Native American Hoop Dance Champion • Cultural Ambassador • Global Performer
Santa Fe, New Mexico · National & International
Sharing Indigenous culture through performance, storytelling, education, and cultural exchange.
From community gatherings to international stages, Shandien creates meaningful experiences that celebrate culture, connection, and the power of the human spirit.
Featured By & Represented Through
Cirque du Soleil • White House Native American Heritage Celebration • World Expo Osaka, Japan • Dance/USA • Netflix Spirit Rangers • New Mexico True
A Life Dedicated to Culture, Movement & Connection
For more than 25 years, Shandien Sonwai-LaRance has shared the Native American Hoop Dance with audiences around the world. Raised in a family of artists and cultural practitioners, she began dancing at a young age and went on to perform internationally as a featured artist with Cirque du Soleil.
Today, Shandien continues her work as a performer, cultural ambassador, educator, and speaker—using movement and storytelling to build bridges between communities while honoring the traditions that have guided her journey.
What Shandien Offers
Performances
Award-winning Native American hoop dance performances that blend artistry, storytelling, and cultural tradition for audiences of all ages.
Workshops & Education
Interactive programs that combine hoop dance, Indigenous teachings, wellness, leadership, and cultural education.
Cultural Ambassador & Speaking
Presentations, cultural exchange programs, and speaking engagements focused on Indigenous representation, cultural understanding, and community connection.
Building Bridges Through Art & Culture
As a cultural ambassador, Shandien believes that every culture carries wisdom worth sharing. Through international travel, artistic collaborations, and cultural exchange, she strives to create opportunities for understanding, respect, and meaningful connection between people from diverse backgrounds.
Her work reflects a commitment to honoring Indigenous traditions while celebrating the beauty and diversity of cultures around the world.
Every performance lives on through the people who witnessed it.
If this dance touched your heart, let us know.
Share your thoughts, your experience, or any photos you captured—we cherish every perspective and moment shared.
Submit a comment to be featured on our Testimonials Page, or contact us to bring this experience to your next event.