“Long ago, the slow-moving round dance was part of a healing ceremony. A Cree legend says the dance began when a young woman was mourning the death of her beloved mother and could not be consoled. Her mother’s spirit came to her and showed her the round dance, so that the people and the ancestors could join together to heal her grief. Today’s modern round dance has a focus on bonding and community and is often seen as a “friendship” dance where everyone is invited to join. Round dance songs feature a drum “heartbeat” symbolizing the joining together of all people in the dance circle.” – Gayle Ross (Cherokee)