In the spirit: today Native American women give the powwow some of its fanciest moves

Dance Magazine, Oct, 2005 by Tom Pearson

In any event, the Fancy Shawl dancers have found a way to push the envelope regarding expectations of Native American women. As Ahmadi admits, "Fancy Shawl is the only dance that really fits my personality. It's so active and fun." To watch the Fancy Shawl dance in action is like watching a colorful cyclone spin its way around an arena. Once seen, it is hard to imagine a time when women stepped demurely in the outer circle. With one foot forward, these bold dancers are the forbearers of a revolution in powwow dancing, balancing tradition and innovation in an ever-changing world.

POWWOW CALENDAR

Powwow Calendar, published yearly by Native Voices, can be found in the Native American section of most book stores and is an excellent guide for those who wish to attend Native American events and observe these dance styles firsthand. See powwows.com.

Tom Pearson, a writer and choreographer of Native American descent, participates in powwows as a Grass Dancer.