Search - Various Artists :: Fancy Dance Songs: Southern Style

The "Fancy Dance" originated as the "Fancy War Dance" by the Hethuska society in Oklahoma. The Fancy Dance was invented by Gus McDonald who is now internationally recognized for this contribution to the Native American heritage and history.The Fancy Dancer's regalia consists of a number of loom beaded sets of suspenders, belt cuffs, headband and armbands. The designs are usually matching in all items and of a rainbow feather or geometric design. The main trademark for fancy dancers is the use of large feather bustles. Currently most bustles are color-coordinated with the beadwork by using large amounts of feather hackles dyed the appropriate colors.The dance style is of two types: a basic simple step while dancing around the drum and a "contest" step with fast and intricate footwork combined with a spinning up and down movement of the body.The Oklahoma Feather Dancer or "Fancy Dancer" is the most popular style of dance and regalia seen at all modern pow wows throughout the plains today. These releases are packed with Fancy Dance songs from the best drums on the pow wow trail today.