Living a circular life | Dallas Arcand | TEDxYYC

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Three time world hoop dancing champion, Dallas Arcand explains how dancing in circles has taught him to find a healthy balance in life. His journey of self discovery inspired his belief in the ability of circles to restore harmony. Dallas also shares his culture and performs a special hoop dance to illustrate the athletic and creative art form that saved his life.
Dallas Arcand is a high energy Aboriginal Entertainer from the Alexander (Kipohtakaw) Cree Nation near Edmonton, and world champion hoop dancer. Arcand is also a renowned musician and motivational speaker, facilitating workshops for aboriginal people of all ages, speaking on topics ranging from self-awareness to personal motivation. His Aboriginal name is ‘Dancing Buffalo Man’ (Nimihto Paskwa Mostôs Napew), and for many years Arcand had no idea that dancing would become a major influence in his life. A graduate of Mount Royal College with a General Studies Diploma majoring in Behavioural Sciences, he now delights in sharing his culture through this athletic and creative art form.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@kevnar]

If you felt excited by the drum music at the end, a strange fluttering in your chest, that's your spirit waking up and paying attention. Maybe you even got choked up and cried a bit. That's your spirit responding to a very powerful song. You probably needed healing. Your spirit is telling you, here's another road, a better road. It feels good because it is good. It's medicine.

[@1light4love]

MAY WE ALL AWAKEN AND UNSEW OUR GREEDY EYES, UNTANGLE OUR DID-EASED MINDS, UNCLASP OUR ANGRY HEARTS, AND ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SPIRITS... AS THE ONE SPIRIT WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN. MAY WE AWAKEN TO THE TRUTH OF THIS SACRED CIRCLE OF LIFE ALL AROUND AND THRU OUR ONE SOUL, ONE BREATH, ONE HEART.... HERE, NOW.. AND IN ALL WAYS. 🙏 💞 ✨ Let it be so.

[@Tina-wi5ng]

Thank you for the Awakening so spiritual

[@valkylva]

The drum has always been my favorite instrument for this reason. I can feel it deep inside my chest. It helps you to ground yourself and open the eyes inside of your soul.

[@eleanormckelvaine6939]

Thank you for that, I have always, at least as long as I remember, been moved to tears and joy by the drums and voices of Native Americans singing and dancing, I want to dance myself. As a child in the 60’s I didn’t have a clue how to dance, but my joy would come out in all types of hopping and jumping to the beat! ❤️😁

[@johnjones9017]

So very true. It is amazing how much power and magic one does have. My mother was a medicine lady through the Cherokee Nation Secret Garden like most people grow vegetable gardens and made some very strong medicine. I seen times when she would pray to her great spirit for power, strength and wisdom she could put her hands on sick folks and the sickness would go away. I myself I was born with a brain tumor the doctor said I would never live to see five year old I couldn't walk couldn't talk can do nothing for myself at the age of 3 doctor said that they can operate but they would not get 100% if the tumor. That would leave me a vegetable for the remaining time did I have left on Earth. My mother didn't go for that her my father got me up in this little Country Church at the age of 3 years old has she started praying he pray very very hard she put her hands upon my head and ask God to remove this. She said God bless The Almighty, he was the great spirit. Well folks God removed the tumor what was diagnosed for times malignant through the Duke University Children's Hospital head now disappeared. I'm at the ripe old age past 50 shall I say and I thank God for every day. I guess and I pray this little spirit inside me says tell your testimony. Yes as a 3/4 blood Cherokee I myself have very powerful Magic and it comes straight from the heavens. I know there's a lot of non-believers Maybe no one can change your mind but I'm here to say God change mine God bless love to all

[@guy136]

Okii, I’m from the Blackfeet nation, I’m Amskapiipikunii. I feel really happy how much people respect us!✌️

[@miyoungmoon46]

Ksimatsimohksin!

[@kylearagon8223]

Pueblo Acoma and Navajo here 🤗

[@juliakuczera2]

We love and respect you worldwide from Poland too:)

[@jamesatauro8652]

We don't just respect you we admire you and are in awe of your talent and culture.

