Hoop Dance Performances & Workshops
Shandien offers world-class Native American hoop dance performances, educational workshops, cultural presentations, and community engagement programs for schools, festivals, museums, conferences, Indigenous communities, and international events. Each program combines artistry, storytelling, movement, and cultural knowledge to create meaningful and memorable experiences for audiences of all ages.
Performance Experiences
Professional Indigenous Performances
From intimate community gatherings to international stages, Shandien's performances blend traditional hoop dance, contemporary artistry, and Indigenous storytelling.
Drawing from more than 25 years of experience as a champion hoop dancer, global performer, and cultural ambassador, Shandien presents a captivating performance that blends artistry, storytelling, movement, and Indigenous teachings. Through the Native American Hoop Dance, audiences are invited to experience the beauty of cultural expression, the symbolism of the circle, and the enduring strength of Indigenous traditions.
Highlights may include: Traditional and contemporary hoop dance, cultural storytelling, audience engagement, Indigenous teachings, and the symbolism of the Circle of Life.
Perfect for: Festivals, cultural celebrations, museums, conferences, schools, universities, community events, and special gatherings.
Presented alongside her father, Steve LaRance, this unique cultural experience combines live Indigenous singing, drumming, flute music, storytelling, and championship hoop dance. Together, they share generations of cultural knowledge through an engaging and memorable performance rooted in family, tradition, and community.
Highlights may include: Live singing and drumming, Native American flute, cultural storytelling, audience interaction, and championship hoop dance.
Perfect for: Cultural institutions, conferences, tourism programs, special events, schools, universities, and community celebrations.
Combining performance with education, this interactive presentation offers audiences a deeper understanding of Native American culture through storytelling, demonstration, and discussion. Participants gain insight into the history of hoop dance, Indigenous perspectives, and the role of cultural preservation in contemporary communities.
Highlights may include: Hoop dance performance, cultural education, audience participation, question-and-answer sessions, and Indigenous perspectives.
Perfect for: Schools, museums, universities, conferences, community organizations, and educational programs and Cultural Exchange.
From intimate community gatherings to international stages, Shandien creates customized performances designed to meet the needs of each event and audience. Her work has been featured at the White House, with Cirque du Soleil, at World Expo Osaka, and at cultural events throughout North America and beyond.
Highlights may include: Custom cultural programming, keynote performances, opening ceremonies, special presentations, and collaborative artistic experiences.
Perfect for: Major events, international festivals, government programs, tourism initiatives, corporate gatherings, Fashion Shows and cultural celebrations.
Educational Workshops & Community Programs
Learning Through Movement
Shandien Sonwai-LaRance offers engaging and interactive workshops that combine Native American hoop dance, cultural education, storytelling, movement, and wellness. Designed for participants of all ages and experience levels, each workshop provides a welcoming space to learn, move, connect, and gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture through the art of hoop dance.
Programs can be customized for schools, Indigenous communities, universities, museums, conferences, wellness retreats, youth organizations, and corporate groups.
An introduction to basic hoop dance movements, coordination, and cultural teachings. Participants learn the history, origins, and cultural significance of the Native American Hoop Dance while exploring basic hoop techniques and movement patterns.
Topics may include: History of hoop dance, Circle of life teachings, Indigenous storytelling through movement, Basic hoop manipulations and Audience participation.
Perfect for: Schools, Museums, Conferences, Cultural Festivals and Community Events.
Drawing from her personal journey as a Native American hoop dance champion, global performer, and cultural ambassador, Shandien shares stories and insights on identity, resilience, Indigenous representation, family legacy, cultural preservation, and the power of following one's purpose.
Popular topics: The Circle of Life, Indigenous Identity in Contemporary Spaces, Lessons from Cirque du Soleil, Resilience Through Art and Culture and Community, Connection, and Belonging.
Perfect for: Conferences, Schools, Universities, Community organizations and Corporate events.
Designed to inspire confidence, resilience, and self-expression, this workshop uses hoop dance and movement as tools for personal growth and empowerment. Participants are encouraged to explore creativity, leadership, teamwork, and cultural pride through interactive activities.
Focus areas: Confidence building, Goal setting, Teamwork, Self-expression and Cultural identity.
Perfect for: Youth programs, Tribal communities, Schools and Summer camps.
A movement-based wellness experience inspired by the teachings of the circle. Participants engage in gentle movement, mobility exercises, coordination drills, and hoop-based activities designed to improve balance, body awareness, confidence, and overall well-being.
No dance experience required.
Focus areas: Mobility and flexibility, Functional movement, Coordination, Mind-body connection and Cultural teachings through movement.
Perfect for: Wellness retreats, Indigenous communities, Adult groups and Community centers.
A fun, high-energy workout inspired by Native American hoop dance. This class blends cardio, rhythm, and movement while introducing participants to hoop dance techniques in an accessible and engaging format.
Suitable for advanced fitness levels.
Focus areas: Cardiovascular fitness, Strength and endurance, Rhythm and coordination, Group participation and Positive movement experience.
Perfect for: Fitness programs, Conferences, Wellness events and Community organizations.
Why Work With Shandien?
Having toured internationally for nearly a decade with Cirque du Soleil and performed thousands of shows around the world, Shandien Sonwai-LaRance brings a rare fusion of artistry, cultural depth, and global professionalism. She carries the teachings of her ancestors with respect while adapting each experience to suit schools, communities, organizations, and international stages. Every performance or workshop Shandien offers is thoughtfully designed, culturally grounded, and fully customizable. Her goal is to ensure every audience—youth, adults, and elders—leaves with a deeper understanding of Native culture and the power of the circle of life.
