Native American Hoop Dance comes to USU
A vibrant show of cultural appreciation comes as Utah State University’s Native American Student Council, NASC, has begun to host hoop dance classes.
NASC is an organization that represents and creates a community on campus for Native American students, though they welcome non-Native students as well.
According to the USU Inclusion Center’s website, NASC “provides Native American and non-Native American students with elements of peer support, leadership development, and various cultural experiences enhancing appreciation of the Native peoples’ of North America.”
The classes are taught by NASC secretary Kris Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer is a member of the Navajo Nation and grew up surrounded by Navajo culture.
“I grew up only speaking Navajo. I didn’t learn English until I was about six,” Pfeiffer said. “Even though I’m half German, I see myself as Navajo, and I’ve always been proud of that to share it. And so the more I know, the stronger connection to my culture, I feel and I just want to share that connection.”
Pfeiffer first learned hoop dance from his mother’s cousin, J. Michael Crank, a National Hoop Dance champion.
“I learned this at 11 from J. Michael, who was probably 50 at the time, and that just took off from there. I just picked it up,” Pfieffer said.
Native American Hoop Dance features a solo dancer dancing with a dozen or more hoops and using them to form a variety of both static and dynamic shapes.
“It’s kind of a reverence dance. It showcases all the different animals, deities or spirits and shows thanks for the past year,” Pfeiffer said.
Pfieffer is accustomed to teaching younger students through government-funded programs aimed at mentoring Native American youth, but he eagerly embraced the opportunity to bring hoop dance to the university.
“We’re always down to share,” Pfieffer said. “We welcome Caucasian, Black, Asian and anybody to come”
Teaching hoop dance in a university setting has helped foster appreciation across different cultures. The class welcomed participants of all ages and backgrounds, spanning from 10 years old to over 30.
The classes consisted of learning how to use the hoops, different steps that can be incorporated and making the hoops themselves.
“We’re all here together, sharing a workshop and having fun,” Pfieffer said.
In addition to planning more hoop dance classes in the future, NASC is preparing to put on the Echoing Traditional Ways 47th Annual USU Powwow. It will be an opportunity to celebrate traditions, achievements and community through dance.
The last powwow put on at USU was in 2019, and Pfieffer is excited to bring it back.
“Powwow is coming April 6. Come to it,” Pfieffer said. “We want to share this culture that we haven’t for four or five years.”
The event will take place on April 6, at the USU Nelson Fieldhouse with entry at noon and 6 p.m. More information can be found at usu.edu/nacc/powwow. Information on the next hoop dance class will posted @nasc.usu on Instagram.