With her love of dance and movement, Feryn Karahkwiiohstha King has carved out an international career as a professional hoop dancer, instructor, and aerial hoop performer. Born and raised in the village of Kana:takon in Akwesasne, her fame has risen like a ‘Bright Moon’ (which, incidentally, is the translation of her Kanien’kéha , or Mohawk, name). The 29-year-old will showcase her command of hoop dancing as a headliner at the much-anticipated Akwesasne Art Market and Juried Show on July 2.
To start, what is hoop dancing?
It’s a physical art form used to tell stories and legends through dance. It’s very beautiful and authentic. The hoop, or circle, is a sacred shape to many Indigenous people; it represents nature’s elements and creatures and also the cycle of life and time.
We have to ask: What’s the max number of hoops you’ve used in a dance?
I’ve been able to hold 18 at one time—so far. My goal is to hit 40. It’s been done before but mostly by people who are really tall—like walking trees.
When did you first see someone hoop dancing?
It was at the Akwesasne Pow Wow when I was about 10 years old. Sadly, I don’t remember the dancer’s name, but I do know it was love at first sight.
When did you learn how to perform this art form?
Beany John is an amazing hoop dancer and grass dancer from Alberta. She came to give a three- or four-week workshop in Akwesasne when I was about 13 or 14. Most people start their kids off around age eight or ten so I was considered a late starter. But that’s when I had my chance and I went for it. I just love all the learning and movement.
I like to think that people are gaining cultural awareness from the work I do.
—Feryn Karahkwiiohstha King
You studied dance in high school at CCVS in Cornwall and then pursued a two-year Dance Performance program at Centennial College in Toronto. Why?
I think I’m just a natural-born dancer and have been dancing ever since I can remember. My mother would always put on music and watch me move with it. It just makes me feel good. Plus I love music. It’s like medicine to me.
When I applied to the program at Centennial, I’d been dancing for a long time but my movements were raw and authentic. I think that’s what they loved and why I got accepted into the program. My classes gave me a chance to learn so much more about ballet, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary dance but also how to work as a dancer. Being in that space really helped me build confidence in working with other dancers in a professional environment.
When did hoop dancing fall into the mix?
We had a course that was all about improvisation. We were allowed, encouraged actually, to bring in props. Some people chose things like an umbrella or a chair and they would create dances using those props. I brought my hoops.
Were your professors and other students receptive to your hoop dancing?
Yeah, they loved it. It was something different. They weren’t really aware of our cultural dances at the time. I think they knew of Santee Smith’s work—she’s from Six Nations and owns a famous contemporary dance company—but not much about hoop dancing.
My professors just allowed me to explore my own creative process. I poured my soul into my choreography and brought my Mohawk culture into it because I wanted to build awareness.
What did you do after you finished school?
In 2017, the summer after I graduated, I performed at the North American Indigenous Games. Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas headlined the opening ceremony and I was one of the young dancers who got to join him on stage. That was one of my first big performances. There were close to 10,000 people in the football stadium in North York. That was one of my major career highlights, for sure.
And then?
Then the Cirque Soleil put out a post on social media asking hoop dancers to audition for their upcoming TOTEM show. Many people tagged me and so I decided to apply on a whim. I got accepted and went on tour with the crew through Europe. It blew my mind that I spent my days practicing and performing with such incredible artists and working as a professional dancer with the Cirque. Unfortunately, the start of the pandemic in March 2020 shut down the show.
Did your work with the Cirque change your status?
For sure. I never thought I would make a career out of dancing and I wasn’t aware of how big the Cirque was when I started with them. But suddenly people started congratulating me and asking me to sign t-shirts and stuff. Now, it feels like I’m known everywhere I go. I try to stay humble but at the same time, I have to admit that it does feel good. I like to think that people are gaining cultural awareness from the work I do.
You now teach hoop dancing and also do school presentations. Why is that important to you?
I want the kids to experience the same powerful feeling I have when I hoop dance. But my bigger message to kids is to do what they love and to go after their dreams.
I’ve been hired as a Cultural Advisor by the Upper Canada District School Board and also the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario to do hoop dancing demonstrations for school children. I think it’s a learning opportunity for them and brings awareness to what our people are capable of.
You’re performing at the Akwesasne Art Market and Juried Show for the second time. How does it feel to perform at home?
It’s hard to explain how much of an honour it is. It means performing for a community that I love and that has always supported me. Plus I get to show this art to a new generation of kids. I hope we can bring in big crowds so our community can show off how amazing it is.
What comes next for Feryn King?
I’m planning on auditioning for other dance companies. Right now, I’m trying to build up my aerial hoop skills, called Lyra, because I’d love to audition for another Cirque show. I hate to say that I’m the type of person that goes with the flow but really, I know that doors open at the right time for me. And I’ll walk through those doors and take those opportunities as they come.
Follow Feryn’s work and whereabouts on her website and Facebook page.
The Akwesasne Art Market and Juried Show celebrates the outstanding creative talent in the community and showcases Akwesasne as a vibrant destination for the arts. The day-long event features more than 75 artists, performers, and vendors.
How to Get There (from Cornwall and areas north)
Visitors will cross the Three Nations toll bridge that connects Ontario to Kawehnoke (Akwesasne Mohawk Territory), then continue onto the Seaway International Bridge into New York State. Travelers are required to present identification at the U.S. border crossing. From there, Generations Park is just 5 kilometers east on NY-37.
Good to know
- This outdoor event is free and open to the public.
- Free on-site parking, including an accessible lot for elders and persons with disabilities, plus EV charging station.
- On-site ATM and water refill station.
- Generations Park is a drug- and alcohol-free public space.
Is it OK for a non-Indigenous person to buy or wear Indigenous designs?
Buying Indigenous work helps support Indigenous people, communities, and economic self-sufficiency. The key to wearing Indigenous designs is authenticity–making sure they’re created by actual Indigenous designers. Buying directly from Indigenous makers not only ensures authenticity but also creates a connection rooted in respect and cultural appreciation.
Learn More About the Akwesasne Art Market and Juried Show on Akwesasne Travel’s website and Facebook event page.
