Native American Hoop Dance & Indigenous Performing Arts

Southwest · National · International

ShanDien Sonwai LaRance is a world-recognized Native American hoop dancer, cultural representative, and performing artist delivering professional Indigenous performances, cultural programming, and educational experiences for communities and institutions worldwide.

Shandien dressed in a black top and Native American ribbon skirt with colorful stripes and crosses, holding a large sphere made of hoops, standing outdoors on a stone path against a rustic wooden fence. Location Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Selected Career Highlights & Recognition

  • Dance/USA Artist Fellow (2023)

  • Featured Performer — White House Native American Heritage Month Celebration (2021)

  • Lead Character/Performer — Cirque du Soleil, TOTEM (2010–2019)
    Performed over 5,000 shows internationally as a principal cast member

  • Intermountain Women’s Hoop Dance Champion (2019)

  • Market Days Native Adult Women’s Hoop Dance Champion (2023)

  • Cultural Representative — World Expo, Osaka, Japan (2025)

  • Host & Featured Artist — Lonely Planet: Best of Travel, New Mexico (2023)

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What Sonwai Provides

• Indigenous Hoop Dance Performances

• Cultural Presentations & Storytelling

• Workshops & Educational Programs

• Community & Youth Engagement

• Corporate, Government & Global Events

Based in New Mexico and the American Southwest · Available Worldwide

Serving Indigenous & Global Communities

Sonwai’s work prioritizes Indigenous communities while fostering cultural exchange with global audiences. Programs are grounded in respect, representation, and responsibility to Indigenous knowledge systems.

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View fullsize ✨There’s a powerful kind of peace that comes from feeling beautiful in your own skin — standing in your truth, your culture, and your identity ❤️💛🖤🤍✨ Had a beautiful shoot with Diné photographer Nate Lamuel @darklistedphotogra
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View fullsize ✨Our Japan Labubu Crew🇯🇵 #labubu #crew #japan #kyoto #kiyomizudera
View fullsize A beautiful Cirque reunion with Giselle, Umi, and my new friends Mami and Jason 🌟 Being with them felt like a moment frozen in time—just like the old days on tour. Umi, and I worked together for eight years, and reconnecting reminded me how m
View fullsize Enjoying these last couple weeks at 🇺🇸U.S.A Pavilion here at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka Japan🇯🇵 — what an honor it is to represent my culture, my country, and my people on this global stage. ⁣ Even with all the challenges happening back h
View fullsize ✨Santa Fe was on fire this weekend for the inaugural @nativefashionweeksantafe — and what an unforgettable moment it was! I had the immense honor of opening the @nativefashionweeksantafe runway show for the visionary @amberdawngold a true tra
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View fullsize April Post: Part 1🌷 Since stepping into a new chapter—one rooted in self, purpose, and creativity—i’ve felt the unfolding of something sacred. When you leave behind a role no longer meant for you, there’s always that quiet s
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What People Are Saying

“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….Ms. LaRance is an exceptional artist/ performer who has had a lifetime steeped in Native traditional core values that she imparts daily.”

-Jhane Myers

"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

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