The brightest and fastest of men's dance styles, this Fancy Dance has only been around since the early 1920's. It developed as a result of entertaining visitors at reservations during this period. This dance is the most strenuous and athletic with high importance on stamina and agility. It is fast, featuring twirling and jumps. Typically it is a young mans dance, however some of the fitter, older dancers still participate. It belongs to no one tribe, but it's origins are from Oklahoma, spreading all over the country. Sometimes Fancy Dance is done in a free-style manner and, although this is uncommon, such things as splits and backflips can be witnessed. It is said that the regalia represents the Rainbow Spirits with its bright colors, ribbons and flying feathers. Typically a roach is worn with a rocker spreader using decorated eagle feathers. Scalp feathers are sometimes worn, however this is not that common. The majority of dancers wear beaded headbands, some with a rosette. Beaded and fringed aprons are worn over the shoulders and waist. Some also wear loom beaded harnesses that are draped over the neck and hang past the waist. It is with regular occurrence that small arm bustles are also worn. The major contributor to the name Fancy Dance would be the bright twin bustles worn. One is tied around the neck and the other around the waist. Thigh covering side tabs, that match the dancers aprons, are also worn. All dancers wear bells just below the knee, either large sleigh bells or smaller hawk bells.
