Photo Credit: Gathering of Nations powwows photos by Derek Matthews. Photos from the Choctaw powwow by Ginger Reddick.

What is Men’s Southern Straight Dance?

Men’s Straight Dance, also known as Southern Straight Dance or Southern Traditional, is a style of Native American powwow dancing. The dance recounts the story of hunting or war parties searching for the enemy. The origin of the Straight Dance is attributed to the Southern Plains tribes in Oklahoma. The Hethushka, a prominent war society of the Poncas, is commonly attributed with the creation of the dance; however, the Pawnee, Omaha, Osage, and Kiowa tribes have sometimes been credited with creating the dance.

Dance clothes worn by the dancers presents a formal, tailored, and prestigious form. Accordingly, the slow and proud movement of the dance style matches this attire. This is a “Gentlemen’s” dance, which tells the story of a hunting or war party on the trail of an animal or an enemy. The art of Straight Dancing is in the little, sometimes unnoticed things, both in the movement and the outfit. Smoothness, precision with the song, knowledge of dance etiquette, and a powerful sense of pride mark the outstanding straight dancer.

Read entire article: Men’s Southern Straight Dance Regalia