LAKE GENEVA POWWOW

Father's Day Weekend
LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN

Social Dances

In addition to the dances performed by dancers in regalia, powwows often include social dances in which everyone can participate.

Intertribals

Intertribals are not a specific type of dance - they are an opportunity for everyone to join in and enjoy the dance! Dancers move in a clockwise direction (following the path of the sun), and the basic step is the men's or women's traditional step. You do not need to be in regalia to dance -- whatever you are wearing is fine!

Two-Step

The two-step is a couples dance. It is said that Indians learned this way of dancing from the European settlers and added their own special touch. People can invite anyone to be their partner -- it's a good way to meet that cute guy or gal standing on the sidelines! The two head dancers lead the way, and the other couples fall in behind them. As the line proceeds around the arena, everyone does what the head dancers do. It is interesting to see how the action travels down the line!

Round Dance

In the round dance, the women form a circle around the middle of the arena, and then form a circle around them. The women dance in one direction and the men go in the opposite direction, all dancing in a sideways step. When the dance ends, if a man speaks to the woman standing in front of him, and she turns back to look at him, she has accepted his invitation for an evening together. Some fellows have been known to maneuver their way toward a special lady.

Potato Dance

In this couples dance, partners start out with a potato held between their foreheads. They must dance in step with the drum beat around the arena circle without dropping their potatoes -- no hands allowed! As the dance continues, the emcee may call out special moves, such as flapping their arms or dancing on one leg. The last couple who have not dropped their potato is the winner!

Learn More

Etiquette
Powwow Staff
The Arena
The Four Circles
The Spirit Fire
The Songs
Men's Dances
Women's Dances
Social Dances
Powwow Calendar