Dancer Information

What to Expect

There will be an afternoon orientation, teaching, and sweat lodge on Friday. The Drum Dance and fasting begins immediately after the sweat lodge and ends sometime on Sunday.

Plan to arrive by noon on Friday. If you can arrive early, your help will be needed to prepare for the dance, including sweat lodge preparations, wood splitting, stone and pole gathering, ground preparation, etc. It is important for every dancer to be here for the beginning of the dance.

A food and water fast is recommended for the duration of the dance. Those who have special medical needs and/or who are taking medication may discuss it with the dance chief prior to the dance.

Items to bring

Sleeping bag
Pad
Blanket
Pillow
Tent with tarp or ground cover
Clothes for hot or cool weather - raincoat or poncho, clothes for the sweat lodge, towels, skirts or dresses for women (no halter or tank tops or sheer blouses), skirts and short or long sleeve shirts for men
100% cotton cloth for prayer ties (red, yellow, black, white, green, and blue)
String
Tobacco
Sunblock
Insect repellent
Sun hat
Sun glasses
Any additional items that are needed for your personal comfort (such as baby wipes, deodorant, etc.).

Food

Dancers should bring pre-prepared or easily prepared food to share on the third day for a potluck feast after the dance ends. Bear in mind that the food which you bring for this feast must last for three days before it is eaten. There is limited refrigerator space at the Center for food storage.