On Saturday, November 23rd, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona hosted a Youth Hoop Dancing event in honor and recognition of Native American Heritage Month featuring local youth hoop dancers; Cooper, Amelia, Terrance, Takoda, and Quinn. Youth hoop dancers represented Navajo and Standing Rock Sioux tribal nations.
During the event, Youth Hoop Dancers shared about the cultural significance of hoop dancing with matches and community members, hoop danced for the group and then invited interested individuals to participate in an interactive demonstration. Those in attendance also enjoyed a hominy stew and traditional Navajo blue corn mush lunch and an Indigenous book giveaway made and/or donated by parents and local community members.
Hoop dancer Cooper shared the significance of the hoop as a representation of the circle of life encompassing the journey that one takes from birth to elderhood as an ongoing cycle with no end. Local hoop dancer and hoop dance teacher, Eva BigHorse, was also in attendance and related the teachings of the hoop to mentoring as the hoop is also a place that is welcoming to all and promotes a sense of belonging. The hoop teaches us that there is a place for everyone within the circle.
A Big in attendance stated that he had seen hoop dancing before but never knew the significance behind it so appreciated the opportunity to learn more along with his little. We appreciate everyone who came together and contributed to make this an enjoyable and memorable cultural sharing experience for everyone in attendance.
We especially thank our youth hoop dancers – Cooper, Amelia, Takoda, Terrance and Quinn – for sharing their time, energy, and talent with our matches and community The majority of these young hoop dancers are first generation hoop dancers, and we commend their interest and efforts to continue the tradition of hoop dancing among their generation and generations to come.
