The Modern Native American Story | Eric Hernandez | TEDxUCIrvine

Eric Hernandez is a renowned Native American hoop dancer who has dedicated his life to breaking stereotypes and embracing his cultural identity. Eric shares his personal journey of overcoming fear and the pressure to conform by showcasing his hoop dance, a traditional healing ceremony. Through mesmerizing demonstrations, he challenges misconceptions and invites the audience to celebrate diversity and embrace their own unique identities. Eric’s inspiring story, filled with resilience and determination, serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of sharing our true selves with the world. Don’t miss this extraordinary talk that will leave you inspired and enlightened. Eric Hernandez is a Native American Hoop Dancer, Storyteller affiliated with the Lumbee Tribe. Eric has shared his story for millions around the world as the Lead Character in The Cirque du Soleil Touring production, TOTEM. Eric was taught the Hoop dance at a very young age by his uncle Terry Goedel. After 8 years of touring, Eric is now based in Los Angeles, where he continues to share, educate, inspire, heal and entertain people through the Hoop Dance. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@cirqueLIFE]

So grateful for this opportunity. Thank you TedxUCIrvine!

[@jaewchargualaf]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@jaewchargualaf]

Yesssss🙌🏽 where there is smoke there is fire 🔥🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 keep that flame alive!

[@LoganShmogen226]

Pure inspiration, dude. Nice job.

[@arethascruggs7930]

@@jaewchargualafI heard you mention your ted talk at fellowship church Sunday and just watched it! What an amazing story and message! Thank you for sharing your story

[@mrsfeathermusicteacher]

Crying tears of joy as I watch you dance. Thank you for representing our Lumbee tribe with such positivity and beauty. ❤️

[@brittanyfarmer559]

You performed at the Orange County rescue mission. I work there with the kids. Two of the residents there are native and were so encouraged and felt seen by your performance. One of our kids, who is autistic, was able to roll the ring back to herself (you were teaching the kids that) and when she did, I saw joy on her face that we hadn’t seen before. She ran up to the staff, including me, and hugged us while shouting, “I did it! I did it” Thank you so much for sharing with us!

[@locoHAWAIIANkane]

From a native Kanaka (Hawaiian) to you my native brother, I say MAHALO for enlightening the world with your heritage and traditions. It’s so easy for us to lose who we are in todays world of instant gratification and technology. We are the balance, the ones who carry our kupuna (ancestors) with us. Often, people believe the word “mahalo” as to mean thank you. But it is so much more than that. In its essence it says that I am in a state of gratitude because of what you have done. It says that my entire being (mind, body and soul) is overflowing with gratitude for what you have done. Mahalo brother. Aloha from Hawaii

[@mathias.goguen]

Eric is definitely one of the hardest working persons I have ever met. This is a beautiful and inspiring moment of your career Eric and I am so proud of you and how you hit the ground running.

[@cirqueLIFE]

Thank you Kit. I miss working with you. We had some great times.

[@DogTrots]

When the music first started, it brought tears to my eyes. I'm proud.

[@ramonaesteves6569]

Omg me too!

[@BaiboBibiaWorld]

I can see the beauty of God’s grace over Eric…the Native Americans were always close to nature and the respect and the love for nature, God’s creation brings us closer to God. If man can only take a moment to listen to nature, man can hear God speak for in our Creator is the empowerment of who we are for we were created in his image, so let us embrace it…I thank you so much Eric for this awakening🕊God bless🕊

[@sisom1956]

Such beauty and enlightment. I am not Native American, I am African American. And I can so appreciate this proud and beautiful culture.

[@tambooks]

Your talk is so moving. Thanks for sharing it with others. Your ancestors must be very proud.

[@ChristyJeanWagoner]

One kid, no lights, no smoke just him and God. Amazingly beautiful.

[@CalebWilloww]

This is not where I thought the story was going to go. Thank you for sharing.

[@justined.4934]

This is absolutely beautiful & inspiring. Brought tears to my eyes. You are incredible storyteller in language & dance. Healing for sure ❤🙏🦋

[@Patricia_NMCL]

Oh Eric, thank you for being brave and not holding back. We miss out on so much beauty because of prejudice. But one brave act of sharing can steer the course on a better path. Much love and respect :)

[@cirqueLIFE]

Thank you Paty

[@TheBrandonAndre]

this is soooo dope!!! Eric you're so inspiring bro! Not only a talented hoop dancer, but also a great storyteller! Such a great Ted Talk... learned a lot!

[@cirqueLIFE]

Thank you Brandon

[@sylviamito7045]

Wow, beautiful dance, emotional ❤️

[@bzsmith4420]

Tears flow from these eyes, an old Wandat mother. In my later years I've finally found the chance to strengthen my understanding of my own Native roots, and to learn my Indigenous Nation's ancient stories. I will hold hope that our paths might cross some day so that I can see your stories told in your dance while we breath the same air.

[@lucygreen888]

Eric, you are such an inspiration. Bless you and thank you for your beauty, courage and your very bright light.

[@marnkalman]

I’m so happy to see you doing well

[@adamsmith4584]

Such a beautiful dance. I remember seeing a similar dance by someone of the Dine (Navajo) tribe near the entrance of Antelope Canyon. That dance moved me then, but your story moved me even more watching this. Thanks for having the courage to shared your God-given gifts and talents!

