The "Gentleman's Dance", Southern Straight is the traditional men's Southern dance. This
dance tells a story, like Men's Northern Traditional, of a hunt. The dancer acts out the story
through steps and gestures during the dance. First, he is searching for the prey, and perhaps
he lets a "whoop" when the trail or prey is spotted. Then, he goes after the prey. He may
even act out, in a sense, the actual taking of his prey.Men's Southern Straight is a very controlled, slow dance, with very dignified steps. There are no kicks or twirls, nor does the dancer ever bend low to the ground, as in Northern Traditional. The dance is very regal, and has a touch of pride. The dancer weaves in and out from the drum, never varying his steps.
Dress varies from tribe to tribe, but usually includes a porcupine roach, or an otter turban. A trailer is worn, made from Otter and wool trade cloth. A ribbon shirt is worn, matching the color scheme of the outfit. Full leggins are worn, with fringe on the outside part of the leg. The apron is made of wool trade cloth, and can be beaded along the edges with white beads. A row of bells is worn just below the knee, finger woven ties are tied around the leg just above the bells, and Commanche style moccasins, beaded, are worn. The belt can be either loom beaded, or a leather belt with German silver conchos on it. In either case, the belt is very wide.
Bandoliers, made of hair bone pipe and mescal beans are worn, criss cross, across the shoulders. Small, folded scarves are attached to the bandoliers, and "love feathers" are attached to the scarves.
There is a great deal to the Southern Straight outfit, and not all of it has been included in this description. To best get a picture of the dance and the regalia, it is suggested that on attend a powwow and watch this, the "Gentleman's Dance".