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All Genres > World > World Traditions > OMAHA INDIAN MUSIC: Omaha Indian Music - Traditional Dance Songs Volume-I (2-CD Set) Traditional Songs and Dances For the sake of cultural preservation and integrity, it had been decided that the Omaha Indians would be solely represented by their traditional singers at the 1983 Pow-wow at Macy, Nebraska. The traditional dance tracks featured on these two CDs constitute the backbone of their musical culture. The traditional nature of this music is reflected by various events during the Pow-wow. Amongst these are: The Women’s Traditional Cloth Dance: This is a dance form common to most major Native Indian tribes, including the Kiowa, Ponca, Osage and, of course, the Omaha. It is slow and graceful, and the accompanying music is correspondingly rhythmic. The costumes worn by the tribe’s women for these dances are reminiscent of the buckskin dance, except that the accent is on cloth dresses and fancy beadwork. The Buckskin Dance: The Buckskin Dance is the oldest form of women’s dancing and features smooth and synchronized movements. The tribe’s women wear fine, hand-crafted buckskin dresses, hence the name. The dance itself is slow and poised as the women dance in rhythm to the drum, and the effect is absolutely mesmerizing. The Women’s Shawl Dance Also performed by the womenfolk of the tribe the Women’s Shawl Dance showcases traditional costumes and could, because of the elaborate outfits on display, be seen as an ancient version of a modern fashion parade. Various other songs featured at the 1983 Omaha Indians Pow-wow are included in the fascinating Omaha Indians Music - Traditional Dance Songs 2-CD Set Vol-I. The Host Drum and Tai Piah Singers render a number of musical scores and songs whose spirit can aptly be summarized by the words - "Laugh out. Enjoy yourself and laugh. Go ahead and smile." EDITORIAL REVIEW: Omaha Indians, a prominent tribe amongst Native Americans, have often been referred to as the world’s first real performers, and their dances are the continent’s oldest tradition. Highly symbolic in nature, these dances have maintained tribal morale and expressed its sense of dignity since the beginnings of recorded time. It is a mistake to assume that tribes such as the Omaha Indians are unaware of what is happening to them - they feel the erosion of their values in a fast changing world, and dance is the medium through which they express their frustration, bewilderment, longing for the past and willingness to adapt. Each tribe has its own peculiar dance forms to express its individuality. A variety of influences go into their evolution - from esteemed animals to places of worship, beliefs, history... there is literally an endless font of inspiration for Omaha Indian dances. The fact that the traditional dance styles have suffered under the onslaught of modern influences - especially amongst the younger generations of Omaha Indians - cannot be denied; yet the basic formats have changed little over the centuries. Pow-wows are more than cultural gatherings for Omaha Indians - they present an opportunity for intertribal competition, and it is in dance that this spirit is evinced at its fiercest. Where once tribal differences and individuality were expressed with the tomahawk and scalping knife, it now finds itself manifest in these events. It can safely be said that traditional Omaha Indian dance routines can put the most enduring athletes to shame with their vigor, and give the fanciest Western costume pageants a run for their money. The colorful regalia, the meaningful steps and words accompanying each dance and the range of emotions that are expressed make the traditional Omaha Indian dances a unique and invigorating phenomenon. As you listen to the remarkable dance themes presented on the Omaha Indians Music - Traditional Dance Songs 2-CD Set Vol-I released by A2ZCDS, you will find your heart begin to tick to primeval beats of which it knew nothing before. The 1983 Pow-wow at Macy, Nebraska, will become a living event for you, breathing the immortal spirit that sustains our country’s first inhabitants to this very day. ----------------------------------------------------------- CUSTOMER'S REVIEWS: "I was totally captivated by the joy and exuberance that the songs on the Omaha Indians Music - Traditional Dance Songs 2-CD Set Vol.I, I could almost see the dancers swaying in front of me. Their music is so very different from ours; yet it speaks to the soul. I have found a new regard for the traditions of these fascinating people, thanks to this collection." Customer's Name: Gloria Jimenez (Wilmington, Delaware) "I had always believed that Native Americans like the Omaha Indians were forced to hold their Pow-wows for the benefit of a thrill-seeking white public. A sort of novelty show. I don’t know if that is true - if it is, you wouldn’t guess it from the music on this CD from A2ZCDS. The festiveness and joyous rhythms are infectious, but seem to belong solely to the performers. I found listening to these songs an uplifting and somehow hope-inspiring experience. The true America still thrives ....hidden, but alive!" Customer's Name: Michael Wirth (Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky) Check out the artist's website: http://www.a2zcds.com/Products/Omaha_Indian_Music_Traditional_Dance_Songs_Vol_I_CD_556.htm Track List: 1. Hurry up 2. Stand up 3. Shawl Dance - I 4. Shawl Dance - II 5. Dance Contest Song (Warm-Up) 6. Traditional Dance - I 7. Traditional Dance - II 8. Traditional Dance - III 9. Traditional Dance - IV 10. Traditional Dance - V 11. Traditional Dance - VI 12. They're coming 13. Traditional Dance - VII 14. Traditional Dance - VIII 15. I'm coming into the arena 16. Shawl Dance - I 17. Shawl Dance - II 18. Cloth Dance Contest Song 19. He was riding a horse 20. Buckskin Dance Contest Song 21. Another tribe is standing there 22. Shawl Dance - III 23. Traditional Dance - I 24. Traditional Dancer - II 25. Traditional Dance - III 26. Traditional Dance - III 27. Traditional Dance - IV 28. Traditional Dance - V 29. Traditional Dance - VI 30. Traditional Song for Everybody Suggested CDs:
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