Native American Culture- The Smoke Dance

     Though we have read many stories in class, I realized after reading what we are to write about this week, that we had yet to talk much about the Native American dances. I was interested to learn more and ended up on a page about the Smoke Dance. 

      While reading it I learned that though you would assume it had something to do with fire or smoke, it in fact most likely had to do with war. It was traditionally done in order to help the warriors prepare for battle when the nations were still warring. Once the warring died down, the Smoke Dance was used more for ceremonies and remembering rather than actually preparation.

     Though Native American culture has changed in many ways, this is still danced today. In fact, they now have a competition for anyone who wants to show their rhythm and foot skills. Traditionally it was only men who were allowed to do this dance, but ever since the 1960s, women have been able to participate as well, despite the conservative tribal members. Dancers use one vocal singer who uses a water drum to create the song. They use the Smoke Dance as a great way to show off their athletic ability and other skills. 

  

A group of men dancing in competition. They generally do 

slower dances, but use the same foot skills.

 

A group of women dancing in competition. They generally use 

faster beats, but the same footwork as the men. 

     I think it is great that the Native Americans still do dances such as the Smoke Dance. It shows that they still remember their culture and their past. I wish that more cultures were as prominent today as the Native American's. It would help to show our diverse culture in America, because that is what we are, a mixing pot of different cultures.

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/08/the-origins-of-the-smoke-dance/#comments