By Nicole Cooke,
October 23, 2024
Eric Michael Hernandez, a Native American hoop dancer, will perform on Wednesday,
Nov. 13 at the 欧美视频 (UCM).
Speaker, Native American hoop dancer and cultural ambassador Eric Michael Hernandez
will offer a performance at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 in the Elliott Student Union
Ballroom at the 欧美视频 (UCM).
Hernandez is affiliated with the Lumbee Tribe and has more than 20 years of experience
in the art of Native American hoop dance. He began hoop dancing as a child and has
since competed in several Heard Museum World Hoop Dance Competitions. He captivated
audiences in nearly 20 countries while performing as the lead character in Cirque
du Soleil鈥檚 鈥淭otem.鈥 After eight years of touring, Hernandez continues to share, educate,
inspire, heal and entertain through the mesmerizing hoop dance.
In addition to his dance career, Hernandez has presented on the stage and is an ambassador for Native American culture. He uses his social media
platforms to share traditions, challenge stereotypes, spread the artistry of hoop
dance and celebrate diversity with his hundreds of thousands of followers. Hernandez
is embracing his cultural identity while blending it with modern aspects as he aims
to inspire the next generation of Native American creators.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by Student Experience
and Engagement and The Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity. It is part of
the annual Trading Moon Native American Arts Festival, which is made possible through
a grant from the Missouri Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts. The Festival
also includes the annual Trading Moon PowWow on Saturday, Nov. 9 in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
For more information, contact Student Experience and Engagement at experience@ucmo.edu.