Watch this world champion hoop dancer dazzle in Kelowna

Three-time world champion hoop dancer Dallas Arcand performed Friday morning at Anne McClymont Elementary School showing why he’s the best at what he does.

Arcand, who’s from the Alexander First Nation (Kipohtakaw) Plains Cree Nation near Edmonton, performed with 13 hoops. The hoops represent the circle of life, and are used to create shapes such as animals, and spheres.

Arcand said he loves going to school to provide an educational experience to the kids to teach them about Indigenous people and tradition.

“I believe we have a lot to share in our culture as Indigenous people. We have a lot of connection to the land and our stories, our ancestors. Everything about Canada itself is founded upon our ancestors,” he said. “We have to continue to that legacy and continue to grow and revitalize our culture and hopefully someday restore it to get it as strong as it once was before it was affected by residential schools.”

Arcand performed at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic opening ceremonies, and travels around the world showcasing his art. He now has his own son as a second-generation performer following in his footsteps.

Arcand started dancing when he was 13, and never imagined it would lead to this level of attention and success.

“I just did it out of interest. I had no clue it would lead to all this and what it’s become now. You get what you put into it. I’ve put a lot of years of practice and learning into the hoop dance,” he explained. “I’m just grateful for all it’s given. … It’s been a blessing and I’m grateful for the opportunities.”

Principal Tamalee Middleton said bringing in a performer like Arcand gives students the opportunity to hear his story, learn from it, and help use it as an inspirational tool for whatever they want to accomplish in life.

“We always strive to bring opportunity for our children to see themselves as a reflection of who they are and who they can become,” she said “We want to support our children in anything that they can see themselves doing in the future and they can’t see themselves if we don’t have people come in and show them.”