[@MyPoetik]

We have to respect all people :)

[@scottgarner7290]

So glad someone valued him enough to have him here to share this !

[@BarbaraLeeBarb]

I am home.

[@taffyandsnickers6460]

i kileeeeeed myy ooo

[@CmdrPewpeez]

idk why but this made me cry....cry tears of joy, pride, and to realize we indigenous people are very much here and we are so very beautiful.

[@rayzhang4964]

Hi, I noticed that your comment was 6 months ago. But I still want to share my opions about your culture. I am a year one student of Social Service Worker and I am studying indiginous culture right now. I just know medicine wheel today and I am amazed. You definitly should be pround of your culture. love from a Chinese girl.

[@CmdrPewpeez]

@@rayzhang4964 Sure. I can give you any insight on my people's. To be specific I am what most call us, Sioux. I come from the Lakota- Dakota bands, Hunkpapa - Mdewakantanwan and Wahpekute to be specific.

[@rayzhang4964]

@@CmdrPewpeez wow, that will be nice if you can share more about your culture, Or if you have any videos and documentries you'd like to share with me, please let me know. Thanks

[@CmdrPewpeez]

@@rayzhang4964 sure. i am open to sharing my culture who is willing to learn about it.

[@rayzhang4964]

@@CmdrPewpeez I 'm learning the history and I finished the chapter when the European's coming right now. But what I want to know is what kind of crisis of indiginous people are facing culturally nowadays and how the people try to save the culture. If there are some websites and documenties you feel they are holding and developing the intellectual heritage, please let me know.

[@ericdepriest3692]

This is one of the best Ted talks I've ever seen. I love the blending of dance with the spiritual lesson. Entertaining and profound!

[@taffyandsnickers6460]

ok

[@branofattrebates2847]

Best Ted talk. Much respect to native American culture the world needs this now more than ever thankyou for sharing.

[@DavidHernandez-gx1jn]

they strayed away, just to hopefully come back, like in a circle :D

[@gagepratt5435]

@@DavidHernandez-gx1jn no we haven't strayed away we were colonized and survivors of genocide yet our people culture lives on..

[@DavidHernandez-gx1jn]

@@gagepratt5435 Not as strong as we hope, but there is a fighting spirit. I misspoken, and I apologize for that.

[@lisasternenkind6467]

You need to connect with your own ancestors and your ancestors' tradition. We may learn from traditions of other nations, but we can only truly connect with our own to be able to thrive.

[@lisasternenkind6467]

@@gagepratt5435 I find it interesting that also the old wisdom of Germanic tribes has similar believes, such as time being circular and not linear. How wonderful that your people were able to keep their culture alive. Germanic tribes were defeated by Christians in such a manner, that most of our culture was adapted to Christianity, so we don't have our songs and music anymore and most of our daily communication with our Gods is lost. We can only learn from the graves and other findings.

[@lampyrisnoctiluca9904]

When he danced, the circles and his movements were looking like those of many different animals. He finished with a human. He must have spent thousands of hours practicing the dance for the movements to seem natural. I think his deep spirituality was the thing that kept him motivated for dancing so much.

[@carolmoore1038]

It must have taken much discipline and many hours to learn to do this and so elegantly.

[@sueo.6731]

No kidding! I got kicked out of Jazzercise, for God's sake. You bet I'm impressed.

[@angelinaAGES]

@Bodywork•Therapy Collective 🧡 its the way humans and nature reconnect in perfect harmony

[@linda6987]

I can hardly pick up my keys from the floor!

[@philomene187]

For some people, it comes pretty natural. A gift from the creator some would say. :)

[@remopiccioni9456]

That was beautiful. This is one of the best Ted Talks.

[@jandunn169]

I am totally blown away by how he can dance, keep track of all those hoops, fly like an eagle, and and keep from getting dizzy. I am so glad your life changed in such an amazing way. I usually see many dancers dancing at once and this was wonderful to be able to see his dance in its entirety. Yes there is a much better road ahead as people wake up and heal. Thank you....

