For further information about Centreland Singers contact Jonathan Smith: Telephone 01242 237948

Although I am a Jingle Dress dancer, I do like to sometimes go back to Fancy Shawl - I always feel free when I dance this style.

Well, there are two styles of Fancy Shawl nowadays - called Old Style and Contemporary. I will provide some brief descriptions of the regalia and ways of dancing both below.

Old Style - Regalia

Plain Shawl with Chainette Fringe - sometimes the shawl has a border design

Dress underneath (or skirt and top), sedate decoration - maybe some ribbonwork etc.

Either beaded or Fabric Leggings

Beaded Moccasins

Harness or old style yoke - beaded or plain (some do not have this so not necessary)

Basic Hair attachments - but no plume

Old Style - Dance

"Straight" song - arms held not completely out - they kind of bend in again at the elbows and slightly away from the body. Intricate and neat footwork

Double Beat - this basically looks like the Crow Woman's Traditional step but done with a bit more energy.

Crow Hop - sometimes they dance to this but more usually Contemporary from what I can gather

No other song styles currently danced as yet (at time of writing)

Contemporary - Regalia

Heavy ornate ribbonwork and appliqué work for shawl, dress, leggings, yoke etc.

Shawl can have either chainette or flat fringe, or as popular at the moment - ribbon instead.

Beaded Moccasins 

Some dancers also still have beaded Leggings and Cape - if beaded, then in modern beads that catch the light etc.

Beaded hair sets - sometimes beaded headbands etc as well, big plume also worn.

Contemporary - Dance

Contemporary Fancy Shawl dancers will dance to most types of songs-

Regular - really energetic - intricate footwork still features but it is more athletic. Arms held away from body and move as much as the feet. Spinning is a big part of Contemporary  Style with different combinations of footwork and turns.

Dancers also dance Crow Hop, Sneak Up and sometimes Double Beat. 

I do not have any patterns etc but if anyone wants any more information, I can be contacted on clare.wray@ntlworld.com

Also, if you search on You Tube for Women's Fancy Shawl Old Style or Women's Fancy Shawl Contemporary, there are loads of video clips on there. You can also get a DVD now on Fancy Shawl from Native American Craft Suppliers in the US or Canada.