Some dancers carry eagle wing fans, shields, or coup sticks decorated with eagle plumes and horsehair in their hands. The Southern Straight dancers dress the same with two exceptions, they do not wear eagle feather bustles and they may wear otter fur caps with an otter trailer instead of a roach. They move around the dance arena in a rhythmic, elongated stride. They sometimes appear to be tracking-perhaps an enemy or game. The dancers wear parts of animals on their outfits to show respect for the animal and to embody the spirit of the animal as they dance.
Every tribe has their own origin legends of the different dance styles.
The most well known origin legend of the Grass Dance comes from the Northern Plains Area. A young man was born without the full use of his legs. He longs to run, dance, and play with the other children. His parents consulted a Medicine Man and asked if he could help him in some way. The Medicine Man advised him to fast and seek a vision on the prairie.