[@layladylou22]

I LOVED THIS. Thank you for sharing your light ❤

[@MC-vw9eu]

Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you ❤🙏🏼❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@BillWadeAtInletDance]

I saw you, Eric, in Totem many years ago when you all performed in Columbus, OH. I will never forget it. KEEP GOING! Bravo!

[@yejiha_2845]

this is so inspiring! i can't wait to share your video and experience with my classmates as i am doing a research on native americans!

[@ramonaesteves6569]

I cried as soon as the music started/ such talent and dedication/ respect! I first saw at Totem in NYC and your performance made me cry there as well!

[@Richardiba]

That was impressive!!!! It's a wonder how you're getting all that hoop-work done; seems like sleight-of-hand the way you keep getting into and out of those hoops. I appreciate the story and what you've been able to do to elevate your community. God bless in this beautiful endeavour.

[@CarrieFDehls]

Stunned. Fascinated. I will have to process awhile. Your state of grace I just witnessed. Thank you. Cfd

[@cirqueLIFE]

Thank you

[@kh-uw6um]

Perfect song...there is no one like you.

[@plumiegirl47]

Awesome!!!

[@marnkalman]

I’m so proud of you Eric

[@petrauroda999]

A healing experience indeed. I'm grateful you had the courage. ❤

[@judytat5621]

You made me cry. So beautiful

[@seagypsy574]

YAY!!! Congratulations. Another superhero saving the world. Thank you.

[@user-bz7jr7id7h]

Great, amazing, thank you so much...❤ From France

[@marciaanneescoffery7194]

So powerful thank you for sharing your rich culture. Bless you Mine is sound & music as medicine. Love and light, Muna Light 💫🙏🏽🌻🦋

[@beaneeb418]

Your message is beautiful and inspiring. 🙌🏼 For me, it soeaks to the depth and beauty of our individual cultures. We are meant to share our history with others. It truly can unite us. My great great grandma was Native American (Navajo) who married my Brazilian great great grandpa. My mum tells me stories of her heritage as well as their amazing love story (married 53 years!) .. love and respect can truly conquer all! ❤

[@patburton837]

So beautiful. Thank you.

[@offal12]

What a wonderful story and fabulous dance, thank you for sharing ❤. I once watched a world champion hoop dancer who came to the Barbican in London many years ago and I was so impressed, inside, such a special dance. I wonder if it was your uncle?!

[@toddflanagan7707]

What a wonderful talk. I followed his you tube for quite a while and watched him grow as a person and a performer. I’m glad you have continued to share you story and inspire others.

[@delyanadimitrova2426]

Beautiful and so inspiring

[@teresalee5804]

So precious to me! ❤️❤️

[@SpinJoyHoopDance]

My heart ❤️ oh my heart ....❤️💔

[@obohob8688]

Thank you for reminding me that everyone has something to share and to embrace our differences.

[@user-ro7dk6ov9b]

This is incredible. Im showing this to my students as a part of a unit discussing telling story through different forms. Beautiful

[@teresaalvarado8982]

❤ you are such an inspiration.

[@JessicaT_CO]

So beautiful!

[@marnkalman]

Thanks for everything you’ve done for America

[@wisahkecahk4053]

Inspiring! Hoka!

[@thespecialduck5030]

you are so inspiring, i wish you nothing but the best

[@cirqueLIFE]

Thank you for watching

[@CharlesDaugherty-kn4bn]

Thank u!

[@MoanaAshley]

Very inspiring for myself as an indigenous Maori from Aotearoa NZ.

[@rosaspanjol673]

Beautiful Dance 😘!.. I saw it for the first time at Knotts berry farm.

[@jeannettelinthicum9654]

Perfect

[@Bodhismile]

What a joyous presentation. Thank you for sharing this beauty and positive energy. ❤❤❤

[@joannlewis3559]

Eric your native dress remind me of God’s chosen - Fringes! Fringes we’re worn by Native Americans, Aztecs and others throughout North and South American Indigenous Tribes. BRAVO!

[@MsBHoopingAllure]

Beautiful. Thank you

[@TheZenDruid_OftheMist]

I'm a mix of irish/Scott's and Lakota. Been trying to learn more about the Lakota part of my heritage.

[@sarah-janeharvey8079]

Thank-you for sharing your story your culture it was very inspiring 🙏

[@hollivybez]

❤❤❤❤

[@bellablackmist5033]

I've felt the exact same way about my own native american-ness, but it's mixed with this fear of retuning to my tribes reservation to rekindle more of my relationship to it because of family troubles. Im trying really hard to learn more about what makes my people but growing up all that I knew was what white books and movies taught, and the fear of the government and the white man my abusive mother gave me. Then I learnt of only the most problematic parts of my tribes history after that. I'm trying. And it's hard. But stories like yours help.

[@luleska1]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@brenda8550]

❤

[@nativeandindigenuscraftcre433]

Hi i understand him completely i went though the same thing beside being brain washed thanks for letting us know about it thanks again good luck with everything

[@Izzz.B3LLA]

What is the name of the song,it's so beautiful

[@Lillipod1]

I love hooping :). I follow him on Instagram

[@jill-of-all-trades]

I’m so sad that people cannot judge each other solely on the content of their character and allow the rest to be icing on the cake! Forget about anything and everything else. Aho

[@pep590]

CORRECTION: The Modern American Indian Story | Eric Hernandez | TEDxUCIrvine

[@nannam7204]

❤❤❤❤