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Pow-Wow Oklahoma! Interviews
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Subject: George Alexander
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Occupation: UPS Truck Driver / Southern Style Fancy Dancer
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Tribe: Otoe-Missouria
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Interview Date: August 28, 2009
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Interview Time: 8:00 p.m.
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MW: If you could have a dance off against anyone from any decade, who would it be and why?
GA: The competitive side of me would want to dance against anyone, anytime, anyplace. (Laughing) I wouldn't back down from a challenge. However, Fancy Dancing has evolved so much from what it first started out as. To put it in perspective and I know some of our readers will get a funny look on their face when they read this; you really cannot compare what a dancer does today when compared to a dancer from the 70's. Likewise, you cannot compare the 2000 National Champion Oklahoma Sooners to the 1974 National Champion Sooners. They were two totally different eras and different competition. Personally, I believe any of the legends we still talk about today from the 70's and earlier, would out dance; outclass; and out move; ANY of us still dancing today. You’re still going to have those one or two dancers that will say "no they couldn't!" Well, class will be in session whether they like it or not! But it sure would be fun to find out, wouldn't it?
MW: Without a doubt! Some of those old timers such as my Uncles George "Woogie" Watchetaker and Charles Chibitty who were Champions in their own right as Fancy Dancers back in the day would mix it up with some of those Champions from Ponca Land such as Garland Kent, Sr. and others. I would love to have seen some of those guys "own the arena" in their prime.
MW: George, what would you consider to be your greatest achievement as far as Fancy Dancing is concerned?
GA: Wow! Good question. I would have to say that the compliments I receive from people, sometimes strangers, about my dancing makes me feel honored. Their words inspire and encourage me to continue dancing hard throughout the years that I have been dancing Fancy. Through dancing, I have met many wonderful people and have made new friends and connections. Most of whom I proudly call brother, sister, uncle, auntie, dad, or mom. I have been blessed for my dancing to have taken me too many places across this nation. My travels have taken me from coast to coast as well as and being involved in many well known Dance Troops such as the American Indian Dance Theatre.
(George Alexander Oklahoma Centennial Performance)
MW: How many more years do you see yourself dancing Fancy?
GA: I pray that I can keep on dancing for a long time. Now contest dancing is a different story as my time is limited.
MW: Once you have "officially" retired from the Fancy spotlight, do you see yourself possibly dancing a different category?
GA: At this time, no. Although you never want to say "never". (Laughing)
MW: I think you'll be in that arena for many more years to come. You’re still in great shape physically and you make me jealous! (Laughing)
MW: I have observed from your MySpace page that you feel strongly about the state of the Fancy Dancer today. Would you please elaborate in more detail about your feelings concerning the more modern style of today’s Fancy Dancer?
GA: Oh boy, here we go. I strongly believe the competitiveness is gone from today’s Fancy Dance contests. I've talked to many other dancers, mostly former dancers, and the consensus is that everyone looks the same and does the same thing. Nobody is really doing anything, to set themselves apart from everyone else. However, there are those two or three dancers out there today that are "keeping it real". In the 80's and earlier, you would see a particular dancer doing his or her own set of individual moves and combinations of movements with their bodies, legs, and feet. That's how you could tell who that dancer was just by their particular dance style. Yeah, I know there are the "basic" moves everybody uses for Fancy Dancing, but you have to remember "why" those young men started to move and dance the way they did, when the fancy dance was being born. I find myself using the same terms as those former dancers I have had frequent conversations with to describe how most dancers perform today. Those terms are simply spinning, bouncing, and tapping their feet on the ground. In other words, they are "not" dancing in my opinion. Honestly, I think the majority of the people that like to watch the Fancy Dancers of today, just do not know what to look for and get caught up in the blur of ribbon and flagging tape. Everyone likes to see how "fast" a dancer can go as well as how many songs they can dance. That is not dancing! Call the category whatever you want, but leave out the "dancing" part. For those men and even some women through the years who have ever tied on those double bustles and have danced for more than a couple of Oklahoma Summers know how hard and demanding this dance really is. I know I will