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With a whirl of colorful circles, shapes and movement, hoop dancers tell vivid stories. The exact origins of hoop dancing are unclear. Traditionally, the hoops were made with willow or some other pliable wood. Today, hoops might be made out of metal or plastic. The practice incorporates colorful regalia and has grown to include energetic competitions. We’ll hear from hoop dancers about what drives their passion.
Guests:
Dennis Bowen (Seneca Nation) – MC for the Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest
Dallas Arcand Jr. (Cree) – motivational speaker and hoop dancer
Steve LaRance (Hopi/Assiniboine) – co-chair of the Lightening Boy Foundation
Break 1 music: Dance of the Coyote (song) Tony Duncan (artist) Earth Warrior (album)
Break 2 music: Tanokumbia (feat. El Dusty & Black Bear) (song) A Tribe Called Red (artist) Tanokumbia (feat. El Dusty & Black Bear) (single)
Dad and I are the co founders of the World Champion Hoop Dance Contest. The first world championship was held at the New Mexico State Fair Indian Village. The inaugural winner was Eddie Swimmer (Cherokee) from Cherokee, North Carolina. The second year the championship was moved to the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ. The second world champion was Quenton Pipestem (Tsuu’Tina) from Alberta, Canada. I established the criteria and rules for this contest that has become a signature event of the Heard Museum. This contest has opened the doors for many talented hoop dancers to share their art in forums around the world.