The songs and rhythms of Pow Wow have traveled through many generations.

As Pow Wow celebrations have grown throughout North America, the informal gatherings of people around the drum have evolved into groups that sing and play together on a regular basis.

There are no "spectators" at a PowWow.  All who attend are regarded as participants.

Each of us has a place in the circle of people.

The bird songs and dances of the Cahuilla Indians chronicle the experiences and responses of the Cahuilla people as they migrated south. Through bird metaphor and allegory, the songs also act as lessons that instruct tribal members about stages in their lives. They are reminded that there is a proper time to "leave the nest" and start a family; and that parents must let go of their maturing children.

The original Cahuilla Bird Songs were composed of more than 300 pieces that formed a cycle of stories. The songs were sung in a precise order that accurately accounted for the chronology of the migration.

In a traditional setting where the complete cycle of songs were sung, the singing began at dusk symbolizing the beginning of the journey and ended at dawn - symbolic of the return home.

Protocol for singing these songs is less strict in structure than some Native American traditions where only specially designated individuals are allowed to perform certain ceremonies. Today, tribal descendants with singing talent are trained to sing the songs.

Unlike many Native American dances, bird songs use no drums for accompaniment. Rhythm is supplied by gourd or tortoise-shell rattles filled with palm seeds.

Gourd dancing is not actually a Pow Wow dance style, but is more of a separate type of dance. The songs originated as part of the Cheyenne Bow Society. Songs were later adapted by the Kiowa nation, as part of their ceremony celebrating the summer blooming of the red skunk berries. Traditionally, gourd dancing is performed prior to the Grand Entry, when the drum sings gourd songs for the dancers as they dance.

The Jingle Dress Dance is a medicine dance that has regained popularity and is now a common category at most Pow Wows. The Contemporary Jingle Dress is decorated with ribbon, applique, and beadwork with matching leggings, moccasins, purse, and hair ornaments.

Feathers and plumes are worn and a fan is carried and raised during the honor beats of the song.

They raise their hands on the honor beats in order to receive healing.

Many tribes dance their own version of the Grass Dance.  Each of them have different ideas as to the origin.  For some, it is an expression of the waving movement of the grass on a windy day.  Another tribe remembers dancing in order to flatten out the long prairie grasses in preparation for a ceremony. Still others think it originated to celebrate victory over an enemy.

The Men's Fancy Dance is the brightest and fastest of men's dance styles. It originated in Oklahoma in the early 1900s when promoters of wild west shows encouraged Indian dancers to embellish their outfits and "dance fancy" for spectators. It is based on the standard double step of the Traditional and Grass Dance, but it takes off from there with fancy footwork, increased speed, and acrobatic steps. Dancers must keep up with the music and follow the changing beat of the drum.

The Men's Chicken Dance originated with the Blackfoot people and is representative of the plains prairie chicken's mating dance. The dance is characterized by jerking of the neck and a pecking like motion of the head, tapping on the ground, slow spinning movements, and a stepping motion in a forward direction.

The Men's Southern Straight Dance, also known as Southern Traditional, is the formal and original dance of most of the Oklahoma tribes.

It is a dignified style where the dancers keep a steady flowing pace that is not interrupted with fancy moves or extra footwork. Each man carries a fan in his left hand and a beaded pointing stick in his right that he uses to follow a "trail". The term "Straight" refers to the act of following a trail, dance stick in hand, as it does to the lack of a back bustle.

The Men's Northern Traditional style of dance is the oldest form of dance in Indian culture. While the dancers are dancing, they appear to be strong, bold warriors. A complete story can be seen in the dance steps as they bend low to the ground and peer cautiously about. The process is repeated as an on-going hunt. The completion of the successful hunt is demonstrated as they move in for the kill. The regalia will not have a prescribed look except for the bustle worn on the lower back. Traditional dancers never dance backwards as they perform, this would be perceived as retreat. Also, they never turn in a full circle while dancing.

The Fancy Shawl Dance is not a traditional women's dance style. It is a relatively new addition to the dance competition created in the early 50's and 60's.

The Fancy Shawl Dance regalia will consist of a decorative knee-length cloth dress, beaded moccasins with matching leggings, and a fringed shawl draped over the shoulders. Footwork is the chief element of the dance.

The Tiny Tots dance includes young children, ages 5 and under, who are just learning to dance.

All children are encouraged to learn to dance and begin competing as soon as they are able to walk.

The inclusion of youngsters in the Pow Wow dances ensures that the next generation carries on the Pow Wow tradition - and they work to become the champion Pow Wow dancers of tomorrow!