Native American Dances and Meanings

<p>One of the most beautiful things about Native American culture is the rich forms of art this group has brought to America. Among forms of art such as painting, sculpting and storytelling, the truly unique quality of Native American dance makes it the most awe-inspiring and thought-provoking of them all. To the untrained eye, these Native American dances may look like nothing more than interesting movements designed to match the rhythm of a song. On the contrary, dances in this culture each have a deeper purpose and significance that exemplifies how powerful this medium can be in expressing an idea.</p>
<p><strong>1. Stomp Dance</strong></p>
<p>Practiced by the Chickasaw tribe, the traditional stomp dance begins with an announcement by one of the ground leaders, indicating that he will be leading the song. He then heads toward the ceremonial fire with a shell shaker, or rattle, in hand, leading the rest of the people behind him. Women and men...