1920

In the 1920's, the Fancy War Dance had it's beginning with members of the Ponca tribe. The dance originated in Oklahoma and the first world champion fancy dancer was the late well-known Ponca dancer Augustus Hurley "Gus" McDonald. In 1926, he won the very first world title in dance competition at the Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas.

Fancy dancers of the 1930's included men of various tribes such as the popular Comanche named George Woogie Watchetaker.

In his lifetime, Woogie would eventually win seven national titles and three world titles as a fancy dancer. The men's fancy dance is both original and full of energy.

From an interview of the early 1990's, Woogie shared his understanding of what made a good fancy dancer:

"In my times, I was told by the older Indians that two good champions, two good dancers, a guy that could dance his footwork and his steps. Keeping time with the drum, keeping time with body movements, head movements, body movements, footwork. Coordinating with the song and the drum."

Moreover, Woogie stated "Gus McDonald was the true first world champion and after he got old, I got to be one."

Amazing picture (L to R) of the champion dancer George "Woogie" Watchetaker, the well-respected tribal leader Edgar Monetathchi Sr., and his son Edgar Monetathchi Jr., circa 1970. Photograph courtesy of the Lawton Constitution. Additional information from Full Circle Videos (Scott Swearingen).