This list of dances is far from all-encompassing, as there were literally hundreds of dances and variations across the continent. Depending upon the dance, sometimes visitors are welcomed while, at other times, the ceremonies are private. The dances are regionally or tribally specific and the singers usually perform in their native languages. In addition to public dances, there were also private and semi-public dances for healing, prayer, initiation, storytelling, and courting.ĭance continues to be an important part of Native American culture. Participants might include the entire tribe, or would specific to men, women, or families. Some dances included solos, while others included songs with a leader and chorus. Many tribes danced only to the sound of a drum and their own voices while others incorporated bells and rattles. Sometimes a leader was chosen, on others, a specific individual, such as a war leader or medicine man would lead the dance.

Movements of the participants illustrated the purpose of the dance - expressing prayer, victory, thanks, mythology, and more. Many dances played a vital role in religious rituals and other ceremonies while others were held to guarantee the success of hunts, harvests, giving thanks, and other celebrations.Ĭommonly, dances were held in a large structure or in an open field around a fire.

Dances have always been significant in the lives of Native Americans as both a common amusement and a solemn duty.

Man of the house rain dance