A low rumble spreads across the field,
Rising up, lifting up, empowering
Waves of sound roiling, a crescendo of spirit
Soft leather shod feet tapping, stamping, dancing
To the heartbeat of distant drums
Keeping time with their life rhythm
*Photo venue: Taken during Musical Echoes, a Native American music and cultural festival held each spring at The Landing, Fort Walton Beach, FL.
Thin spiral notebook 
I love you Tara…
When I posted this prompt the idea came from a very specific experience I had years ago in East Coast Canada. I need to write my story. I so loved how this piece paced the rhythm perfectly to the one I had in my memory!
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As I am a Jingle (Prayer) Dancer, I can say that you captured this well. That said, did you ask permission to photog first, because it really isn’t respectful to photog a dancer without permission, especially a jingle dancer who is praying with her feet in motion.
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I absolutely did ask and receive permission. I have the utmost respect for the dancers and musicians.
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Thank you. The pics are great, but there’s times for it and times not for it.
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I’ll share my jingle pic with you, but I’ll have to post on my page, don’t know how to put it here…
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sorry, meant to attach the link: http://walkertoennien.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/a-lifetime-of-jingling-prayers/
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I hope that I haven’t offended you by posting this photo. The Dancer knew I was taking her picture and would be posting it online. She was dancing alone.
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No, no offense, dear one. It’s just not common to see these photogs outside of the Native Community.
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It’s a facinating culture. Very good desciptions, partner.
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I love this. I went to a Native American culture festival when I was a kid, and I still have great memories of the dancing and music.
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This is lovely! I love watching tribal dancing. I love the way they get into the music and let it become a part of them.
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It is how we pray, how we praise. It is our worship, our church…the circle is our sanctuary.
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This dancer was not in a circle, and was very approachable before she began her dance.
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We usually are. Our dance is a ministry, not just to natives, but to any and all in need of prayer for healing of the spirit and body. I’ve jingled prayers for close to 30 yrs. Last year forced me to retire for health reasons, but the prayers remain.
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