Two elite dancers. Three judges. One winner. On October 24, 2026, the Powwow Dance Championships #2 will bring elite dancers to the Red Deer Resort & Casino in Alberta for head-to-head competition. Here’s how the battles, judging and scoring work.
Two Champions. One Stage. One Winner.
At a traditional competition powwow, many dancers may compete in the arena together. At the Powwow Dance Championships, the spotlight is on two dancers at a time. Viewers can watch their footwork, timing, style and response to the drum from start to finish.
As a lifelong powwow dancer, I’ve often wondered: what would happen if two of the very best dancers went head-to-head and everyone could see every moment? This format gives our champions a stage where new audiences can learn their names and understand what makes them exceptional.
How Many Songs Are in a Battle?
Regular battles: Three songs
Each regular battle has three songs. Both dancers compete during each song, judges score their performances, and the judges’ final scorecards determine the winner.
Main-event title battles: Five songs
The featured title battles have five songs. These longer matchups test skill, consistency and endurance. Powwow dancing at this level is physically demanding: dancers listen and respond to the drum while maintaining movement and energy through every song.
How Does the 10-9 Scoring System Work?
Each battle has three judges, who score each song independently using a 10-point must system. For every song, a judge awards 10 points to the dancer they believe won that song and 9 points to the other dancer. There are no ties on a judge’s song scorecard.
For example, after the first song, the scores might be:
| Judge | Blue Corner | Red Corner |
|---|---|---|
| Judge 1 | 10 | 9 |
| Judge 2 | 10 | 9 |
| Judge 3 | 9 | 10 |
Two judges favoured Blue for that song, but the battle isn’t over. The judges continue scoring each song and tally their individual scorecards at the end. The dancer who wins a majority of final judges’ scorecards wins the battle. That can mean a unanimous decision (three judges agree) or a split decision (two judges favour one dancer and the third favours the other).
What Are the Judges Looking For?
Powwow dancing isn’t a race where the first person across a finish line wins. There is artistry, timing, technical ability, individual expression and a deep relationship to the drum. Different dance categories have their own traditions and expectations. A Grass Dancer, a Jingle Dress Dancer and a Traditional Dancer are not evaluated as though they perform the same style.
Here are some details first-time viewers can watch for:
- Timing and connection to the drum: How a dancer follows the song, responds to its changes and finishes with the music.
- Footwork and technical skill: The control, precision and movement that can be easy to miss in a crowded arena.
- Creativity and individual style: The qualities that make each champion recognizable.
- Consistency and endurance: The ability to deliver throughout three or five songs, not just in one standout moment.
These are viewing pointers, not a complete official judging rubric. Judges apply their knowledge of each category and the event’s judging standards.
Why Three Judges?
Three judges bring independent perspectives to each battle. A head judge oversees the judging process, and judges rotate during the event. This format makes each song meaningful while giving the audience a clear way to follow the outcome.
What Happens Between Songs?
Each dancer is introduced from the Blue Corner or Red Corner and can be supported by a corner team. There is a one-minute break between songs, with a bell at 10 seconds remaining. Up to four corner team members may come onto the stage to offer water, encouragement or help with regalia adjustments.
These short breaks are part of the challenge. A dancer has to recover, refocus and prepare to give everything in the next song.
What If a Dancer Gets Injured?
First aid will be available on site. If a dancer is unable to continue because of injury, the opposing dancer is declared the winner by technical defeat. Dancers will have an opportunity to see the stage before competing, and organizers can make reasonable accommodations for necessary regalia adjustments.
Who Provides the Music?
The drum is at the heart of every battle. Northern Cree and Bullhorn Singers will alternate across the battles, bringing the songs that guide and challenge the dancers. The music isn’t simply a soundtrack; it is central to the dance.
Read our earlier story: Northern Cree & Bullhorn: Two Championship Drum Groups.
More Than Winning a Battle
For generations, incredible powwow dancers have spent their lives developing their craft, representing their families and Nations, and inspiring young people. Yet outside our communities, many people don’t know their names.
I want that to change. I want young Indigenous children to see heroes who look like them, and I want audiences who have never attended a powwow to learn the stories behind our champions.
This isn’t about replacing traditional powwows or changing the cultural importance of our songs and dances. It’s about creating another stage for our dancers to shine.
Explore More Powwow Dance Championships Stories
New to the championships or planning your visit? Start with our main Powwow Dance Championships #2 event guide, then explore the stories behind the competition.
Champions, History and Competition
- Why I Created the Powwow Dance Championships
- Why We’re Putting the World’s Best Powwow Dancers Head-to-Head
- Meet the Champions: Six Elite Powwow Dancers
- Northern Cree & Bullhorn: Championship Drum Groups
- Bullhorn Singers Confirmed
- Never Been to a Powwow? What to Expect
- Never Been to a Powwow? Start Here
Plan Your Visit and Explore the Event
- Vendor Applications for Championships #2
- Indigenous Events in Alberta
- October Events in Red Deer
- Family Events in Red Deer
- Things to Do in Red Deer
- Things to Do Near Edmonton
- Things to Do Near Calgary
Experience Powwow Dance Championships #2
On Saturday, October 24, 2026, join us at the Red Deer Resort & Casino, Red Deer, Alberta. Hear Northern Cree and Bullhorn Singers, discover the dancers’ stories and witness the head-to-head battles.
Get tickets and event details at PWTPowwow.com.
Two champions. One stage. One winner. Who will rise to the occasion?
