Nine-year-old Louis Pierre's nonstop weekend on the powwow trail is full of friends, powerful music, elaborate costumes, and vibrant dances--some thirty times older than the United States.  Dancing is important to the Pierre family, and it is a passion that runs deep within Louis.  He has prepared his new costume with pride and practiced his moves with diligence.  Louis is getting ready to perform the grass dance for the first time...and he wants to be ready.

Finally the moment arrives, Louis whirls, stomps, and dips.  In the powwow dance arbor, he's in sync with the earth and its marvelous rhythms.  "It's hard to describe the feeling," says Louis.  "When you've got a good drum and your dancing is good, it's like the earth is helping you to dance."

In this exceptional photo essay, Robert Crum presents Louis's experiences on the powwow trail in vivid detail and offers insight into the stories, traditions, and customs that have helped the Native American powwow flourish in present times.