It seemed like there was always dancing going on somewhere in the camp. At night they had huge dances in the arbor, which has grand stands so spectators can sit and watch. Each gathering had opening ceremonies with the presentation of the flag and any other ceremony that had to take place. Sometimes it would be smoking the pipe, or a prayer, or just an announcement of some kind. Everyone who was going to dance would gather in a circle and quietly wait until it was time to start the dance. Then the drumming and singing would commence and the dancers would slowly circle the arbor as they began the nights activities.

As you can see in the pictures everyone took the dancing very seriously. It wasn’t a time for fooling around or acting inappropriately. Yet I always felt that there was a joyousness under the serious faces. There certainly was pride. The dancing began around sundown and lasted deep into the night. I shot until I couldn’t squeeze anymore light out of the scene and reluctantly had to stop for the night.

I’m going to let the images speak for themselves as there is little I could say that would embellish their regalia or performance so just enjoy the pictures and perhaps you will be able to hear the drumming and singing in the background.

Presenting the colors and the flags

Listening to the opening ceremony

Listening to the opening ceremony

The  dancing starts

Drummers played steadily into the night, their voices never seemed to get hoarse.

 

                           Young and old danced together

                        Singing as he dances

Sitting one out

Portrait of a young man

                          Every color imaginable is used.

Pensive

                        Portrait of a young boy

     Putting everything into it

         This warriors regalia was my favorite

Many seasons experience

Preparing to dance

                           Entering the circle

                            This warrior’s regalia was my second favorite choice.

                         Elders completing the circle

Adjustments are made

                          Every step is important

Waiting for their turn

                             The young learn by watching

If it weren’t for the power lines this could be 1865

                     Admirers

                                     Dancers posing for a family photo

When it got to dark to see out on the field it was time to call it a night. Tomorrow would bring new sights and sounds and it was just a few hours away.