have to elaborate, so here goes. To the all the readers out there, if you really want to know what I'm talking about, try this at home. Go out and buy the CD, "Cozad, Live at Red Earth". Skip to "Track 10" and you will hear one of the longest Fancy Dance songs out there. Play the track and start to run, spin, and bounce throughout the whole song. Do nothing but run, spin, and bounce until the end, stopping on time of course. Then rest, until the next day or next week, or whatever is best for you. Just make sure you are fully rested, the play the track again. This time put some moves, style, footwork, head, shoulders, and get low to the ground. Oh yeah, by that 3rd time through, your muscles are burning, you are breathing hard, and it takes every thing you have just to keep up. See a difference? When a dancer is actually "dancing" and showcasing their abilities as opposed to those who are simply moving and looking fast with all the flagging tape and ribbons wanting another song, I would choose the "dancer" over the fakeness any day. But sadly, the fakeness has been the crowd favorite in recent years. Of course, the way some singers are singing the Fancy Dance songs have had a part in the way the Fancy Dance has evolved too. But I guess that needs to be another interview in itself right? (Laughing) Anyone who would like to talk more about these topics please hit me back on my MySpace page myspace.com/alexanderproductions or the Pow-Wow Oklahoma Forums and we can discuss! Since the beginning, every dancer has strived to "juice" up their outfit in order to look better and be seen by the judges and crowd. But the main focus was always how one "danced". But I honestly think that has changed in the past fifteen years. The focus has definitely changed to how one "looks" rather than their style, body movements, and overall skills. Too many times have the spectators wanted "another song". From just when I was a young'un; all of the older, experienced dancers would say to the younger dancers who wanted another song "You should have danced the first song!!" Funny stuff still happens every weekend. I could elaborate further on what is said during a contest lineup, but I'll spare the readers for now. If you couldn't "showcase" what you have in one song you didn’t have it. I REPEAT, YOU DIDN’T HAVE IT! (Laughing)
MW: I completely understand where your coming from as far as how some Fancy Dancers tend to "coast" through the first song because they know with certainty they will be getting another "faster" song. It's usually that second song where you will see all the "spinning" and running around the arena instead of actually "dancing". But if you watch those who have been around for awhile, you will see them doing their thing regardless of what all the "second-songers" are doing. They stick to their game plan and keep right on with the true "dancing" as you put it.
MW: Let's move on shall we? Evolution and change affect almost every aspect of society today, how do you see the evolution of the typical Oklahoma Pow-Wow evolving?
GA: I think the way Pow-Wows in Oklahoma are being run right now is good. To all the people that help "behind the scenes" at all of our celebrations and events are the ones that deserve all the congratulations. I see some celebrations growing every year, and some are maintaining their popular status. I think what would really be beneficial to Oklahoma would be to have more Organizations and Tribes have some events in the Winter time. You know, like a Winter Pow-Wow Circuit. Sure these events cost alot of time, money, and effort, but I seriously think that's what Oklahoma needs in order to keep up with the rest of the Tribes across the land. Those of you who travel to those out-of-state Winter Pow-Wows know what I mean.
MW: That's interesting, a Winter Pow-Wow Circuit in Oklahoma. I know the crazy Oklahoma weather might be one contributing factor and might scare some into having to cancel a Pow-Wow should there be a snow or ice storm, but it’s still an interesting concept. They Pow-Wow up North all year around and their weather is brutal but people still find a way to make it to each of those events. Let's see if there will be any attempts after this interview George. (Laughing)
MW: Tell me, do you make your own regalia, or do you have someone else make it for you?
GA: Anything to do with beadwork and sewing, I don't do. Not because of my lack of knowledge, but mainly because my work schedule will not allow for it. For now anyway! (Laughing) I have two “Indian Sisters", one beads and the other sews, it doesn't get any better than that. I can make anything when it comes to feather work, but my "expertise" is repairing just about anything. You name it, broken spike (feather), moc blowout, torn dress, torn appliqué on dress, loose or missing beads, bustles, etc. If this dancing thing doesn't pan out, I might open up a vendor stand that will make repairs while you wait. No repair job to big or small. Set it up at all the Pow-Wows. You need a shoestring? I'll ask what size? Will color matter? You need a moc repaired? I'll ask, when and how much $$ you got? (Laughing) I’m just kidding of course. By the way, and I have been told I make a dang good Fancy Dance rocker!
