Sunday, March 20, 2005

DENVER MARCH POW WOW

We got a late start to Denver because I had to pick up Big Red, who had a relapse and had to see the surgeon again.  By the way, she's fully recouperated now and back on the road, better than ever.  Anyhow... at the Denver Collosium we were greeted by a sea of feathers and fringe.  The air was ringing with the sound of bells and the pounding of drums.  But it wasn't just in the sight and sounds, it was something about the air, the atmosphere.... something you could FEEL more than anything else, a feeling that gets your heart beating in time with the drums, the feeling that you know the songs being chanted even though you don't know the words... the feeling of pride... when everyone wants to be a Native American just to be able to say 'Yes, I am a part of THIS'. 

I miss dancing.  Once upon a time I used to tear up the dance arena every weekend up and down the east coast.  I have a certificate that I hang proudly on my wall... 1st Place Womens Senior Fancy Shawl Dancer,  Native American Festival, Charlotte, North Carolina  July 1993.  That was my first and last competition.  I competed that day just to prove I could, and I walked away with $450, but it wasn't about the money which I proved by not competing again.  It was all about the feeling I get when I dance, or sometimes when I watch others dance, and listen to the drummers as they beat out a heart beat and sing a chant that I don't know the words to but know it by heart.

The above picture is of some fancy feather dancers.  Can you figure out how many dancers there are in that picture?  This is not a contest.  I honestly don't know.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

How awesome!  I love the picture!  I'm glad that you had fun, Dorn!  And I'm also glad that Big Red is ok!
Hugs,
xo
Heather

Anonymous said...

I see 2 heads,3 feet and one hand...not sure how many that adds up to!!! My MOm and I were talking about music and how it makes you fee.  We decided that bagpipe music, not matter who happy the song, it still sounds mournful and grabs me right in the heart!
Becky

Anonymous said...

very cool!  I can't tell how many dancers in that sea of feathers and colors!

~JerseyGirl
http://journals.aol.com/cneinhorn/WonderGirl

Anonymous said...

Around here everyone wants to be Native American.  :-)  I think it is a longing to feel truly connected to the Earth beneath our feet.
  Mandy wants to be Native American because the men are so beautiful. :-)  Your son, for example, is stunning.

Anonymous said...

I would have LOVED to see you dance. judi

Anonymous said...

Drums and feathers and bells and .... Love the pic.. sounds like fun was had by all!
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind

Anonymous said...

AN INCREDIBLE IMAGE...WHAT A FABULOUS HERITAGE...YOURS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACET OF OUR CULTURE...WOULD LOVE TO SEE MORE.........COURTENAYMPHELAN