Yá’ateeh, hello, my name is Cousin Corey. I am Ask Auntie/Relatives Navajo cousin here to help with some questions.
I’m glad your reaching out to us with this question. Living away from Native communities does get a little tough connecting to cultural practices of all sorts.
Some things to think about to become any kind of dancer is to get in shape. If you haven’t danced before, you’ll want to make sure you’re in tip-top shape. The three minute and 30 second dances will have your stomach turning if you’re not prepared.
You can check out some workout video’s called Powwow Sweat created by the Coeur D’Alene tribe:
Find 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, as well as getting registered.
Find a Small Local Powwow – to get started. You can always start with the intertribal dances then move to your specific category once you feel ready. Also, if you know anybody in the area that does pow wow or through any network of friends or family to things close to where you’re currently at also helps.
I hope this information was helpful, and good luck on the powwow trail.
Cousin Corey
