Ethnoesthetics of Contemporary Native American Dance

Dance remains a vital element of contemporary Native American Life; Pow-wows sponsored by tribal groups and urban clubs are held throughout the year. Traditional ceremonies which include dance continue among many tribal groups. Participation in these dances, either as dancers or as spectators, has become a basic means of developing and maintaining an "Indian identity" in a world dominated by non-Indians. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into contem'poray Native American dance as it is viewed and understood by the participants.