Media, Press & Community Voices

This page brings together selected media features, performance documentation, and community reflections that highlight Sonwai’s work as a Native American hoop dancer and cultural representative. These materials provide context for presenters, educators, and community partners seeking a deeper understanding of the impact and scope of this work.

Additional press materials, images, and video reels are available upon request.

  • A woman smiling outdoors, wearing a large black hat, earrings, a scarf, a watch, a ring, and a black long-sleeve top, leaning on a stone structure with a natural background.

    "Sonwai is an incredible performer who inspires all of us to learn more about the history and meaning of Native American hoop dancing. She opens a powerful doorway into the history, spirit, and beauty of Native American culture. Our clients are consistently blown away by her talent, grace, and storytelling. Time and again, they leave feeling truly grateful to have experienced something so authentic, powerful, and unforgettable."

    Carly Camarena, Director of Conference Service, Bishop’s Lodge Resort

  • A woman with long dark hair and light skin, wearing a bright blue textured blazer with decorative buttons and jewelry, standing in front of a beige background.

    “I had the pleasure of attending the White House Inaugural Native American Heritage Month Celebration hosted by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden where Ms. LaRance was the only performer for the historic evening. And as I travel in major airports I see her dancing on the jumbotrons with great pride and dignity to world travelers as a featured artist for the current New Mexico True State advertising campaign. Ms. LaRance is an exceptional artist/ performer who has had a lifetime steeped in Native traditional core values that she imparts daily. She represents the same core values that First Peoples Fund was founded upon as an important pillar to Native people and performing arts.”

    Jhane Myers, Comanche/Blackfeet
    Committee Chair
    Native American Advised Fund,
    Santa Fe Community Foundation

  • A smiling woman with long black hair wearing a black top and bright turquoise jewelry, standing outdoors with green trees in the background.

    “Sonwai comes from a very artistic family who are very respected in their tribal community and in the Native Art community. Because of this grounding upbringing and knowing the importance of her culture and traditions she is very aware of the work she does and the impact that it has on her family, community, her students and the greater community nationally and internationally. She is a role model and inspiration to all the young people she works with and is an advocate and ambassador of her chosen artistry as a performing artist.”

    MaritaHinds, Tesuque Pueblo Director of Education, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

  • "ShanDien Sonwai LaRance mesmerized us with a stunning Native American hoop dance, blending artistry, tradition, and storytelling. Her graceful yet powerful movements embodied resilience and courage, perfectly setting the tone for our retreat. The performance left a lasting impact, and highly recommend to anyone seeking to experience the deep cultural heritage of Indigenous communities.”

    Willa Seldon,

    The LeaderIn

Sonwai’s work has reached Indigenous communities, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and international audiences, supporting cultural continuity, artistic excellence, and respectful representation of Native American performing arts.

For press materials, testimonials, or booking inquiries, please contact directly.

Inquire / Book Sonwai