Native American Gathering Photo Gallery

Native American Powwow Gathering :: Men's Fancy Dance Outfits

Photo Credit: Derek Mathews - Gathering of Nations Powwow

What is a Native American Gathering?

A Native American Gathering, also called a Pow Wow, is a celebration of heritage and traditions. It is a way for Native Americans to connect with each other while keeping their culture alive through dance, song and storytelling. For those events that are open to the public, Native American gatherings provide opportunities to educate non-natives about their culture and traditions. While Native American gatherings occur year-round, the majority are held between Memorial Day and Labor Day throughout the United States and Canada. They are an important part of Native American life and a lot of fun for all who attend. For a list of Native American gatherings, see our Native American Pow Wow Calendar.

Men's Fancy Dance

The Men's Fancy dance (also referred to as Feather Dance) competition is usually the most spectacular of the men's pow wow dances. It is usually performed by younger, athletic dancers because it requires a lot of strength and stamina. Fancy dance contest songs are generally short, with a very fast beat. While all contest dancers need to know the songs to stop firmly on that last beat, it's particularly important for a fancy dancer since 'nailing' the end of a very fast song is almost impossible without knowing the song.

Men's Fancy Dance Outfits

Men's Fancy Dance outfits seen at Native American gatherings are brightly colored, with fringes, ribbons or other items flowing continuously with the movements of the dancer. Most dancers wear two colorful feather bustles in back, elaborate beadwork, a dance apron, moccasins, and half leggings made from Icelandic sheep or Angora goat hair and usually topped by sheep bells. Accessories include a porcupine roach with two feathers that rock (or twirl) to the beat, and two arm bustles with brightly colored feathers that match the larger feather bustles worn in back.

Your Source for Native American Pow Wow Craft Supplies

Crazy Crow Trading Post has long been your number one source for Native American Indian craft supplies for your Pow Wow regalia and other needs. This photo gallery represents men's fancy dance outfits, both Northern and Southern Plains, mostly taken at Gathering of Nations Pow Wows in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We thank Derek Matthews of Gathering of Nations, and others who have given permission to present these photos in this gallery.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - Crafts Supplies for Native American Gathering Dance Clothes & Accessories!