Native American Hoop Dancer to Celebrate Cultural Diversity With Performance at UCM

Eric Michael Hernandez, a Native American hoop dancer, will perform on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the University of Central Missouri (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 University of Central Missouri (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’s “Totem.” 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 TEDx 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.