[@erikatommie1166]

Beautiful 🌹 I watch you every time on fb live!

[@kisakawrogers3144]

he came to my school when i was about 4 years old. I remember every word he said. I love him

[@staminup1553]

Kisakaw Rogers I love him to he’s my uncle

[@vrxswifty4722]

Kisakaw Rogers me too

[@alessiailas4929]

Can you write the things you remember?

[@vickyhyde8173]

I have never seen anything like this before wow its really awesome

[@vickyhyde8173]

What he is saying is true definitely true

[@JohnCran]

I love that he gave an acknowledgement of country which is something which is not done often enough here in Australia. Much respect always.

[@donaldoliver1403]

hopefully we will see more on the telly it's about there time to see an tell there story

[@haleyguthrie3113]

Majority of our teachings in North America do not believe necessarily in a country, we belong to it, we care for it, then it takes care of us. We feed our lands in our burials. So he is showing respect to the Blackfoot tribal ancestors. A cirle..a hoop

[@wilmachappell727]

Thank you Dallas Arcand. You are an inspiration to our people. Your teaching is very spiritual about the circle of life. Your teaching of the history of our people should be taught in school. Our youth would benefit from the teachings as well, become law abiding and educated future leaders.

[@nathankennedy4263]

If I was in attendance watching I would have stood up and took my hat off and started dancing once I heard the whistle carrier blow his whistle haha but in all honesty this man’s words, dancing and teachings are very true and something we should all strive for not just as indigenous people but all people.

[@limmingming4022]

i agree with you! i love the way they speaks !

[@etherealentity7675]

Indigenous balance still alive. =]

[@meltphace5]

So much respect for the indigenous people and the ancient tribes, you have so much dignity, love and grace even after all the abuse. I respect you and honor you. May your teachings and culture live forever and ever and may the indigenous people find peace and prosperity in this planet.

[@fabricesioul3397]

So meaningful, patterns of sacred geometry and very deep wisdom. It is more than urgent that respectful ways of living flourish all over the planet 🌍❤️

[@KristaSchwabl]

YES! I too loved the sacred geometry in the dance!

[@meteor2012able]

FANTASTIC! MUCH MORE THAN I EXPECTED. I learned a lot. Now I think different out things...especially circles and spirals....

[@DaisiMaiOui]

very good timing today very powerful energy thank you

[@OK-go8ts]

Thank You Brother for sharing that Traditional Knowledge and Wisdom.

[@godschildyes]

WOW! Unbelievable! I've never seen a hoop dancer of this skill level before! I am done! 😮

[@lindabell6293]

Thank you for giving us another chance for a closer look at ourselves.

[@ChelseaEasterling]

SO BEAUTIFUL. I WAS IN TEARS A FEW TIMES.. BEAUTIFUL SPEAKING

[@randomperson-ob4pu]

Great job Dallas from Your friend from Lubbock Texas 😊

[@ChitchatwithApril]

Excellent story teller. Thank you teacher helper dancer

[@carolinebarnes6832]

So so beautiful, and such skill, Wow!

[@ladybirdstarshine4692]

Yeeeee....!!!☺ What a wonderful way to share our teachings 😁

[@dianakonnor]

Thank You Dallas, One of my favorite TEDx and I love the powerful message and the dance at the end!!

[@mooseandbug2519]

The best Ted Talk I've ever seen the best KZbin video too!

[@linda6987]

Dallas, you just got a standing ovation from me! Absolutely beautiful visually and musically! Keep dancing - always! ♥️

[@rebeccaarce5570]

Beautiful! Philosophy in dance...

[@maryanndoerf]

Your words touch the center of my very own hoop heart. The hoop is all round a wonderful teacher ! I’ve been practicing for 5.5 years now and it has saved my life too. You are a powerful medicine dancer. Thank you so much for sharing your hoop ceremony and wisdom!

