What is Grass Dance and how did it originate?

Aside from legends telling how Grass Dancing came to be (see below), origins of the Grass Dance are rooted in a more practical purpose. Before any powwows could be started the grass needed to be flattened. The Grass Dancers were the ones to do this by stomping on the tall grass and placing some of it on their belts as they danced.

Another version tells of the grass dancers who were the first to enter the dance circle, respectfully laying the grass down with their steps so the other dancers could come out and dance in the circle.

Yet another story tells of the grass dance coming from the movements of the early scouts seeking a site. The grass being high in new areas, the scouts would dance in a special way to flatten the grass and make it acceptable for a new camp or meeting site.

In another version of the origin of the Grass Dance is that the grass dancers were called out to the place where feasts and special events were to take place. The dancers blessed the ground while they danced in time with the beat of the drum. While the grass dancers danced, they flattened the grass with their feet in preparation for the ceremonies to take place.

Many believe that the Omaha tribe originated the dance in their warrior societies. The grass dance movements reflecting warrior movements such as stalking the game or enemy and fighting the enemy (including one movement representing one of the warrior’s legs being staked and unable to move and battling with this leg in a held position).

Men’s Grass Dance Regalia

Men’s Grass Dance regalia, like that of other Native American dance styles, accentuates the movement of the dancer. The Grass Dance style is easy to recognize by the striking outfits, which are covered from shoulder to ankle with long, thick, bright, multi-colored fringes made of yarn or ribbon. Unlike many other men’s dance styles, Grass Dancers do not wear feather bustles. The movement of Grass Dancers is marked, not by the sway of dance bustles, but by the movement of fringe and/or ribbon. This fringe and ribbon enhances their graceful movement as they sway in an imagined breeze, keeping rhythm with the drums.

Grass Dance outfit styles have trends that change from year to year, as does the dance regalia of other Native American Indian dance styles. Recent designs reflect very flashy colors, while others are more traditional.

Grass Dance Outfits Include:

Roach – Roach Spreader – Headband: he porky roach is the only accessory common to all styles of modern Native American Powwow dress. The shorter outside (and inside) row(s) of hair are from deer tail hair, which usually dyed. Grass dance roaches often flare out flat on top and in front, with one to two imitation eagle feathers in the spreader (rotating, not rocking). As you will note from the photos in the Grass Dance gallery, however, most of the roaches shown are more typical, rather than “flat” styles. Roach feathers can also be replaced with springs (try auto choke springs about 12″ long) that feature feather fluffs at the ends. These fluff-tipped “antennae” provide a back and forth movement that blends nicely with the swaying dance style. While some dancers also use a head harness to attach their roach, most simply tie the roach on. The harness or headband is decorated with beaded rosettes in front and on the sides, with long drops on the sides made of matching beadwork, chains of plastic curtain rings, or ribbon. Sometimes loops of beads are strung from the center rosette to each side where the drops are attached, hanging down just below eye level.

Cuffs, Belt, Suspenders & Side Tabs: These are mentioned as a group to emphasize that all of these items need to somehow consist of the same pattern or theme. These are usually the last items to be added, as they can be the most time consuming to make. In recent years, both sequin work and cloth appliqué have become the style of choice, replacing beadwork. Side Tabs can be made as part of the belt, fully beaded and part of the beadwork, or separate in design. They could also be pendants (such as a school), or made of material and decorated with rossettes, beadwork, felt applique, or mirrors. If made of material, they can be deged with ribbon and fringed to match the rest of the Grass Dance outfit. keep in mind that a Grass Dance outfit with too many colors can look to busy and may take away from the desired effect.

Hand Articles: Hand articles accent your outfit and can add to the appearance of motion. These articles include: Mirror boards, Small hoops, Decorated sticks, Scarves, Feather Fans, Dream Catchers

Dance Bells: Your bells in this style are wrapped around your ankle and can be a choice of sheep bells or large sleigh bells.

Anklets: Usually made from angora goat or Icelandic sheep fur, about 2″ x 12″ each. Each is backed with canvas to absorb sweat, and add durability.

Moccasins: Beaded, hardsole plains style moccasins are preferred, however, you can also use sneakers or aqua socks in place of Moccasins.

Other Grass Dance Accessories: Other accessories used by Grass Dancers are: beaded tie or neck scarf worn under the shirt collar, a loop necklace or breastplate, and a beaded or bone hairpipe choker.