A conversation between skies and earth:
For many communities, dance has a sacred function and is used in healing ceremonies, prayers etc. Each gesture has a meaning and allows, in beliefs, communication with the spiritual world.
To dance is to pray with the body and each movement could correspond to a different request or purpose.
For example, circular steps represented a cycle, a renewal, or even unity when several members participated.

Some stretching movements symbolized the ties. So holding hands was synonymous with human relationships, and raising your arms to the sky created an invisible bridge between Earth and Heaven. Between humans and gods.
But the native peoples didn't just make connections to the heavens. For example, typing the dusty soil of the foot made it possible to call the underground spirits, and this gesture was synonymous with fertility.
Finally, our friends the Totem Bearers often incorporated imitations of animals into their dance in order to reconnect with their pet, honor it or seek protection.

Sacred dances across generations:
These dances, the tribes perform in front of their entire community, including children, ensuring their perpetuation through the ages.

There are a few well-known examples, like the Dance of the Sun that you've probably heard of. It was originally made by the peoples of the Great Plains, including the Lakota. The goal was to dance in a circle around a central pole representing the star king. It should be noted that the US government banned this dance between 1883 and 1934, deeming it barbaric. Fortunately, the people continued to practice it in secret. Other dances are also very popular, such as the Deer dance among the Yaquis, composed of graceful and vigilant gestures. It should be noted that the use of accessories is common, such as bells at the ankles in this case.

Finally, I would like to quote another well-known dance present in other cultures (especially Hindus): the Dance of the Rain! The arms raised to the sky then represent a call to the clouds, a prayer so that the gods can send showers and abundance. It was often practiced by tribes in desert regions, such as the Pueblos, the Navajos or the Hopi in New Mexico!

A great diversity:
There are perhaps as many dances as there are natural beings or phenomena on Earth, and each tribe has its own habits and customs.
Dance transcends time and is much more than just entertainment. The art of moving your body becomes more than a work, it's a tool.