Dancing
Grass Dance
The most well known
origin legend of the Grass Dance comes from the Northern Plains Area. A young
man was born without the full use of his legs. He longs to run, dance, and play
with the other children. His parents consulted a Medicine Man and asked if he
could help him in some way. The Medicine Man advised him to fast and seek a
vision on the prairie. The young man left the village and did as he was
instructed. As he sat in the hot summer sun on the prairie fasting and praying,
the long swaying prairie grass mesmerized him. Soon he saw himself dancing in a
similar manner. He went back to the village and the medicine Man interpreted
his vision. The boy asked his mother to help him make an outfit to dance
utilizing the long prairie grass. He showed his father how he would dance and a
song was made for him. A celebration was held and he showed the village his
style of dance, which was eventually called the grass dance.