hobbs49

Many if not most of the people who are Powwows.com regulars probably actively participate at many or most of the powwows that they go to. Some Dance. Some Sing. Some are vendors. Some are on committees. Some prepare food for the other participants. Emcees, AD's, many different roles for people to occupy.

My question for those that normally actively participate in some way is, how often do you got to a powwow and just be a spectator? How do you fill your time when you go and play the role of spectator?

For myself, last year I was probably a spectator for about 1/4 of the powwows that I went to. I think that these were all contest powwows that I went to. I like to sit and listen to the music. Also I enjoy watching the Staight Dancers and the young dancers mostly. Watching the youth always gives me a good feeling that this powwow trail is going to continue into the next generation. Of course I also spend a fair amount of time talking with friends, family, and those people that I might have just seen around at other dances but haven't yet taken the time to introduce myself to. Ahh yes, and then there's the food

billyjoejimbob

Recently I have only been to powwows that I participate in in some form. Not many others in the area.

Maybe once or twice a year I just spectate. Either bacause it is competition or because it is one I havent been to befeore and just want to check it out. There have been a few I left within an hour, and I was only there THAT long because I checked out the traders.

There is just TOO MANY different "cultures" happening around here.

__________________
There are 2 types of people in the world...
Really stupid people who think they are smart
and
Really smart people who think they are smart.

Wakalapi

Running a kids' drum group, I set up the drum at a powwow somewhere within 200 miles of Yakama Valley on about 80% of the weekends or more. The other 20% or less, man I just need a vacation and I don't go anywhere near a powwow.

__________________

"Friends don't let friends drink decaf..."

ok24stacey

My answer is about the same as yours. Sit, listen, talk to old friends, meet new ones, eat, check out vendors and watch. Last year I did volunteer at Red Earth, tho. Just passed out drinks in Dancer Hospitality a few hours everyday and I really had a good time. I'll do it again this year and hope to learn even more. Most of the ones I went to were contests, too. I have to go check out my buddies that get out there and work it out.

Oh and I've braided some hair, too. lol...

__________________
To live is the rarest thing in the World. Most people just exist, that is all.

Singing Eagle

Just dropping in to say HI! I am pleased to join Hobbs49 as moderator for this forum!

Mato Winyan

YAY!! Woooooo Hooooo!! Bout time woman!! Welcome aboard!!

__________________








"We see it as a desecration not only of a mountain but of our way of life. This is a genocidal issue to us. If they kill this mountain, they kill our way of life." ~Debra White Plume

hobbs49

Welcome aboard Singing Eagle! Hope you don't mind singin' with an old, fat, white guy

trob226

Welcome, new moderators! Happy to have you.

Singing Eagle

Just keep in tune! LOL j/k!

Homalosa

That's an interesting question and I think for some people it's answered by what you love to do. In California I danced at every powwow except our own and those where I worked our frybread booth (many times my mom worked my shifts so I could dance). Other than that, I danced but early on I would try to spectate. I said "try" because if an elder who knew me saw me in street clothes they'd get salty and ask where my regalia was. Once I thought I had them and said, "oh, one dress is dirty and the other is at home, and I didn't drive." He got his keys and said, "come on let's go get it." He then went off on me for leaving it.

When I moved to Dallas, I thought I would watch first, but dances are few and far between by Cali standards, so I found myself dancing at my very first one. I work with Indian Ed Parents here so I work our powwows, but any other I dance. I guess dancers dance, singers sing, and spectators watch.

__________________
Honor and respect your elders!



"Until the lion learns to speak the tales of hunting will always favor the hunter."
-K'Naan
O-BAM-UH!!!!



www.myspace.com/thobackmuzik

www.myspace.com/asanicharles

MayChe

Hardly ever because then I get asked "How come you're not dancing?" at least 50 times lol. I try to watch the dancing at powwows I've never been to and heard people raving about but it's hard not to dance when you hear a good song playing. That's why I always carry my shawl when I spectate because I know that I'll end up out there dancing. If I'm not watching the dancing, I'm usually chatting it up with some group of friends here and there.

__________________


Check me out on MySpace:
www.myspace.com/mayasbored

*~*If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all. *~*

LSS

As I have gotten older...and continue to get older...I find it more relaxing to go to non-contest pow wows. This does not mean that I don't go...just, I don't get underwear all up my crack about 'em. All too often, and I had this discussion with someone earlier this morning, the same old folks do their thing. Not knockin' anyone...just an observation that leaves a lot to question in my opinion. (Take it however you will!) On the flip side of the coin, there is good singing at these dances.

The thing I like to do is to sit and listen to the music as well. I get a lot of joy in watching the little ones dance and I get rowd up when the Straight & Fancy Feather Dancers get at it. Seeing old friends/faces are always good...but other than that, I'd much rather be at home so I can save my money.

LSS

__________________
To get a true picture of your purpose in life, you only get the whole picture when you listen with your mind, your ears and your heart. This way The Creator has a direct connection with you and only you...no outside interference.

When you follow the will of IT that created you, understanding that your purpose is not for you...but for IT and all that IT has created, there can be no wrong except failure to be obedient. Only then do we jeopardize the gifts we are given.

Its not the final destination that defines us, rather the journey taken!