MAINSTAGE 2025-2026
Cultural Hoop Dancing
ALEX WELLS
Photo: CREDIT
Cultural Hoop Dancing
Alex will share Eagle Dance, Native Flute, Hoop Dance with Histories, Ceremonial purposes. He will offer a Hoop Dance Workshop followed by Audience demo/participation
Native Thunder Productions, Alex Wells
Native Thunder Productions
Alex Wells is from the Lil’wat Nation, Mount Currie, BC, Canada.
First Nations Dance and Cultural traditions such as hoop dancing, has been his family’s way of life for Alex and his brothers, who were brought up through many years of cultural ceremonies and gatherings.
While traveling across North America since childhood, competing in First Nation's dance competitions, hoop dancing has led Alex into making his passion and talent, a professional business, and a way of life.
Alex has also taken part in many world indigenous cultural events throughout the last few decades, giving him the natural ability to teach the cultural dances, step by step, to his daughter, Amber (seen in last video fancy dancing) and family members, as to pass this traditional along to the next generation.
Alex would love to share with you and your guest this wonderful First Nations tradition of hoop dancing to your next event!
Performance History & Upcoming Performances
Alex Wells, has traveled across North America a three-time world champion hoop dancer who hails from the Lil’wat Nation north of Whistler. His energetic dance used up to 22 hoops and was a magical visual display laden with symbolism and meaning, telling a story of the creation of life. Hoop dancing takes discipline and patience to master, as it is one of the most difficult and advanced dance styles. His travels began in childhood. While competing in First Nation's dance competitions, hoop dancing has led Alex into making his passion and talent, a professional business, and a way of life.
Project Created by: Alex through Lil'wat Nation, Mount Currie
Key Artistic Collaborators: Alex Wells
Performance type: THIS WORK IS BUILT FOR OUT-OF-DOORS OR ALTERNATE VENUES/SPACES
How do you define this work: Cultural presentation
Alex Wells, a three-time world champion hoop dancer who hails from the Lil’wat Nation north of Whistler. His energetic dance uses up to 22 hoops and is a magical visual display laden with symbolism and meaning, telling a story of the creation of life. Hoop dancing takes discipline and patience to master, as it is one of the most difficult and advanced dance styles.
First Nations Dance and Cultural traditions such as hoop dancing, has been his family’s way of life for Alex and his brothers, who were brought up through many years of cultural ceremonies and gatherings.
While traveling across North America since childhood, competing in First Nation's dance competitions, hoop dancing has led Alex into making his passion and talent, a professional business, and a way of life.
Alex has also taken part in many world indigenous cultural events throughout the last few decades, giving him the natural ability to teach the cultural dances, step by step, to his daughter, Amber (seen in last video fancy dancing) and family members, as to pass this traditional along to the next generation.
Length of performance: 60 minutes
Audience type: Children/Family
General Technical Requirements: Sound System, Change Room
Required amount of time for tech set up: 45 min to 1 hour to prepare and dress in regalia
Alternative Venues: This work can be presented in an Auditorium, Stage, Out of Doors, Black Box Theatre, or Cultural Facilities.
Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 1
Number of Support Staff on Tour: 1
Availabilities: 2025/26 Season, 2026/27 Season
Project Details
Community Engagement
Included.
Outreach Activities
Hoop Dance Workshop followed by Audience demo/participation. Curator, Adam Manson, will facilitate conversation with the audience after the presentation.