[@harambeegardens8705]

Wow. Why can't we return to this way of living? It's simply MAKES SENSE. Continue this path. Eventually, just as you said, the CIRCLE will bring us all back to the FIRST TIME. Its inevitable. Peace

[@SarahStephanieLandry]

This is beyond beautiful; thank you! I grew up in Southern Alberta, on Blackfoot land, and remember Hoop Dancers visiting my eleentary school and just blowing us all away. I'm a Hindu nun now, but the first "Indian spirituality" I fell in love with was First Nations...

[@limmingming4022]

i love your spirit!

[@sunnylittlejoshine]

AMAZING really felt that Powerful love from london 🙏🏼💜

[@MacaSkys]

That was insane! Incredible!! And so inspirational

[@martinforrester8249]

I have been lucky enough to experience this hoop dance whilst horse riding for 3 days and 2 nights through Monument Valley. The first night preparing to sleep under the stars, this first nation Navajo appeared in the darkness by my campfire and performed this circle dance. So magical for an Englishman from Shropshire to experience. Memories no one can erase.

[@ubself]

How wonderful

[@linda6987]

I’m so very jealous!

[@christophm860]

I feel so much pride watching my Native brother represent our people in such a beautiful and poignant way. I wish for all of us to watch and find in brother Dallas a physical representation of the way forward on our spiritual path. His example, coming from a beginning in prison at a young age to end up a strong, powerful, beautiful dancer teaching all of us the live a circular life is truly an honor to be a part of sharing his experience and rejoicing in witnessing what is truly a life come full circle. Bless you, brother! Dance on!

[@WendyBWilde]

Not a big fan of TED talks in general, but I definitely enjoyed this one!

[@MichelleMCTran]

Osiyo Brothers and sisters . It’s a sacred Gemometry. I agree we balanced our lives .

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Beautiful impressive amazing soul . Universal laws. What goes around comes around. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@skunk1978skate]

The creator meant for me to watch this today...As it is Friday the 13th (4/13/18) today. Actual tears flowing as he spoke of the meaning of this amazing alignment and I realized the date that I stumbled upon this talk. I don't know if Dallas will see this comment, but I thought it very important. Many blessings...

[@criminalxxxlove]

i also am watching this on 4/13/18

[@carolinethompson8261]

@byoshi234 actually it is a synchronicity

[@petras6017]

Before getting into depression step by step as a child at scool and home, i was longing and dreaming for such a teacher....he is like living water for all the souls who died or who're still dying of thurst, ... souls who tried to survive since choldhood.

[@FCntertainr]

I saw a native American do hoop dance at a Baha'i gathering in a gym. I don't know if this is the guy but he was amazing! Being from a somewhat athletic background I got up and tried it with done promise. He invited us to try, it was great!

[@priscillahowe2782]

Possibly Kevin Locke, who recently passed. He was Baha'i.

[@lindaregelean8015]

Most likely Kevin Locke, as Priscilla Howe replied. He passed Sept. 30, 2023. There are numerous KZbin videos and tributes about Kevin which may interest you!

[@CharliesWill]

Sheer joy! 🤗 That’s all I can muster after watching this!

[@frankmartinez9501]

Your powers and me wanting more knowledge of my ndn people. Comes to gether to night my step daughter try to take her life yesterday. This is the healing she needs. Thank you ComancheD.

[@limmingming4022]

so sorry to hear that! God heal your step daughther. ! STAY BLESS

[@candaceaustin4258]

Thank you for reminding me of my path on the Good Red Road. A'Ho

[@ginacampbell5127]

This is a fantastic speech - learning and educating - thank you for sharing. Beautiful hoop dance!

[@katedryer4488]

Such precision, commitment and endurance. Words really are not adequate. Thank you so much for this blessing :)

[@linneatindermonavarro7957]

Wish someone or something will save like it happened to you. I really do everything to be a good person. But I have not come anywhere for the last seven years. My soul is very tired. My rings are broken. Hope you will have a great life and that many people lisent to you. Peace brother under the sun.

