ROUND DANCE ETIQUETTE
Whether you're a novice or veteran round dancer certain behaviours are expected while you're on or in the circle. Although, customs vary from tribe to tribe - and even year to year - some basic "rules" remain the same.
DRESS CODE IS MODEST
Removal of head gear, hats, sunglasses during prayers and specific songs. Inappropriate clothing would consist of revealing: swimsuits, extremely short skirts, clothing with profanity or slangs with an offensive nature. Should not be worn.
ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE MC/ANNOUNCER
The MC will tell you when you can photograph and when to sing or dance. But the announcement of what is occurring will be directed by the MC.
A DANCING CIRCLE DESIGNATED TO DANCE
The usual formation is to join hands and step to the side while dancing in a circular fashion around the singer(s).
CENTRE OF THE GATHERING
In the middle is where the hand drums stay until the round dance comes to an end. Singers are male and do the drumming and songs. Females are called back-up singers and stand behind the males.
GROUNDS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED SACRED PLACES
Initially a blessing is done during the pipe ceremony and feast as the lodge is being set. Your actions should show respect for this spiritual and sacred ceremony by honoring the dance, singers, drums, the traditions, and story behind them.
REFRAIN FROM NEGATIVE THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS
The blessing that takes place before hand sets the tone of the event and scarifies the area. Although the blessing should be taken seriously. "Our elders have taught us not o dance or sing with negative karma. That karma will expand and affect others." This is the reason why not only round dance, other ceremonies as well. Individuals care to be clean and sober. To not bring any drugs or alcohol to the grounds.
FOLLOW PROTOCOL IN THIS COLORFUL HIGH ENERGY EVENT
Specific circumstances from the MC will be announced as to how things will be done to allow everyone to know what will be taking place. Spectators should have fun but keep in mind that participants may have important roles to carry out like singers, drummers, elders and MC's. Although they might be seen as the entertainment they all have vital jobs in everything to carry out this ceremony.
FINALLY BE FLEXIBLE
The most important role is to be willing to change your expectations and adapt to new situations, Each Round Dance is different. There is no standardization. Do as the host committee directs you to do. It may be against what you've been taught, you are a visitor do what is wanted and needed of you. So be flexible with it.
Whether you're a novice or veteran round dancer certain behaviours are expected while you're on or in the circle. Although, customs vary from tribe to tribe - and even year to year - some basic "rules" remain the same.
DRESS CODE IS MODEST
Removal of head gear, hats, sunglasses during prayers and specific songs. Inappropriate clothing would consist of revealing: swimsuits, extremely short skirts, clothing with profanity or slangs with an offensive nature. Should not be worn.
ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE MC/ANNOUNCER
The MC will tell you when you can photograph and when to sing or dance. But the announcement of what is occurring will be directed by the MC.
A DANCING CIRCLE DESIGNATED TO DANCE
The usual formation is to join hands and step to the side while dancing in a circular fashion around the singer(s).
CENTRE OF THE GATHERING
In the middle is where the hand drums stay until the round dance comes to an end. Singers are male and do the drumming and songs. Females are called back-up singers and stand behind the males.
GROUNDS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED SACRED PLACES
Initially a blessing is done during the pipe ceremony and feast as the lodge is being set. Your actions should show respect for this spiritual and sacred ceremony by honoring the dance, singers, drums, the traditions, and story behind them.
REFRAIN FROM NEGATIVE THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS
The blessing that takes place before hand sets the tone of the event and scarifies the area. Although the blessing should be taken seriously. "Our elders have taught us not o dance or sing with negative karma. That karma will expand and affect others." This is the reason why not only round dance, other ceremonies as well. Individuals care to be clean and sober. To not bring any drugs or alcohol to the grounds.
FOLLOW PROTOCOL IN THIS COLORFUL HIGH ENERGY EVENT
Specific circumstances from the MC will be announced as to how things will be done to allow everyone to know what will be taking place. Spectators should have fun but keep in mind that participants may have important roles to carry out like singers, drummers, elders and MC's. Although they might be seen as the entertainment they all have vital jobs in everything to carry out this ceremony.
FINALLY BE FLEXIBLE
The most important role is to be willing to change your expectations and adapt to new situations, Each Round Dance is different. There is no standardization. Do as the host committee directs you to do. It may be against what you've been taught, you are a visitor do what is wanted and needed of you. So be flexible with it.