Photos are of 12 year old Benjamin Bedwash, during his Hoop Dance performance at Pic Mobert First Nation’s 24^th Annual Powwow, Sunday, August 2^nd, 2009.  A shawl was laid on the ground where Bedwash performed for people who enjoyed the performance to contribute moneys. MC, Jimmy Misquash explained that Bedwash would, after his performance, give a portion of moneys earned to the drum group which accompanied him. The young dancer was very proud to tell me he had earned in excess of $150 for his performance; in my opinion, a very modest sum considering not only the distance he had traveled to perform, but more importantly the time and effort involved in practicing for such a performance, etc. (I made a modest contribution myself) 

Jimmy Misquash cued the drummers “Heron Bay, whenever you’re ready”, as Bedwash organized his hoops.  Just a few feet away his aunt smoothed his shawl out across the grass, moments before she had been rushing around preparing her camera in anticipation of her nephew’s performance her face radiantly beaming with pride as she answered spectator questions about him. The drums began, and so did the dancer. The hoops were gracefully woven onto his arms or legs as he danced, never missing a drum beat. Next to me, my daughter paused the game she was playing with a friend as both of them became enthralled by the display of skill, tradition and art. Bedwash continued his dance for at least 10 minutes, the drummers adding to their song as he added to his routine. At one point he had what seemed to be the earth on his shoulders, having made a sphere with the hoops; then I saw him as an eagle, hoops linked and extending his arms as if they were wings, he continued these metamorphoses his transitions between them nearly unnoticeable until the drummers ended their song and those in attendance applauded and cheered seemingly requesting an encore.

I spoke to the delightful young man afterwards, his bright smile a very clear indication of how much he enjoys performing. Bedwash told me that it was just his third time performing publicly as he had begun Hoop Dancing less than a year prior.  I asked him if it was getting any easier with subsequent performances, he answered “No, every time I dance the drummers make the song a bit longer and I keep trying to add new moves” he chuckled a little, as I complemented the performance, wonderfully humble in regards to his talent.  If you attended the Powwow and saw young Bedwash’s performance, leave your comments below.

MC Jimmy Misquash had introduced the performance with an explanation of how the tradition of Hoop dancing dated back to early medicine men. He spoke of a medicine man being advised by his father that when someone came with an ailment or injury for which he did not have appropriate herbs, he would use the hoop.  Below are Hoop Dance references I found on the world wide web I make no claims to their accuracy and invite you to share any knowledge you possess regarding the origins of Hoop dancing as a comment below.

Native American Hoop dance focuses on very rapid moves, and the construction of hoop formations around and about the body. The hoops used are typically of very small diameter (1-2.5 feet). In elaborate sequences of moves, the hoops are made to interlock, and in such a way they can be extended from the body of the dancer to form appendages such as wings and tails.The hoops are often handmade by the dancers out of simple plastic piping
(though some are made of wood) and wrapped in colorful tapes, similar to the
construction techniques used by modern hoop dancers,

A great throw (and catch) winds up Bedwash's performance dance quite dramatically.