Q2: Circle up yo

The “voice of the drum is like a heartbeat” that pulses through the participants and serves as the lifeblood to the performance.  The powwow is a spiritual celebration of life that encourages both native and non-native Americans to join as long as all minds are free of drugs and alcohol.  The center of the powwow circle is a large drum considered to be both literally and symbolically the heart.  Everything moves around, is centered by, and operates from the placement and purpose of the drum.  Without it, the powwow is impossible.

The circle stands for equality.  Inside it is a prayer for all relatives.  It is a sacred space in which everyone enters into the same prayer, same understanding, and equality.  It is the sacred circle of life, and the dancers inside it also represent their bonds and support for one another through their dancing patterns.  The motion and geometry of the powwow represent the power of the performance to bring people together.  Through this act, participants seek and maintain connections.

Recently, I attended a wedding where a large dance circle formed on the floor.  Members of the bride and groom’s families all joined together to dance and cheer on other participants despite not knowing each other by name.  In the circle everyone was incorporated and invited.  It served as a bonding mechanism that aided in endearing guests to one another and building communitas. 

Circular symbolism is seen throughout venues including corporate communication.  Businesses keen on complete integration, and not hierarchically driven, often hold meetings around a circular table in order to give equal standing to each voice and perspective.  

- Hailey Drescher