Red Earth Dance Showdowns

    Bracket style dance competitions at the Red Earth Festival. Two dancers compete head to head. Winners advance. Structured rounds lead to final placements.

    First place
    $800
    Second place
    $600
    Third place
    $400
    Free entry
    Registered dancers receive festival admission for the full day once checked in.
    Four guest tickets
    Each dancer receives four additional admission tickets for friends or family.
    Dressing area access
    Private space for registered dancers only. Not open to the public.
    Dance times
    Saturday, August 1, 2026: Women’s Jingle vs Fancy Shawl, 3:30 to 4:30 PM
    Sunday, August 2, 2026: Men’s Traditional vs Straight, 2:00 to 3:00 PM
    Location
    Oklahoma City Convention Center
    100 Mick Cornett Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
    Competition area details will be posted here closer to the festival.

    Featured bracket showdowns

    Women’s Jingle vs Fancy Shawl bracket showdown graphic
    Saturday, August 1, 2026

    Women’s Jingle vs Fancy Shawl

    3:30 to 4:30 PM · Ages 18+ · Bracket format · Prize money awarded

    First $800 Second $600 Third $400
    Learn about these dance styles
    Women’s Jingle Dress Dance

    Recognizable by the rows of metal cones that create a distinctive sound as the dancer moves. Many communities connect this style with healing and strength. Movements are precise, rhythmic, and grounded.

    Women’s Fancy Shawl Dance

    Known for fast footwork, athletic turns, and expressive movement with a fringed shawl. The dance is often described as energetic and vibrant, with dancers showcasing speed, control, and stamina.

    Men’s Traditional vs Straight bracket showdown graphic
    Sunday, August 2, 2026

    Men’s Traditional vs Straight

    2:00 to 3:00 PM · Ages 18+ · Bracket format · Prize money awarded

    First $800 Second $600 Third $400
    Learn about these dance styles
    Men’s Traditional Dance

    Often characterized by strong, deliberate steps and storytelling through movement. Dancers may pause, track the beat, and emphasize timing and presence. Regalia commonly includes items such as a bustle, roach, and other traditional elements that vary by community.

    Men’s Straight Dance

    Typically features quick, upright steps and controlled movement patterns. Dancers often carry items like a fan or staff, with regalia elements that may include a single bustle and distinctive styling. As with all styles, specifics can vary by region and community.

    How the bracket works

    Dancers compete two at a time. Winners advance in the winners bracket. If you do not advance, you move into the secondary bracket and continue competing. Final placements are determined through structured rounds.

    Matchups
    Dancer A
    VS
    Dancer B
    Winners bracket
    →Advance
    →Advance
    →Final rounds
    Secondary bracket
    ↘Continue competing
    →Dance again
    →Placement rounds
    Why a bracket format

    The bracket format creates clear matchups, consistent judging, and a high energy experience for both dancers and audiences. It is designed to be exciting to watch while keeping the competition structure straightforward.

    Check in requirements

    In person registration

    Dancers register and check in in person on the day of their competition. Check in opens when the festival opens that day and remains open until shortly before the competition begins. Dancers must be checked in before their division starts.

    CDIB required

    Dancers must present their CDIB at check in in order to compete. Please bring your CDIB with you.

    Entry and guest tickets

    Registered dancers receive free entry for the day, plus four additional admission tickets for friends or family. Dancers and their guests will have festival access from the time the dancer checks in.

    Dressing area

    A designated dressing area will be available for registered dancers only.

    This space is not open to the public, but dancers will be moving in and out throughout the day as they prepare and compete.

    Red Earth is not responsible for personal belongings left in the dressing area. Please keep valuables with you.