Cassidy Smith, Mandan & Hidatsa
Jingle Dress Dance 
TOMV 2005

[Catlin Sitting Bear speaks for the following introduction]. The Jingle Dress Dance originated from the Ojibwe and Ojibwe people, from Minnesota and Wisconsin.  This was their first style of dance for the women.  The Jingle Dress Dance originated hundreds of years ago.  It reappeared in the mid-1800s, when a Spirit came in a dream to a medicine man who had a very sick daughter.  The Spirit told him the history of the dance, and how to make the dance outfits.  The Spirit stated that if he agreed to bring this dance back to the people, he would make his daughter well again.  

When the man awoke, he shared his dream with his wife.  They made four dresses for their daughters.  They taught them how to dance the style.  At the next celebration, the girls shared the dance with the people.  Afterwards, the sick daughter became well again.  Therefore, this dance is called a healing dance, and a healing dress.  The dance almost disappeared again.  It reappeared in mid-1970s.  It is a very popular dance today.  

The dancer…Cassidy is wearing a dress with hundreds of cones on it.  This dress has its own unique sound to it.  Many of the cones that you see, are made out of snuff can lids, or made from tin.  She’s also wearing…she…many dancers wear plumes or feathers in their hair, choker, matching leggings, and moccasins – and the belt.  Some carry eagle fans also.  This is a faster style of dance than…than the traditional dance.  

[Cassidy Smith begins singing, then drumming, and more singers join in.  Audience claps at the end.]