[@moondancerose7930]

Oh my goodness! That's the most talented and best rendition of the hoop dance that I have yet to witness. Thank u 💜🌹

[@dianasolatuchula1328]

Beautiful performance! I wish to learn more of my native people. I enjoy so much watching Dallas speak of his people. I watch him and follow along to his pow wow aerobics. Awesome guy. He really is.

[@julioaranton461]

Inspirational/Spiritual Dance which reminds all of us of the Eternal Connection a/ The Divine in all things on our Mother Earth. Thank you my brother.♡

[@rui4762]

I hope more people like him can share their wisdom on nature,life and their cultures.It's a gift to the world.Thank you for sharing!

[@angelofsorts]

Thank you for this wise teaching.

[@mrg99999]

Thank you for teaching us and showing us your wisdom and spiritual connection. That was amazing and we are getting back to being One! Beautiful!

[@maryannebrown2385]

That hoop dance was amazing. I have never seen anything like it. My mind is scrambling to process it all-I think I need to watch that maybe 300 more times.

[@marilynbrown3627]

Always love Dallas's performances!!!

[@tonicosta7436]

I can’t express enough the need for the teaching of the Native American culture! I am not Native American, but practice there belief with all my heart for 25 years . I have finally found my way ! I am happy , at peace with my self and hunger for the knowledge ! I am inspired with all that is taught ! I thank you so much for all you do ! May you all stay safe and don’t stop doing what you do !

[@sirenofsound]

Aho! Thank you for these teachings.

[@drewhigginbotham3773]

Truly, a gift to us all. Thank you, brother.

[@janelleetsitty36]

This is my fave dance to watch at every pow wow that I attend ~

[@tonymadrid7014]

Very seldom I cry of hapyness, thank you. From the Aconcagua valley in Chile I watch you

[@exodusdiva2295]

Beautiful and inspiring teachings 💞 His hoop dance was mesmerizing 😊

[@jeffsievert5476]

Excellent teachings , excellent skill ! Thank You

[@sueo.6731]

WOW! Another amazing Ted Talk. Me dancing the hoops: HELP! I've fallen, I'm tangled in hoops and I can't get up!!

[@carolmoore1038]

A pictured the same thing only here with me laying there in a tangle of Hoops LOL

[@julbys]

when I watched his dance, my whole body relaxed and my mind went to another place. I love this. I want to live the way this dance teaches

[@nicoleweiss3132]

Thank you this is so beautiful on every level. These words, movements, and understandings are so inspiring. I'm working on building an earthship which is blocks of earth and tires. This resonates as deeply true to me in what I'm aspiring to. Thank you teacher!!!

[@MrTommyboy68]

I have been going to Pow Wow's for years and have seen relatively few Hoop Dancers. A lot of Fancy and Grass dancers and others, but watching the Hoop Dancers is absolutely awesome. I believe he performed at a corporate event in Phoenix and I worked there in Engineering and as I was checking equipment, heard the music and went to the upper catwalk around the Grand Ball Room and watched the entire performance and was blown away. The theme of the conference was what he discussed the circles and how they restored the harmony that so many of us were missing. The attendees were great and I heard discussions for the next three days of the conference about how people were moved by the performance and his message.

[@barbaragould500]

This devine being danced for a looong time...hope & pray to see this worship dance in person one day.i would pay to see this ...he is GREAT shape...i got tired just watching him dance...and worship & dance!-wow..ty for this 🎁 gift!

[@sonjastaes772]

this is great thak you for the learning off traditions of natives

[@lynnfarley7851]

Splendid! Greetings from the Salt River Pima Tribe, Scottsdale, AZ May your life and your childrens children, be filled with many good Circles.

[@emiliadeleon2828]

MAN I WAS BLOWN AWAY WITH THAT DANCE. HOW DOES ONE FIND THEIR WAY TO PRESENTING A DANCE OF THEIR OWN FOR THE ONE THEY LOVE?

