Breaking It Down Step by Step

Yesterday was the official start of training for Indian Summer. Arrowmen went to their respective trainings ranging from Inductions and Ceremonial Events (ICE) that’s focused on ceremonies to American Indian Activities (AIA) which emphasizes American Indian dancing and costume making. There are many different types of dancing, such as Grass, Fancy, Straight, and Traditional, all with varying costumes according to their geographical location.

"I think it's cool how people from lodges across the nation come out and talk about what they do in their lodges and PowWows," explained Ryan M. of Kun Ni Eh Lodge, Dan Beard Council, who was sitting in on the Men’s Straight Dancing training session. Arrowmen in the room intently listened as the instructors, Rich Perry and Sandy Rhoades, both experienced dancers, went over the basics for creating a straight dance costume and what is needed to participate in a American Indian PowWow. Tyler White, a Member of Atta Kula Kula Lodge, Blue Ridge Council, who has competed at NOAC and section conclaves in dancing explained that he is looking forward to, “learning more about the evaluations of all the dance styles and becoming a better dancer”.

Fancy dance enthusiasts sat in a circle as their instructors focused on how things flow on the costume. Guests were able to look at bustles and other materials used to make a fancy dance costume. "I like to dance and want to have fun doing something where I can go crazy," said Travers L., a member of Osceola Lodge, Southwest Florida Council, who is looking forward to perfecting his Fancy dancing.

"The AIA sessions are meant to help those more experienced dancers improve their abilities, but also to help those Arrowmen who are still looking for that one thing that they really enjoy, where they get hooked and are willing to take it back to their lodge," explained Brent Wessel, Program Vice Chief of AIA and seven year Straight dancer.

Revised 8/03/2011