Things to consider from now until we meet
Physical preparation
If you intend to dance several rounds (each round lasts 45 min), we recommend that you begin to strengthen your body.
Drum Practice
The drumming and singing supports the dancers during the ceremony, giving them energy, focus and vitality. Thus, practicing together beforehand is very important.
If you wish to drum at the ceremony and haven’t drummed in this particular tradition before, you need to participate in training. Please make sure you arrive to Fredskovhytten no later than Saturday at noon.
GoldenOwlWoman co**************@***il.com is your main contact point for this.
Ceremonial Items we use during the dance
Dancing skirts
Traditionally both men and women wear ceremonial skirts during the ceremonial dance. These are typically wrap-around skirts, which are mid-calf length and can be decorated with your personal medicine, provided they are practical for the constant movement of the dancing. If you have one, do bring it. If not - no worries - there will be skirts available to borrow.
Footwear for dancing
Sturdy, well broken in cross training or running shoes are suggested. Other footwear is at your option. You may also choose to dance barefoot or in moccasins.
Feathers
In our tradition, dancers hold two sturdy feathers, 6 inches or longer, throughout the dance. The purpose of this will be explained during dance preparation and practice time. Bring feathers that are meaningful to you if you have them. Additional feathers will be available if needed.
Brightening Objects
During the dance we have an outdoor Altar. We invite you to place a personal object there, which is special to you. It could be a special stone, a feather, a piece of jewelry etc. Through the object, you add some of yourself to the collective energy. And it too will gather energy during the ceremony time to take back home with you.
What to bring - recommended items:
For Camping:
- Tent
- Extra tarp or ground sheet and string
- Pad/airbed
- Sleeping Bag
- Pillow
- Torch/headlamp and batteries
Utensils:
- Small bag to keep your cutlery together in the allocated storing area
- Plate
- Bowl
- Cup
- Knife/fork/spoon
- Water bottle
- One or two tea-towels
… all with your name on if you can - Pen/sheath knife
Personal items:
- Clothes for cold, hot and wet weather and t-shirts/shirts without logos or text print for dancing
- Blanket for sitting or for over your shoulders – this can also double as an extra layer at night in your tent
- Towels and face cloth
- Wet wipes
- Toiletries, including soap, shampoo etc. (natural ingredients recommended)
- Sun glasses
- Hat
- Bathing suit and sarong/wrap around skirt (for purification lodge)
- Sturdy shoes and/or rubber boots
- Sun screen
- Mosquito repellent (natural ingredients recommended)
- Insect bite salve or lotion
- Tweezers for ticks
- Throat lozenges to keep your voice strong and clear if you intent to drum and sing
- Blister treatment and bandages for minor bumps and scrapes
- Notebook/Journal
Cash of Danish Kroner for:
- Shopping at the Medicine Fair
- Extra things which may come up