[@hellreza]

wow, the hoops were so mesmerizing to see spinning. great performance.

[@carolmoore1038]

I hope that mesmerizing makes people pay attention to the real message at the core.

[@hellreza]

@@carolmoore1038 no, I came to a Ted talk for the spectacular shows 😂 jk it's been awhile since I've watched but I'm sure I got the message. i'll re-watch tonight.

[@andrewdrake4329]

Something I’ve always wanted to learn was this dance

[@political-social]

Do it!!

[@breannaqueen.593]

That was a beautiful dance I hope the young people see it so thay can learn something. Beside doing bad thing were I live my native people are getting killed off thay don't know the old ways and what there anceasters went thru so thay could have a better life

[@estherwiskel6550]

Beautiful experience watching thisTed program, it speaks to my senses, it’s very satisfying to view this program👏👏👏👏👏♥️

[@brendadurr5186]

Awesome! Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your great gifts and knowledge.

[@josevalenzuela583]

What a beautiful person. What a great message.

[@josecristiano1133]

Wow beautiful it all!

[@robertjrobicheau8456]

The words he said were wonderful. The dance was a spectacle of fluid motion. 10's of thousands of hours he must have put in to just move all the rings like that. How many more could he have put in to dance so gracefully while doing those moves? Its easy to see how he is a multiple time world champion.

[@kb9847]

thank you for sharing. You looked so reverent and centred and powerful at the end. Very moving.

[@dorinakirghizina7445]

What a wonderful human being, very inspiring 👏👏👏🔴🔴🔴🌚🌚🌚

[@ninaag4105]

❤️ perfect timing to watch this video! Thank you 🙏

[@sonjastaes772]

beautiful thanks for learning traditions

[@SolutionsForResilience]

What a wonderful soul, story and demonstration.

[@tammyvanwinkle8870]

Magnificent beautiful and uplifting! Thank you so much.🥰🦋🌻

[@ritashertick2978]

It is performed at Knotts Berry Farm several times a day. Always wonderful to see it done, and the dancer takes the time to talk to the children who show an interest.

[@merklingassoc]

Simply magical. You've wisdom beyond your years. Thank you.

[@marydonohoe8200]

How we need this right now. Indigenous people of this hemisphere have so much to teach us. Wisdom comes from many sources. May we all be able to recognize it and make it a part of ourselves, then to share it.

[@laurarichardson3390]

i love doing hola hoop as well as yoga, and both make me feel relaxed and happy, but did not know the spiritual meaning of it. thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with humanity 🙏 ❤ 😊

[@MamasitaMe]

Absolutely astonishing! 👍🏽💕👍🏽💕👍🏽💕👍🏽

[@davidbell8794]

CALIFORNIA CHEROKEES respect brothers, sisters, friends & new friends

[@bobbiejean7369]

Wow that really moved me that is a precious 💓 and loving thing to do for the Creator A'H0

[@bobbiejean7369]

All of all Native people we are all brothers and sisters I'm Cherokee from the wolf clan of Tennessee in what this man just showed me was so beautiful 😍

[@mrsofficer2216]

Wow! Phenomenal! Thank you for sharing this beautiful and spiritual dance with the world

[@ninopanino10]

It’s actually mind blowing that we don’t learn / teach more about Native American culture in our schools. Such an important part of our history that teaches us so much about life.

[@gemini9755]

3 🙌🙌🙌 Number of the trinity

[@tampazeke4587]

Very impressive and expressive dance. Moving and beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@ps4noobdontshoot599]

Not to disregard everything else special in this life... but this is really special. He literally backs up the whole talk with this amazing performance. 🙏🏼 everything connected and this man is in tune. Thank you.

[@russtybaker]

Always great to see your gifts/work. well done

[@lesleymicuda4041]

Absolutely moves me to tears.... soooo intense... what an amazing gift this man has worked countless hours on to gift to this world in such complete mastery of expression.... I am completely humbled and eternally grateful...