Introduction🍋
Hello @Lemon8 US
💕 I am Shandien Sonwai LaRance. Shandien is my given name translating to “sunshine” 🌞 in Diné and Sonwai is my Hopi name given to me by my paternal Grandmother meaning the “morning sun”.
My tribal affiliation are Hopi, Tewa, Navajo and Assiniboine which I am very proud to be 🦅and I currently reside in New Mexico.
I am a full time Native American hoop dancer, performing artist and instructor which I am so grateful for and can thoroughly say that I love my job! 😊🙏🏼
I learned to hoop dance at 8 yr.s old from my older brother Nakotah LaRance. Besides being a talented and amazing brother, he was also a 9 time World Champion Hoop Dancer and Instructor. Sadly we lost him in 2020. I continue to dance in honor of my brother’s memory and legacy.
I have been dancing for over 20 years, 9 of those years were spent dancing with Cirque Du Soleil. Another notable performance was the honor to perform at the White House for the Inaugural Native American Heritage Month Celebration.
My continued purpose is to uplift my family, culture, and community through the Native American hoop dance and art, and culture in hopes of making the world a better place. ❤️🪶
P.s I love my furbabies, Frankie and Ofi 💕
Shandien Sonwai LaRance, a proud member of the Hopi, Tewa, Navajo, and Assiniboine tribes, has spent over two decades sharing her passion for Native American hoop dance. This art form, rich in cultural significance, exemplifies storytelling through intricate movements and colorful hoops. LaRance honors her late brother, Nakotah, who was a nine-time World Champion Hoop Dancer, by continuing to perform and teach. Her mission is to uplift her community and inspire others through dance. Not only has she performed on prestigious stages, including Cirque Du Soleil, but she also took part in the Inaugural Native American Heritage Month Celebration at the White House. Shandien’s dedication to her craft and her culture sets an example for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of heritage and artistic expression. As a full-time performer and instructor based in New Mexico, Shandien fosters a sense of connection among her audience and students, reminding us all of the power of art in bridging cultures. Whether you are a fan of dance or simply curious about indigenous cultures, Shandien's remarkable journey is sure to inspire and resonate.
❤️