Fancy Shawl Dancers Gallery

Fancy Shawl Dancers :: Women's Fancy Shawl Dance Photos

Photo Credit: Smithsonian Museum

Native Indian Pow Wows Feature Fancy Shawl Dancers & many other dance styles.

Native American Powwows are celebrations of heritage and traditions, a way for Native American Indians to connect with each other and keep their culture alive through dance, song and storytelling. Many Native Indian pow wow events are open to the public, providing opportunities to educate non-natives about their culture and traditions, including Native American regalia. While powwows occur year-round, most are held between Memorial Day and Labor Day throughout the US and Canada. Powwows are an important part of Native American life and lots of fun for both participants and spectators. For a list of Native Indian Pow Wow events, see our Native Indian Powwow Calendar.

Women Fancy Shawl Dancers: Fast Paced Style & Grace

Women's Fancy Shawl Dancers seen at annual powwows is a beautiful and very strenuous dance typically performed by younger women and girls. It is a fast dance that requires stamina and gracefulness, along with intricate footwork. Each dancer wears a fancy shawl decorated with colorful designs made of appliqué, ribbons and painting. The shawl has long fringe or ribbons that flow with the movements of the dancer. Fancy Shawl Dancers create the illusion of a butterfly floating through the air by dancing light on their feet and twirling around with their shawl extended like butterfly wings.

Fancy Shawl Dancers Regalia

Women's Fancy Shawl regalia seen at annual powwows include a dress or skirt, leggings, moccasins, and a beautifully decorated fancy shawl. The shawl is worn draped over the shoulders and is usually made of colorful lightweight fabric. It is decorated with appliqués, paint, and ribbons in a way that has meaning to the dancer. The dress or skirt and leggings can either be plain or decorated, but they are made of fabric and colors that coordinate with the fancy shawl.

Shoshone Butterfly Legend & the Fancy Shawl Dance

Several Native American tribes are source of "Butterfly Legends". A Shoshone legend, is often referred to in articles about fancy shawl dancing. In summary, this legend tells of a beautiful butterfly who lost her mate in a battle. In her grief, she wrapped herself in her cocoon and traveled the world over, stepping on each stone until she found beauty in one and was able to start her life anew. The Fancy Shawl dancers renactment this legend in many of their movements. Bright colors and bead work adorn the dress and fringed shawl which is held out as the dancer steps and twirls, representative of the butterfly's wings.

Your Source for Fancy Shawl Dancers Regalia & Related Craft Supplies

Crazy Crow Trading Post has long been your number one source for Native American Fancy Shawl dancers regalia & related craft supplies. This photo gallery represents Women Fancy Shawl Dancers outfits, both Northern and Southern Plains, mostly taken at Gathering of Nations Pow Wow 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 Events Dance Clothes & Accessories!