He instructed them in how they should dance while wearing jingle dresses that he and his wife had made. With each circle of the dancers, the Midewinini’s daughter improved until she, too, was able to dance.

     The dance is intended to incorporate the sound the jingles make by allowing movement. The distinctive sound of the jingles represents waves of water or thunder that wards away harmful spirits. The steps for the dance are performed in a snake-like pattern that suggests the journey of life. The dancer emphasizes graceful movements with light footwork close to the ground. The dancer must also keep up with the drumbeat, and stop with both feet placed on the ground when the drummer hits the final beat.

     Dresses are an expression of identity and culture to Native American women. It is said a dress is infused with the spirit of the maker and takes on a life of its own. Many Native American women feel their dresses are alive and add embellishments such as jingles, coins or fringe to help the dress to make noise and give it more life. The dresses demonstrate the creativity and individuality of their makers, while connecting them to the past and leaving a legacy for the future.
     Text by Erin Dinsmore