Misconception #2: Every powwow dancer can hoop dance

Not every dancer who participates in Native American powwows can hoop dance. And, not every hoop dancer does powwows.

Powwows are Native American social events where many people (from lots of tribes) dance.  Powwow dancers have a wide range of experience.  They range from the dancers who enter the dance circle once or twice in a decade to the hardcore competitors who hit a powwow every single weekend.

The vast majority of Native American dancers specialize in a single dance style.  There are at least 8 powwow dance styles plus tribal and regional styles, not even counting hoop dancing.  Each style is a living dance; they can evolve drastically over time.  The styles takes a lifetime to master and regularity to keep with the changes.

It is rare that a dance can reach world-class quality in more than one Native American dance style.  It is also rare to find a dancer that can be a champion hoop dancer and powwow dancer.

From my: Top 10 Native American Hoop Dancing Misconceptions

80% of This; 20% of That

I love love love jingle dress.  Jingle dress is a style of dance seen at powwows.  Jingle dresses actually  have little tin cones on them that sound kind of like rain when they move.  With the right footwork, the cones hit perfectly in time with the drum.  Sorta pretty.

So I was thinking: Jingle dress dancing is 80% footwork and 20% armwork.  Hoop dance is the opposite.  It's 20% footwork and 80% armwork.  It is different than what I'm used to but I do like a challenge. :)

Powwows versus Hoop Dancing

Yay. I think am going heading to a powwow this weekend, my first since New Years.  I have been dancing since I could walk. My family has many powwow dancers but I am the only hoop dancer.  I like being unique.

Just in case you don't know, a Native American powwow is very different than a hoop dance contest. 

Powwows

• Big events
• 6+ dance styles
• Separate contests for men and women
• Dancers in the same category all dance at the same time.

Hoop Dance Contest

• Small enough to know every dancer's name
• Only 1 dance style
• Men and women compete against another
• Competitors dance 1 at a time

So, which do I like? Both, but in separate ways.

Goal: World Championship

My goal for this year is to compete in the 22nd Annual Hoop Dance World Championship in February 2012.  I have 357 days to get ready. 

I have hoops, thanks to BJ.  I have a friend (GS) who has won the Championship and who I think will answer questions.  I also know how to dance to powwow songs.  I need great moves, a routine, and a better outfit to wear.  Right now, I'm learning some moves.  Practice, practice, practice...it's the key.