Indian Dancing at International Children's Festival

The International Children's Festival is held in Hampton every year and includes music and dancing from all countries. Some of these are the Native American. At the festival there is an appreciation of these different cultures. The dancing displayed by these Native American's are truly unique and colorful. Each beaded outfit has leather, feathers, piping, and intricate designs.

The Jingle dress comes from the Southern women's dances. There is legend behind it about an ill elder of the tribe. He received a vision about a woman with a dress unlike anything he'd seen. It was a medicine dress that would heal him and make him better. Then she taught him how to make the dress. After that, there were new songs that would come alive in the dress. Teach the dance to the grandchildren and you will be well again. He awoke and told his granddaughter the vision. They made the dress and had the ceremony. His fever broke after that and he stayed alive for many more years to come. Today the Jingle dress is used in dances and the has healing for the soul.

Some of Indian music heard was from drums. There are about 6 people on the drums. They were singing and beating rhythmically on the enormous leather drum. At the same moment, the beautiful maiden wearing a jingle dress and headdress with two feathers. Her dress was of gold and white and she had tiny graceful feet under her in mocassins. Her only dancing partner was a small girl in purple leather dress. The drums pounded and they danced up and down to each beat. It seemed effortless and beautiful. The crowd clapped along with the drums and singing. They wanted more and cheered them on an on. The Native American outfits were from head to toe decorations with feathers and each one was a masterpiece to look at. Their friendly ways and easy demeanor was seen everywhere.

After the Native American dancing was over the crowd was leaving the park at 5:00 pm. The event was over but the lasting impressions of the day will be remembered for a long time. As Native Americans they can stand proud for all that they are and do in our community. We are very proud of them.