Great question. So traditionally these were known as "Whip Women" in the Spokane culture which is another Interior Salish Columbia Plateau tribe like the Yakamas shown in this video. They were used to ensure the dancers were following good protocol and were dancing properly. They were also used to keep non dancers off the dance floor. Typically these women were only used in more formal ceremonies and dance styles. Not necessarily for fancy dancers or owl dancers etc. Hope this helps. :)