Tribe's heartbeat

The Grand Entry at the Chitimacha Pow Wow featured many dancers in full regalia, entering the arena to the beat of drums and chanting musicians.

CHARENTON — Interested spectators crowded the arena and watched as dancers from Native American tribes from across the U.S. made their Grand Entry into the inaugural Chitimacha Pow Wow to the beat of the drum and chants of the musicians at The Pavilion at the Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel Saturday.

The lead dancer bounced, jumped and spun around to the heavy beat being pounded out by the drummers, the feathers of his headdress bobbing in rhythm as well. The other dancers followed in line behind also bouncing to the tribal rhythm, the bells and jingles tied into their regalia rang in time, adding their own sound to the music.