Dressing for the dance

New Era Copy Editor Monica K. Smith attended the powwow as well, and discusses what she learned from the regalia at the event.

Monica eventually found some feathers

If I had never learned anything from watching Project Runway, I was definitely getting an education in Hopkinsville this weekend: Feathers, for those who don't know, are in.

At least that was the lesson I received Saturday night at the 24th Annual International Powwow. Sure, I've seen a few girls with color-corrected hair attach feathers to their own heads for additional flair;  however, this was something all-together new. Feathers of all colors, types and textures flocked around the grounds, sending my optical senses into overdrive. They were standing tall on head pieces, fluttering on robes, flowing on jewelry, and a few exceptionally decorated individuals paraded with feathers collected together to create the semblance of wings (who doesn't need wings?!? I could use two sets!).

Oh I was jealous. There I was in jeans and a tank top. No accessories. No flair. No feathers.

Monica is a little afraid of what she's holding

Watching them moving through the crowd was inspiring enough - then came the drums.

The rhythms filled the powwow as individuals competed in a dance competition, their movements causing their feathers to flutter in the air. As I watched I learned that the way an individual was dressed indicated what type of dance was expected of the dancer. It was explained to me that the construction of the outfits is begun at a young age, and the regalia is steadily worked on as the individual grows, creating a wearable tapestry representing a part of that person's life. I came to realize that the outfits each person wore were chosen for a specific purpose - each feather attached for a reason.

Those who judged the dancers were knowledgeable on various clothing styles and what a particular style would equate to on the dance floor – err … ground. So, dancers were thus graded not only on their ability to dance well, but their ability to best represent their outer appearance.

Monica appreciated the meticulous care needed to create the regalia

As I watched them dance, greatly coveting their eagle feathers, I realized I'm just as meticulous in what I wear. Each top is debated, set of earrings pondered, "do I wear a scarf or a sweater?" I started to wonder what my outer appearance indicated of me - and if my dance matched. 

Thanks Monica for the article and the awesome photos! Look for hints at my next bucket list location, and reaction to the last column, later this week!