<P> The Straight Dance is attributed to the Southern Plains tribes in Oklahoma . The Hethuska, a prominent war society of the Poncas, is commonly attributed with the creation of the dance; however, the Pawnee, Omaha, Osage, and Kiowa tribes have sometimes been credited with creating the dance . In the 20th century, when several warrior societies began to dissolve, the purpose of the war dances changed . The Straight Dance evolved from these war dances as a way to keep the tradition and history . </P> <P> The Straight Dance is considered to be more dignified or formal than other pow wow dances . The general steps for the dance involve a "toe - heel" step where the dancer taps the ground with his toe on the first drum beat and then places his whole foot down on the second beat . The dance resembles a hunting or warring party and therefore the dancer must not dance backwards as that would symbolize a retreat from the enemy . Instead they always dance clockwise around the circle . As a Southern dance, it is danced to a Southern Drum . </P> <P> The Straight Dance regalia consists of a ribbon shirt, tab leggings, aprons, and a headdress (usually a roach or a turban). These are decorated and accessorized with finger - woven garters, beaded belts, vests or bandoliers, German silver armbands, and scarfs . One of the main features of the Straight Dance is an otter dragger, also referred as an otterhide, which hangs from the dancer's back and drags on the ground . It is normally decorated with medals, beadwork, ribbonwork, or feathers . Straight dancers generally carry a fan, mirror board, or tail stick in their hands . </P>

Where did this dance originate northern or southern plains southern plains northern plains