Coliseum for another exciting year of dancing, drumming, and singing. Native Americans from all over the country gather to honor their heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation. There are three different styles of men’s dancing as well as four different styles of women’s dancing. These dances all fall into three basic configurations which include the Grand Entry, Intertribal Dances, and Contests. Don’t miss out on this unique event that brings Native American culture to life. Come join us for an experience that will take you and your family back to a by gone era. Every session will begin with a Grand Entry. This is a precession accented by the Heart Beat drum group singing the “A Living Hoop” song. They are followed by the Eagle Staff and flags of the United States, State flags, Indian Nation flags, and other flags being displayed. The flags are followed by the Pow Wow Princess and other visiting royalty, and then followed by the various dancers. There are two Grand Entries on Friday and Saturday and one on Sunday. During the Intertribal Dances, you will see a wide variety of dancing styles with all the different age groups dancing together. Intertribal dancing means “Everybody Dance”, and that is exactly what everyone does! The American Native dance style represents individuality, and the dancers, who are all dancing to the same music, all move independently of each other as they are expressing their independence through dance. Contest Dancing is divided into a wide variety of categories and age groups depending on the style and region the tribe is from. There are a total of six categories broken down by age and gender. These dances really show the individual’s ability and skill as well as their endurance. Men’s Traditional is the oldest form of dancing and years ago, only the warriors of the tribe would be allowed to dance in the circle. This form of dancing tells a story of the warrior and heroic deeds that he as done during battle or during a hunt. The Men’s Grass Dance is easily recognizable by the striking outfits of thick, bright, multi-colored fringes which cover the dancers from their shoulders to their ankles. The last type of men’s dancing is the Men’s Fancy Dance. This is a more contemporary style of dance may have originated in the early 1900’s when this style of dancing was popularized in the “Wild West Shows” of the period. The traditional and grass dances were considered a little to slow, so a new style of dance was invented that was a much faster style of dance and was more entertaining to watch. The Woman’s Southern Buckskin/ Cloth dance styles are danced by women from the Oklahoma tribes. These are slower, rhythmic dances that really accentuate the grace and elegance of the woman. Their dresses are adorned with colorful beadwork and sometimes shells or silverwork. The Northern Traditional is a more typical, traditional style of dance depending on the tribe. The dress is similar to the Southern Buckskin/ Cloth dance, but the dancing is distinctly different. The Jingle Dress Dance is the most well known style and originates in the Great Lakes region. It was used as a medicinal dance for healing and is considered an intertribal dance. The Fancy Shawl Dance is a contemporary style of dance where the women wear shawls over their heads instead of draping them over their shoulders. Regardless of the style of dance or the age or gender, there is a great deal of time, money, and energy that is spent on each of the outfits. The intricate bead work, and handcrafted costumes are elaborate, colorful, and area amazing to look at are even more incredible when in motion during a dance. It is one of the premier events in Colorado, so come and join us on a visit to a simpler way of life from a bygone era.