MW: (Laughing) You know how many of your Aunties and Grandma's you would put out of business if you were to become a “one-stop-shop” repair kiosk at a Pow-Wow? They would have a bounty on your head!
GA: (Laughing) The one stop repair kiosk would be an “on-the-side” venture. The real stand would be a "Fried Bologna" concession. Mmmm, mmmm! Cooked however you wanted them. It doesn't get any better than that.
(George and Renee Alexander)
MW: There are hundreds of Pow-Wow songs out there, which one would you consider to be your favorite?
GA: I tell all my Fancy Dance bros to try to make it up to the Ponca Pow-Wow, which is the last weekend in August. The Poncas hold that "Original World Fancy Dance Championship" trophy in very high regard. In fact, when an individual wins that title, they get their picture taken with the original trophy that Gus McDonald won back in 1927. The Ponca Singers sing the real deal Ponca Songs. This is the only place where you'll hear the words sung the right way. Too many times have I heard these same songs "butchered" by some drum group that thought they were singing them right. No bullet songs! The judges are strictly instructed to look for "dancing". The prize money they have for the Fancy Dance contest, rivals anything any casino Pow-Wow can provide. As soon as the Center Drum starts a "ruffle" song, you know it’s time to dance! So to answer your question, I would have to say I like any song that is sung for the Men’s Fancy Dance contest at the Ponca Pow-Wow. Other than that, anything Yellowhammer belts out. But most of them can be found sitting at the Center Drum during the Ponca Pow-Wow. Omaha Whitetail! Oh yeah, they have some good Fancy Dance stop songs. I have to give much love and respect to the late Jack Anquoe, and all the singers of the Greyhorse Drum. Man, they had some Fancy Dance songs that would bring out the best in any dancer. All those mentioned are definitely in my tops!
MW: Which Pow-Wow would you personally rank as you’re “all time” favorite and why?
GA: Oh man, I can't narrow anything down at this time. Looking back through the years, I have so many memories, of many Pow-Wows. I guess off the top of my head, would be all those benefit Pow-Wows that my late Grandma Amy Homeratha Littlecrow would make me dance at. At many of those little benefit Pow-Wows, I would be the only Fancy Dancer there. I would feel really odd being the only Fancy Dancer, but I would get many words of encouragement from many people back then. It was then I learned the "love" of dancing. To make someone forget about their aches and pains when they are watching you dance, and them expressing that to you afterwards is addicting. I think that's something that's terribly missing in today's younger dancers. Too many of them dance only for prize money. Of course we are out there to compete against one another to see whose best, but ultimately we are out there in the arena to compete against the drum and dance for those who cannot.MW: George, I would like to personally thank you for this interview as well as being one of my dearest friends. I hope this interview answers alot of questions that your friends, relatives, and the Oklahoma Pow-Wow population might have about you. Uraako Haitsi! (Thank you very much Friend)GA: Aho, my brother! I have to "thank you" for your time also. I may have rambled a bit, but my wish is to get in touch with everyone who has ever danced Fancy, men & women. I have many connections here in Northern Oklahoma that I have been in touch with and it’s my desire to talk with other dancers and former dancers from across the state. I believe Fancy Dancing in Oklahoma is on life support. It is not dying, thank goodness, but we need more youth to be involved and counted on to participate in this one of a kind dance style. This is where the Fancy Dance originated; this is where it all started. When one talks about Fancy Dance legends, most or all are from Oklahoma. We do have some young men coming up now that are showing good promise, but we need more. Again, anyone can contact me on my website myspace.com/alexanderproductions. It's Summertime so I'll see many of you in Grand Entry somewhere. I wish safe travels to everyone.
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PWOK Interviews 
Memorial for Virgil H. Swift, Sr.
