Tag: Native Americans

There are some religious taboos when it comes to dance other than religious reasons why on earth would anyone not want to experience the mind and body renewing energy that results from dancing? Truthfully, not all dancing involves the wearing of pink tutus and many forms of dance are quite masculine in nature so preserving masculinity cannot in any way be an adequate excuse for not dancing.

When it comes to dance there are many interesting and amazing styles of dance that span the globe. From the weapon dances of old (which are a perfect display of virility and masculinity though not widely practiced today other than in ceremonial dance) to the grace and beauty of ballet or ballroom dancing there is almost certain to be some form of dance that should appeal to almost anyone on the planet.

Native Americans had an excellent attitude and ideals when it comes to dancing. They danced for almost any reason and let the beat of the drum serve as their guiding spirit. Native Americans danced for worship, for rain, for joy, for grief, and to prepare for war. Their dances were heartfelt and as much a part of their individual natures as it was their tribal identities. Dancing was an essential part of their culture and heritage and is still passed on today though to a much smaller degree.

While some religions discourage dance, others embrace dance as a form of worship and commitment to their deities. Some encourage dance as an expression of praise. Others dance for the joy of the blessings and bounty of their gods or in submission to their gods. Regardless the fact remains that dance plays a vital role in many of the world’s religions. If you are a believer, I can think of few better reasons to dance than to express your beliefs in a physical form.

Some people dance simply because they like music and enjoy watching other people dance. There are all kinds of fun dancing styles that can be practiced alone, as a couple, or as a part of a much larger group. In the United States line dancing and square dancing are excellent ways to dance as part of a larger group as well as many types of competitive dancing and as part of a ballet company or other type of competitive or professional dance company. Couples dancing to some degree includes square dancing but other forms of dance such as ballroom dancing as well. Singles dancing is pretty much reserved to competitive dancing and often requires years of practice in order to perfect. Some people devote their lives to this sort of dancing and still never manage to make their mark on the competitive dancing circuit.

Dancing for fitness is another wave that seems to be taking the world by storm. There are many ways that this can be done and it is quite effective among those who would otherwise not exercise at all as well as those who simply love to dance. It is getting out of your seat and moving around to the music. Find a nice driving beat, close the curtains, and dance until you can no longer breath. It’s a great way to get that much needed exercise while having fun and not even realizing that you are (gasp) exercising. Mind over matter is a great thing. If it doesn’t feel like exercise then there is no reason for your body, mind, or spirit to protest, right?

Dancing is becoming somewhat of a novelty sport around the USA and around the world. Reality television shows such as “Dancing with Stars” and movies such as the one with Richard Gere-Shall We Dance have made ballroom dancing popular and attractive to the average person who would have never considered this form of dance before. With so many wonderful reasons for a person to dance why on earth wouldn’t you want to dance?

Craft making for Native Americans is a very diverse and rich aspect of their lives. It is part of traditions and rituals and represents spirituality and power. This article will provide a brief look at Native American dance sticks and how these essential tools are important aspects of the Native American society.

These interesting dance sticks combine culture and craft making. They are traditionally used by the bravest of the tribe, the warriors, who dance in important events like tribal ceremonies to symbolize the strength and power of the brave warrior.

Of the various ways dance sticks are constructed,their symbolism of the mighty warrior is often portrayed through an animal form. Often, the thunderbird, horses, bears, elks and deer are used. Dance sticks are normally made using feathers, leather fringe, beautiful beadwork and animal hide.

The Native American dance stick is a good representation of the skilled craftmanship of these tribal people. They represent a lot of work. A genuine artifact of this type can often sell for over a hundred dollars. How wonderful it is to be a part of the Native American people and to understand how connected they are to their environment.

Nothing shows the kinship of the Native American warrior and nature any better than the use of an animal figure. By applying the dimensions of animals to exemplify the ability and courage of the warrior, one could ascertain the extreme link of Native American civilization to the day by day lives, routines and processes of the people. Many elements representing the environment are used and fall into catagories of plant, animal and mineral kingdoms. How the warrior is connected to the environment and his surroundings, is shown by the harmony and spiritual energy of the three kingdoms.

As time passes, the Native American dance stick has grown in popularity. There is a lot that can be learned about the Native American tribes when one stops to observe the carving, structure, use of color and materials on these unique dance sticks.

When buying a dance stick, one should pay close attention to the details to ensure authenticity. Sometimes, because of the continuous commercialization and mass production, fake Native American dance sticks with low quality materials are being sold as authentic. Purchasing an authentic dance stick requires one to be cautious or enlisting the help of a professional in the field.