Exploring Native American Culture Through Hoop Dance at The High Altitude Hoop Retreat.
World Champion Hoop Dancer, Josiah Enriquez, mid performance on the High Altitude p
2023 guests pose with Shandien LaRance after her incredible performance.
HAHR 2022 Instructors pose with Josiah post presentation
New Mexico is a land rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Native Americans - specifically traditional hoop dance. We couldn’t have picked better place for our event, after all, New Mexico is known as the ‘Birthplace of Native American Hoop Dance.
One of the highlights of the retreat is a special presentation by the Lightning Boy Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting Native American culture. Through their partnership with the retreat, guests are treated to a mesmerizing performance by a world champion hoop dancer, accompanied by live music that resonates with the rhythms of the land. This immersive experience not only entertains but also educates, offering insights into the history, symbolism, and significance of hoop dance in Native American culture. Additionally, HAHR is proud to partner with this amazing non-profit for the recipient of 50% of all raffle proceeds for the third time in 2024.
Moreover, the retreat fosters meaningful connections through cultural exchange, exemplified by the presence of Josiah Enriquez, a talented hoop dancer from the Pueblo of Pojoaque, Isleta, and Navajo communities. Josiah, who recently won 1st place in the 34th annual World Hoop Dance Contest, shares his cultural heritage and hoop dancing skills with guests, while also embracing and appreciating how the hoop has helped so many of us express ourselves through hoop dance in a modern, non-native capacity. He even spun his first LED hoop at HAHR 2022 and stayed to skill share with our guests after his performances in 2022 and 2023.
Josiah is not the only award winning hoop dancer to visit High Altitude Hoop Retreat. We have been lucky enough to connect with other incredible hoop dancers, including Shandien LaRance, who performed for our HAHR guests in 2023. These interactions create a dynamic exchange of knowledge and appreciation, deepening guests' understanding of hoop dance and forging lasting memories, new bonds of friendship and a deeper understanding of the history of hoop dance.
2023 High Altitude guests and instructors with Josiah after our event.
HAHR Retreat Organizers pose with Shandien LaRance and Edward of The Lightning Boy Foundation after another incredible performance!
Through partnerships with organizations like the Lightning Boy Foundation and the presence of cultural ambassadors like Josiah and Shandien, the High Altitude Hoop Retreat not only offers a unique experience for hoop enthusiasts but also serves as a platform for celebrating and honoring the rich Native American heritage of New Mexico.
HAHR guests leave our retreat with a deep appreciation for the profound beauty and resilience of Native American culture.