Powwow a spiritual renewal for some

The swirl of feathers and buckskin, along with the jingle of tiny metal cones attached to Native American regalia, filled the arena Saturday for the Traditional Social Powwow on the University of Utah campus.

From tiny tots to seniors, participants showed their skills in a variety of dances — all with different traditions and meanings.

"Every time your body goes through a hoop, it is like saying a prayer," said Mandi Loebel, 11, of Provo. She participated in the hoop dance with other children. They configure plastic hoops into geometric patterns while dancing — sometimes turning the hoops into wings and swirling like a bird.

Her sister, Laraugh Loebel, 13, of Provo, performed in the shawl dance with other youths. Female performers mimic butterflies as they jump and spin to show off their vivid multicolored wraps.

"You make up your own moves with basic one-two steps, but you always have to be on your toes," she said. "It's also called the butterfly dance. You are supposed to create the illusion that you are not touching the ground."

To the Native American people, dancing is more than simply showing their skills.

Kaneisha Julian, 15, of South Salt Lake, who is half black and half Navajo, said attending a powwow is a spiritual renewal for her and others. "It's like a healing ceremony," she said. "You can dance if you're not feeling good about yourself. It's like a healing prayer for any pain you are struggling with."

Hundreds of people attended the event throughout the day. Many enjoyed nibbling on Navajo tacos while watching the display of talent.

There are myriad Native American dances.

"It's powerful to see your culture," said Irene Varela, 18, of Salt Lake City. She is half Navajo and half Mexican.

Women performing the jingle dance can be heard from far away as tiny metal cones sewed to their dresses clang together.

Men's feet pound the ground, swinging ribbons and fringe, in the grass dance.

Feathers abound in a dance called the traditional dance, which has great meaning for many participants.

Carrie Dallas, cultural adviser for the U.'s American Indian Resource Center, a traditional dancer, said, "I don't know where I would be without the circle. I would be lost."

The drum circle keeps the dancers on tempo.

With the theme of "Bridging Two Worlds," the event, now in its 37th year, was hosted by the Inter-Tribal Student Association, American Indian Resource Center, and American Indian Science and Engineering Society.

"This is a way to reconnect with our heritage and empower ourselves," said Lena Judee, director of the American Indian Resource Center.

E-mail: astewart@desnews.com