43 PM

I hope there is someone out there than can help me. I am a white guy who just happens to love watching the Fancy Dancers at local Pow Wow's. I have dreamed of doing this myself, but don't wish to disrespect the native culture by doing it unless it's not a problem. If it is possible, and there is someone out there who might be able to help me, I would very much appreciate it. I am in the Edmonton Alberta Canada area and am willing to give this however much time it would take to learn this beautiful form of dance. Please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

Mike

WhoMe · 12-09-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mukluk_guy1

Can a white guy fancy feather dance?

Mike,

Sure!

White guys CAN dance!

.... they just can't jump.

*L

j/k

Creewoman05 · 12-09-2007, 10:59 AM

Be prepared for the heat, and to be put on a bit of a **** list with this question, just because a white person likes the style of dance, doesn't mean they can do it, allot of native people would see that as imitation, and stealing culture, which has gone on for a very long time already...

Mukluk_guy1 · 12-09-2007, 11:16 AM

I agree that could happen, but that's why I am asking. I would never ever want to make it seem like I was trying to imitate or cheapen the dance in any way. I was hoping to talk to and maybe learn from a local who would help me realize a dream. I don't wish to just dance, I wish to become part of the dance. That last thing I ever want to do is offend anyone. Thank you :)

donnasky · 12-09-2007, 05:35 PM

At least you have the respect to ask first!

they_drag_him · 12-09-2007, 05:39 PM

You will first need to decide northern plains or southern plains fancy war dancing. Now, some fancy dance steps have meanings especially with the southern plains. Some steps are very old so as such, you'll need to have somebody teach you.

Have you decided where you're going to go to find someone? Do you know what to bring or how to ask?

Mukluk_guy1 · 12-09-2007, 09:50 PM

Being from Alberta Canada, I wish to learn the Northern Plains Fancy. I am actually on this site to hopefully find someone who would like to take on the challenge of teaching me. While I have admired and watched the dances for years, I have never spoken with anyone about my dream of one day doing it myself. I have started some research as to what it all entails and am very excited about what I have learned so far. I actually choose to ask about the Fancy Dance because of the fact that while some of the steps are very old, the actual for of dance is fairly new (early 1900's). I figured this would be the smoothest way as to not offend anyone. The other reason was the AMAZING regalia. In my mind, it doesn't get more beautiful than that.

they_drag_him · 12-10-2007, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mukluk_guy1

Being from Alberta Canada, I wish to learn the Northern Plains Fancy. I am actually on this site to hopefully find someone who would like to take on the challenge of teaching me. While I have admired and watched the dances for years, I have never spoken with anyone about my dream of one day doing it myself. I have started some research as to what it all entails and am very excited about what I have learned so far. I actually choose to ask about the Fancy Dance because of the fact that while some of the steps are very old, the actual for of dance is fairly new (early 1900's). I figured this would be the smoothest way as to not offend anyone. The other reason was the AMAZING regalia. In my mind, it doesn't get more beautiful than that.

Our lives are a challenge enough and you want us to be challenged by your inexperience? You'll need to allow yourself plenty of time and find someone who will help you out.

You still haven't answered my question: Do you know what to bring and how to ask?

**Migiziwomen** · 12-10-2007, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhoMe

Mike,

Sure!

White guys CAN dance!

.... they just can't jump.

*L

j/k

lol, thought i was going to come on and make a cute azz comment but there you are!!!!
dang leave some glory for the rest of us.
love you man

**Migiziwomen** · 12-10-2007, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by they_drag_him

Our lives are a challenge enough and you want us to be challenged by your inexperience? You'll need to allow yourself plenty of time and find someone who will help you out.

You still haven't answered my question: Do you know what to bring and how to ask?

oh here we go...
<tries to drag him out before the uneducated chit hits the fan.....
oops to late.
lol, let's see where this goes.

**Migiziwomen** · 12-10-2007, 08:43 AM

wanted to throw some green at Drag, but too soon so I will just throw it at him here.

blah blah, just got in off to bed/

Mukluk_guy1 · 12-10-2007, 09:17 AM

"Our lives are a challenge enough and you want us to be challenged by your inexperience? You'll need to allow yourself plenty of time and find someone who will help you out.

You still haven't answered my question: Do you know what to bring and how to ask?"

I know I am inexperienced, but that is why I am posting here. I also know this sort of thing doesn't take overnight, nor should it. And to answer the question.... I don't know what to bring or who to ask, that's why I'm here. I have only seen the actual performances and not practice. I can assume that full regalia is not needed for that. And please, I'm not looking to get into any arguments over this topic. I'm just doing my best to be respectful and ask before doing.

