The dance typically involves , each with a distinct spiritual role:
: Often referred to as the "Gray One" or "Messenger," the fifth dancer is painted white. His role is to protect the other dancers by driving away evil spirits and to provide humor to the audience, often "disciplining" children through playful antics. Regalia & Performance The Museum Journal | The Devil Dance of the Apaches apache devil dance
: Dancers are not just "performing"; they are believed to become the physical manifestation of the Mountain Spirits during the ritual. The Dancers & Their Roles The dance typically involves , each with a