Gourd Dance
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The Gourd Dance is a type of dance performed by some Native American nations, especially those of the Southern Plains region of the United States. Though often associated with a pow-wow, the Gourd Dance has its own unique style and customs. Gourd Dancing may precede the pow-wow, or it can be a separate event, not directly connected with a pow-wow. The Gourd Dance used to be part of the Kiowa sun dance.
[edit] Participation
The Gourd Dance originated with the Kiowa tribe. One must be aware that this dance is a "man's" dance, meaning a dance for men. Women participate by dancing in place behind their male counterparts and outside the perimeter formed by the men. There is a misconception about this being a veterans' dance but it is not required to be a veteran to participate. The dance in the Kiowa Language is called "ty-pia-gawh" This is a Kiowa dance,given to them by "Red Wolf". It has spread to many other tribes and societies, most of which do not have the blessing of the Kiowa Elders. Some of the Gourd Dances that are held go on all afternoon and on into the evening.
[edit] Music and choreography
Like pow-wow dancing, Gourd Dancing is performed in a circular arena. The drum is usually located in the center of the arena, though it can occasionally be located off to one side. The dancers take their place around the perimeter of the area. During most of the song, the dancers dance in place, lifting their feet in time to the drumbeats, and shaking their rattles.
Typically, the dance begins in the early afternoon by singing the "Calling Song" The final song of a Gourd Dance is usually "Charlie Brown" and concludes a Gourd Dance session, but there is no offical closing song to the gourd dance. "Charlie Brown" can be sung at anytime, and is a family song. During the Kiowa Gourd Clan Cerimonies To close out the gourd dance, there will be Buffalo dance songs sung, Most pow-wows that feature Gourd Dancing will host two Gourd Dance one before supper, and usually resumes after supper break. Gourd Dancering is Southern Plains in origin. Northern Tribes do not typically perform Gourd Dances.