Thank you.

they_drag_him · 12-10-2007, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mukluk_guy1

"Our lives are a challenge enough and you want us to be challenged by your inexperience? You'll need to allow yourself plenty of time and find someone who will help you out.

You still haven't answered my question: Do you know what to bring and how to ask?"

I know I am inexperienced, but that is why I am posting here. I also know this sort of thing doesn't take overnight, nor should it. And to answer the question.... I don't know what to bring or who to ask, that's why I'm here. I have only seen the actual performances and not practice. I can assume that full regalia is not needed for that. And please, I'm not looking to get into any arguments over this topic. I'm just doing my best to be respectful and ask before doing.

Thank you.

Sure, let me give RG Harris or Todd Red Bear a call for you. Just kidding. The only way is to attend powwow after powwow, intertribal after intertribal, honor song after honor song, specials after specials. After a number of years, you may be ready.

**ac_miss** · 12-10-2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by they_drag_him

Sure, let me give RG Harris or Todd Red Bear a call for you. Just kidding.

*LOL*

Quote:

Originally Posted by they_drag_him

The only way is to attend powwow after powwow, intertribal after intertribal, honor song after honor song, specials after specials. After a number of years, you may be ready.

Good answer!!

12-08-2007, 01:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mukluk_guy1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	Can a white guy Fancy Feather Dance? I hope there is someone out there than can help me. I am a white guy who just happens to love watching the Fancy Dancers at local Pow Wow's. I have dreamed of doing this myself, but don't wish to disrespect the native culture by doing it unless it's not a problem. If it is possible, and there is someone out there who might be able to help me, I would very much appreciate it. I am in the Edmonton Alberta Canada area and am willing to give this however much time it would take to learn this beautiful form of dance. Please feel free to contact me. Thank you, Mike

12-10-2007, 08:43 AM	#11 (permalink)
Migiziwomen AND SHE LIKES IT Join Date: May 2004 Location: IN THE HEARTS OF MANY Posts: 2,352	wanted to throw some green at Drag, but too soon so I will just throw it at him here. blah blah, just got in off to bed/ __________________ *AYWAWAG ANISHINABEG IZH AAYAN WII WII DOOK AAGOZIYAN*

12-09-2007, 10:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
Creewoman05 Banned Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Surrey BC Posts: 1,693	Be prepared for the heat, and to be put on a bit of a **** list with this question, just because a white person likes the style of dance, doesn't mean they can do it, allot of native people would see that as imitation, and stealing culture, which has gone on for a very long time already...

12-09-2007, 11:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mukluk_guy1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	I agree that could happen, but that's why I am asking. I would never ever want to make it seem like I was trying to imitate or cheapen the dance in any way. I was hoping to talk to and maybe learn from a local who would help me realize a dream. I don't wish to just dance, I wish to become part of the dance. That last thing I ever want to do is offend anyone. Thank you :)

12-09-2007, 05:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
donnasky Tiny Tot Dancer Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: new york Posts: 113	At least you have the respect to ask first!

12-09-2007, 05:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
they_drag_him Banned Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: la mirada, ca Posts: 580	You will first need to decide northern plains or southern plains fancy war dancing. Now, some fancy dance steps have meanings especially with the southern plains. Some steps are very old so as such, you'll need to have somebody teach you. Have you decided where you're going to go to find someone? Do you know what to bring or how to ask?

12-09-2007, 09:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mukluk_guy1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	Being from Alberta Canada, I wish to learn the Northern Plains Fancy. I am actually on this site to hopefully find someone who would like to take on the challenge of teaching me. While I have admired and watched the dances for years, I have never spoken with anyone about my dream of one day doing it myself. I have started some research as to what it all entails and am very excited about what I have learned so far. I actually choose to ask about the Fancy Dance because of the fact that while some of the steps are very old, the actual for of dance is fairly new (early 1900's). I figured this would be the smoothest way as to not offend anyone. The other reason was the AMAZING regalia. In my mind, it doesn't get more beautiful than that.

12-10-2007, 09:17 AM	#12 (permalink)
Mukluk_guy1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7	"Our lives are a challenge enough and you want us to be challenged by your inexperience? You'll need to allow yourself plenty of time and find someone who will help you out. You still haven't answered my question: Do you know what to bring and how to ask?" I know I am inexperienced, but that is why I am posting here. I also know this sort of thing doesn't take overnight, nor should it. And to answer the question.... I don't know what to bring or who to ask, that's why I'm here. I have only seen the actual performances and not practice. I can assume that full regalia is not needed for that. And please, I'm not looking to get into any arguments over this topic. I'm just doing my best to be respectful and ask before doing. Thank you.