Womens’ Fancy Shawl Dance

Women’s fancy shawl dancers wear beaded capes, moccasins and leggings and most importantly, a beautifully decorated long fringed shawl. Their colorful outfits evoke images of beautiful butterflies when they are dancing.

The origin of Women’s Fancy Dance, is relatively recent on the powwow trail. It was originally danced in the northern part of Indian country by a few brave women, who were sometimes booed for their efforts by people who felt that women should not call such attention to their dancing.

Women’s fancy dance features fancy footwork, a very fast pace and brightly colored shawls worn draped over the shoulders. Fancy shawl dancers have adapted many newer materials in their regalia such as cut glass beads, rhinestones, sequins, ribbon, and fabric.