How to Make a Native American Grass Dance Outfit

Grass is a spiritual element to the Native American culture.

The Native American Grass Dance is believed to have originated from the Ponca Hethuska society and was passed down to the Omahas in the Lakota/Dakota tribes. The grass is believed to be symbolic of the Mother Earth's hair and thus is incorporated into the costume. A colorful Grass Dance outfit can be easily created using items found in your own home or through a few small purchases at a local fabric store.

Things You'll Need

• Oversized long-sleeve shirt
• Ankle length skirt
• Scissors
• Slacks or shorts
• Fabric glue
• Fabric patches
• Fabric paint or markers

Instructions

1. Cut strips into the bottom of an oversized long-sleeve shirt and into the sleeves. The strips should be approximately 1 inch wide each and should be on both the front and back. The strips are meant to represent grass and will float away from your body when dancing, like grass blowing in the wind.

2. Cut long strips, at least to the knee, all the way around an ankle length skirt. The strips should also be around 1 inch wide. You will need to wear a pair of slacks or shorts underneath the garment.

3. Add a colorful apron to the ensemble. The apron will be tied over the frayed skirt and fastened in the back.

4. Add decorative elements. Use fabric glue to add colorful patches to the shirt and skirt as well as the apron. Use fabric markers or paint to add additional details, colors and shapes to the garment as desired. The neckline and center of the apron will be ideal spots for additional decorations.

5. Create hand pieces to round out the costume. Paint a hula hoop brown or green to resemble intertwined branches or braided grass. Add glue to the hoop if desired and roll in cut grass to add a realistic touch. For a simple touch, carry a walking stick instead of the hoop, as grass dancers often carried sticks.

References

• Native American Dance Outfits: Grass Dance Outfits
• Native American Dance Outfits: Neon Grass Dance Outfit
• Pow Wows: Grass Dancing