Native Dance
By: Yecenia Hernandez, Leea Lopez, & Jasmine Yanez
Introduction
History of the Native Americans
History of the Ghost Dance
Characteristics
Latin dance vs. Ghost dance
Latin dance originated from South and Central America. It incorporates a lot of moving the body which includes romantic steps with a focus on hip movements. Generally, the wardrobe consists of sensual pieces mostly bodycons with ruffles, fringes, or glitter.The Ghost dance on the other hand, is a spiritual dance that creates Christian doctrine. The focus is more on the feet movements/ stomping. The Ghost dance consists of group dancing, in order to speak to spirits/ghosts. Both come from cultural religion. Both are self expression and rhythm dances. Both their roots are deep and geographically far reaching.
Ghost Dance
During a ghost dance, the people involved sit in a circle, surrounded by ritual dance shirts and dresses, and pass a sacred pipe. They attempt to get in touch with spirits, those ghosts of the past, to reconnect, and to show them that they still carry love for the earth.
Today
The ghost dance is still practiced today but privately. Native American cultures still perform it for the same reasons, because many are losing relatives to cancer and other diseases. They believe this dance will endure the healing of the earth.