002. Hoop Dance Diary
Date: January 18th-19th, 2025
Event: National Western Stock Show
Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show 🦬
#️⃣ of Performances: 3
✍🏽 It’s always such a pleasure returning to the Western National Stock Show in Denver! This marks my third year performing for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, and every visit feels a little like coming home. The sense of community among the cowboys, cowgirls, agriculture lovers, western enthusiasts, and everyone who helps put this incredible event together is unmatched.
As I perform, I can’t help but reflect on the legacy of Indigenous performers in shows like this, a history that ties back to the early days of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, where Indigenous people played key roles in shaping the entertainment landscape.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Notable Indigenous figures such as Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotanka) of the Hunkpapa Lakota Tribe, Iron Tail (Sinte Maza) A prominent Oglala Lakota chief, Red Shirt another Oglala Lakota leader, Members of Chief Joseph’s Nez Perce tribe and others participated in Buffalo Bill’s shows.
These performers not only entertained audiences around the world but also carried with them their cultural identities, offering glimpses into Indigenous traditions during a time when their communities were undergoing significant challenges and change. Despite the challenges, these performers paved the way for Indigenous representation in entertainment, blending tradition with performance art—a legacy I’m honored to continue.
This year, I performed three hoop dance sets for the Wild West Show, including a preview performance, bringing my total hoop dances for 2025 so far to four! Beyond the stage, I soaked up the Western vibes, spending time at the rodeo with my dad, sister, and hoop dance partner, Mitchell.
Even though it was cold and snowing (the most snow I’ve seen all year), it felt like a blessing from nature, wrapping this experience in beauty and renewal. Every year, I grow closer to the cast, crew, and community here, and I leave feeling inspired and grateful for the connections we’ve built.
Here’s to carrying these Western vibes, friendships, and memories into the rest of 2025!
#nativeamerican #performance #western #hoopdance #indigenous
🌟 What are your thoughts on the history of Indigenous culture in Wild West shows? Let me know in the comments!
The National Western Stock Show has a long-standing tradition of showcasing a blend of cultures, particularly the invaluable contributions made by Indigenous performers. Over the years, events like Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show brought Indigenous culture to the forefront of American entertainment, allowing performers to depict and celebrate their heritage. Figures like Sitting Bull and others were crucial in bridging the gap between Indigenous traditions and mainstream performance art. Today, events still honor these legacies, promoting cultural education and appreciation among audiences. As hoop dancing intertwines with storytelling, it provides a unique window into Indigenous identities, heritage, and narratives, enriching the overall experience for spectators and performers alike. Incorporating traditional elements into contemporary performance not only preserves these unique art forms but also fosters a deeper understanding of their significance. As we celebrate the artistry and challenges faced by these performers, it’s essential to recognize their impact not only on entertainment but also on cultural representation and community building. This legacy continues to thrive, and as we gather at events like the National Western Stock Show, we embrace not just the performances but the stories and traditions they represent. Each performance is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride, inviting us all to reflect on our shared history and diverse landscapes.