This post has been moved to OpenChutes.com. All future postings of Powwows, Indian Relay Races, Rodeos and Rendezvous will be posted there from now on exclusively. So if you’re looking for new images and posts for all those events attended this year, plus all the old posts posted on BigShotsNow.com check out OpenChutes.com. See you there!

Dancing is a central part of the Crow Fair and the men’s competition is very important to them. It is a chance to show off their regalia and their best footwork and perhaps most importantly demonstrate their history and culture. Dancing is extremely serious business and not taken lightly. It is a chance to show off who they are and what their beliefs mean to them.

There are many different dance categories and they are broken down by age groups. This post is not about explaining what each category is but it is more a presentation of the colors, textures, style, symbols and meanings important to each dancer and the tribe in general. Ceremony and the spiritual connection with their past can be seen in every step they take. This is not a show, this is their life.

Elder dancers display more traditional styles.

Younger dancers display more exotic styles

Some are very traditional

The younger boys have each chosen the style they want to perform

A group of fancy dancers display the incredible variety of colors for their dance category

Postures are an important part of each dance style

So is intensity

Decorations and symbols adorn each dancers regalia and the items they carry.

Focus, making sure each step is performed in the proper manner requires maximum concentration.

Feathers and perfect beadwork complete the look required

The emotion of each presentation can be seen in every movement.

Two different styles performing the same dance

Every accessory is perfect from head to toe

Lost in the dance one can see the powerful historical connection for the dancers

And the incredible feelings displayed as the dance continues

Many clothing styles are a study in contrast

While there is simply wild abandonment in the fancy dancers regalia

This style of dancing requires maximum effort on the part of the dancers

And it shows as the dance ends.

The dancing goes on nearly continuously throughout the fair and the stamina of the participants is remarkable. Many times the dances last deep into the night and the sounds of the drums and the singers can be heard throughout the camp. It is a  constant whirlwind of activity and excitement. The next post will bring you the women’s dancing. Stay tuned.