The Potato Dance

The announcer calls out “Dancers, get your potatoes!” I snap away as the circle fills with kids, teens, and sweethearts. They pair up, smiling and giggling. “Place your potatoes!” Then we all await the drummers.

I have been hearing announcements about the Potato Dance for the past hour. Finally, I get to see the traditional last dance of the Pow Wow. Suddenly, the air explodes with the thunder of drums! “Start the Potato Dance!” booms the announcer. “And don’t drop those potatoes.”

Toe to toe and eye to eye, the dance begins. About twenty couples waltz around the circle, responding to the announcers instructions. “Dip down on one knee.” Potatoes fall. “Flap your wings like an eagle”. Another spud bites the dust. “Hop like a frog!” Thud, plop, thud, plop. The fallen potatoes gather their dancers, bow and leave the circle.

So this is the Potato Dance! To the children, it’s a game. To the sweethearts, it’s a courtship ritual. To the Indian dancers and the spectators, it’s a tradition that brings the community together.

This is really cool! People are laughing, cheering, and rooting for their favorite dancing couple, which is now down to two. “Touch your left hand to the ground!” Kerplop. “We have our winning Potato Dancers!”

I finish taking photos and begin to put my camera away. I feel a tap on my shoulder. The guy sitting next to me says “If you’re a reporter, know that no potatoes were harmed during the performance of the Potato Dance.”

Event: 28th Annual Stockton Community Pow Pow – Stockton, California