ASK YOUR RELATIVE QUESTIONS

The first thing I would encourage you to do is to get a mentor. This person can help guide you through all the things you’ll need to get started. They can coach you on regalia making, dancing with the traditions of style, meaning, and etiquette.

Though you might ask family first about regalia, just in case there is someone who may have a dress they are not using and will let you borrow.

If you can’t find someone to help, take things into your own hands by doing it yourself.

My friend told me she watched a bunch of YouTube videos and showed her almost everything she needed to know… other than actual sewing skillz.

o How to make a jingle dress part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzIT0TRol_w

o How to make a jingle dress part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDYRSam_57Q

If you’ve never danced before, you might need to get into dancing shape. Those 3 minute/ 30 second songs can seem like a lifetime! Check out Shoshone-Bannock’s work out video’s called Powwow Sweat. They have one specifically on jingle dancing.

Getting Registered – when you feel comfortable enough to start dancing at powwow’s look for small local events to get started. There will usually be a one-page registration sheet and sometimes a small registration fee. You’ll register by age and dance style. You’re usually required to dance in the Grand Entry, sometimes they do this twice a day like at Gathering of Nations.

The best advice I could give you, would be to practice, practice, and practice. Practice whenever you get the chance.

You can also start out with dancing the intertribal’s until you feel comfortable enough to move to the jingle category.

I hope this helps and best of luck! Send us some photo’s when you get up and dancing.

Best of luck!