Fancy Shawl Dance
One of our treats in Albuquerque happened at the Pueblo Indian Cultural Center. Since we were there on a weekend we were able to watch an exhibition of various Native American dances.
During this award-winning repertoire, which the dancer choreographed herself, she is accompanied by her grandfather on the drum (and singing). She also made her entire outfit herself!
This dance is the “fancy shawl dance.” It involves highly athletic movements and demands immense dedication from the performer. Since it’s a freeform style, the dance must stay true to the drum beat. It’s a fairly recent dance (last 50 years) and is performed by women only.
“Fancy Shawl, the newest of all the powwow styles, began in the 1950s as a response to the way men danced faster, more vigorous forms such as the Grass Dance and Fancy Dance. Fancy Shawl differs from men’s Fancy Dance in its lack of bustles and feathers, but it rivals the men’s styles in its furious footwork and tireless tempo.” (Source: Dance Magazine)
We were awed by her performance, and the crowd at the Pueblo Indian Cultural Center that day loved it. She got a standing ovation from us all…
Watch the video:
Shawl Dance [mp4 4.8MB, 60 seconds]
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I absolutely loved the fancy shawl performance. Well done. Her dress was nice. I think the solid red color helped me concentrate on her footwork rather her costume. I was wondering if there was any way you could help point me in the direction to learn how to dance fancy shawl. I am moving to Santa Fe, NM this year, and want to start dancing. If you can help me in any way, please e-mail me. Thanks so much. Again, wonderful dancing.
Hi Angel,
Thanks for your note.
The only place I can think to ask is the Pueblo Indian Cultural Center. Try giving them a call to see if they offer lessons or know where they are offered.
i like your picture i wish i can dance like that do you now where i can learn that off of the web site or get it off the web site so i can learn it?
Hi wynter k,
Please read comment #2 above. Angel asked the same question.
wow this is amazing…me myself i fancy shawl dance and it is sensational it makes you feel free and like no one else is in the world, but to answer wynters question no you cant learn it off a website, you could but it could take years, the best way is to learn from a fancy dancer., but her dress rocks…..love the colors …..also the fancy dance is suppose to symbolize the Kimimila(butterfly)..........
Hi Shontel,
Thank you for the information. We were amazed by the way the dancer seemed to fly through the air! Her beautiful dress did remind us of a butterfly. I think you are right, it would take years to learn! Thanks again!
Hi once again
I mean it would take years to learn on a website, but if you want to be good you have to do it for a long time. I started when I was just 8 and Im 16 n0w and I still do it…but yea!.....your very welcome=D…...but my other suggestion is if you really want to learn ask around and sooner or later your bound to come across some one in new mexico…...but if you want to see it in action, every year theres a powwow in new mexico its called the “Gathering of Nations” powwow , dancers from all over go…but if you have any other question you cna email me…..thank you
I love this site keep up the good work.
To learn how to fancy shawl dance, you need to look on youtube for some videos and watch the footwork. You also need to attend powwows and ask around. Most natives will help you and get you on the right start.
Ps. If you ever get a chance check out smoke dancing, I personally think it is rather amazing.
Obviously we are not the only people who find the “Fancy Shawl Dance” to be amazing!
Thank you Shontel and Bryanna for your excellent suggestions on where to get more information on learning how to “Fancy Shawl Dance”. I imagine that you would need to find someone to mentor you in it. Me, I am content to watch other people dance like butterflies.
And thank you Muriel, for your encouraging words! We appreciate it.