Fancy Shawl Dancing | Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance History & More

Fancy Shawl Dancing | Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance History & More

Ladies Fancy Shawl is the newest form of Native American Women's Dance, and is quite athletic!

Fancy Shawl is often called Northern Shawl, as it does come form the Northern Tribes along the U.S. and Canadian Border.

This is very similar in dancing and the bright colors to the Men's Fancy Dance.

Jr Women's Fancy Shawl - 2022 Hunting Moon Pow Wow - Powwows.com

The ladies wear their shawls over their shoulders, and dance by jumping and spinning around, keeping time with the music. They mimic butterflies in flight, and the dance style is quite graceful and light.

 

Emphasis is paid particularly to the shawls, with elaborate designs, applique, ribbon work, and painting. Long fringe hangs from the edges of the shawl, and flies round.  In addition to the shawls, the other key piece of the outfit is the beaded cape.  

Ladies Fancy Dance - Meaning and Origins

 


Fancy Shawl Video and Photos

Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Paul G

About Paul G

Paul G is the founder PowWows.com, who wears many hats as a business coach, photographer, and collector of quirky shirts. Paul started PowWows.com in 1996 while pursuing his graduate degree. With a passion for travel, he and his family hav  traveled the world, capturing unforgettable memories and photos. When he's not coaching or clicking, he's indulging in the magic of Disney.


19 Comments on “Fancy Shawl Dancing | Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance History & More”

  • Avatar for Running Doe

    osiyo love the fancy shawl dances, such beauty

  • Avatar for Dave

    Dave

    says:

    Would anyone like to read my story for children about fancy shawl dancing? I wrote it with the help of my Native friend, but I want to check it for accuracy and authenticity. Please let me know – thanks!

    PS I am planning on submitting the story to “Highlights” magazine for children.

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      send it to us

    • Avatar for Treetalker

      Treetalker

      says:

      Miigwech for all the teachings ya share with us, so much appreciated…frannie…😎😍

  • Avatar for kamiyah (afro-blackfoot -siksika- piikuni )

    kamiyah (afro-blackfoot -siksika- piikuni )

    says:

    are there any pow wows in florida for all tribes.

  • Avatar for kamiyah (afro-blackfoot -siksika- piikuni )

    kamiyah (afro-blackfoot -siksika- piikuni )

    says:

    are there and pow wows in florida that are for all tribe because i dont want to travel all the way to browning Montana or alberta canada just to dance then come all the way back it really wastes money…. usually i only see seminole indians or choctaw over here doing pow wows and events

  • Avatar for Kamal

    Kamal

    says:

    Hello
    Let me tell you about myself. I’m Kamal and I run a small business locally (not online) and a little shawls center shop named “Swati Shawls”. It is named Swati after its location (SWAT). The location is a tourist spot and Swati shawls are being greatly admired here. We have handmade shawls for women that mean the design on it is also by hand and shawls are available in different variety (material). The handwork designs are done by the local women at homes and are greatly appreciated. This is their forefathers’ skill. We also prepare shawls on order according to the customer’s choice. I would like to sell my products to retailers. I can send you the samples if you are interested in my products. I would like to hear from you soon.
    Kamal

    • Avatar for janice

      janice

      says:

      I am very interested in some fancy dance shawls, can you send me the info?

    • Avatar for Virgina Torres

      Virgina Torres

      says:

      What are the requirements to join in a POW Wow dance. I love my Native Culture. (Lipon, Muscelero, Chiricahua Bands) NM. Also Southern Calif. Baja ( Tachi Yakot (Mud Duck) I’m not so young, nor too old lol. Paul I was happy to hear you are such a wonderful partaker and founder. This is Torres ( Towers) Apache.
      God bless, Virginia Torres Jessee

  • Avatar for Sara J

    Sara J

    says:

    I’m Sara and I would like to dance at the Chickahomany pow-wow’s for Fancy Shawl, do you have any tips on dancing?

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Check our forums

  • Avatar for SHERRI STEBBINS

    SHERRI STEBBINS

    says:

    I WOULD LIKE TO DANCE IN THE CHEROKEE POWWOW BUT I DO NOT HAVE A SHAWL. I AM FROM FAYETTEVILLE ,NC RAVEN ROCK CHEROKEE BAND FROM STANLEY BETANCOURT GROUP. I KNOW ALITTLE DANCE BUT NOT AS GOOD AS SOME OF THE GIRLS YOU HAVE. SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF WE CAN. THANK YOU SHERRI STEBBINS

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Ask the arena director about that. Each event will have different standards.

  • Avatar for ken

    ken

    says:

    I recall one of the best lady fancy shawl dancers as Ramona Roach. At the time she was dancing, she did steps and shawl moves I have yet to see duplicated. She was a pleasure to watch her grace and beauty she brought to the dance!

    • Avatar for Nancy Smith

      Nancy Smith

      says:

      I recently did a mixed media of this lovely lady from a picture that I found in a magazine (I think National Geaographic) not sure. My problem is that I only cut out the picture with her name underneath. I would really like to know more about her, ie, what Native American tribe or anything else that you might be able to help me with. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance and God Bless.

  • Avatar for Rudene

    Rudene

    says:

    Very Nice, My daughter would like to start Fancy shawl. If you can direct me in the right direction for Outfit information, along with anything else that will be helpful.
    Thank You
    Rudene Zumwalt
    [email protected]

    • Avatar for Paul G

      Paul G

      says:

      Check out our forums:
      newpowwows.www.powwows.com/gathering

      We have a forum for each dance style.

    • Avatar for Francesco

      Francesco

      says:

      You aren\’t Cherokee if you aren\’t an enrolled memebr. Write it on your application all you want, but scholarships towards college/uni tuition come from the Band themselves, not the government. An enrolled memebr applies to the Band, and still has to compete against others for a scholarship. It does not apply to sad little money grubbers who have never taken an interest in their heritage and only want to exploit the myth of free monies from the government. Would you apply for a scholarship meant for Black students, just because you had one black person somewhere in your lineage?

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