Angela Gladue Part 1: Powwow

Join artist Angela Gladue for a study of powwow and hip-hop dance. Hear her story, learn about her artistic practice, and explore the movements, history, and traditions associated with powwow and hip-hop. This unit also partners with Angela's Hip-Hop and Crow Hop Challenge lessons.

Equipment:

• Internet access
• A projector or SMART board
• A sound system

Getting Started:



Before you start, have students complete a KWL chart and read through the Powwow handout

Invite students to:

• Identify what they know about powwow dance;
• Identify a few things they wonder or would like to learn about;
• Track key learnings;
• Track unanswered questions for further inquiry and research.

Learn the Powwow Movements

1. Basic step

Get started by learning the basic step. This foundational movement will help you find the beat. Imagine your floor is like the drum as you tap your feet in front of you. Then, build on the basic step by practicing it with a bounce and travelling. Remember, you can go back and review the movements as many times as you would like! Movements covered include:

• 2:40 Adding the Bounce
• 4:36 Basic step travelling

2. Footwork

Now that you know the basic step, take it further by learning some different footwork variations. Make sure to balance out your movements by repeating everything on both sides.

Remember, you can go back and review the movements as many times as you would like! Movements covered include:

• 0:31 The Four Corners      
• 3:15 Side Taps
• 5:28 Kicks                
• 8:05 Heel Toe Hooks
• 9:57 Heel Toe Back         
• 11:38 Heel Toe Pattern
• 13:36 Shuffles             
• 15:57 Criss-Cross

3. Travelling

Did you know that almost all powwow dances travel in a clockwise direction? Use some of the footwork you already know to move through space.

Remember, you can go back and review the movements as many times as you would like! Movements covered include:

• 0:19 Criss-Cross
• 1:48 Cross-Over
• 2:56 Fast Cross-Over

4. Turns and Spins

After practicing all the different footwork variations, explore turning and spinning as you move through space. Learn to spot your head so you don’t get too dizzy.

Remember, you can go back and review the movements as many times as you would like! Movements covered include:

• 0:18 Turns
• 2:08 Forward and Back Turns
• 3:00 Spin and Turn
• 4:06 Spin

5. Crowhop

Learn the step that mimics the movements of the crow. Move your feet with a downward emphasis as you weave in and out of your path.

Remember, you can go back and review the movements as many times as you would like!

6. Music

Check out these bonus videos to learn more about some different ways that the music influences the movement of powwow dancers.

Reflect

Have students answer these questions after completing all of the powwow movements.

You can ask students to write out their answers, answer the questions orally, or use the questions as a springboard for group discussions.

• What was your favourite powwow movement? Explain why.
• Identify three words that you could use to describe powwow dance. Explain each choice.
• Was there anything you learned about powwow dance that surprised you?
• Which movements did you feel you did well?
• Which movements were the most challenging?
• What strategies did you use to learn more challenging movements?