Jackie Bird:
Hoop Dancer

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This dance has a different meaning for every tribe. For Jackie Bird, the dance is for healing. It has been passed down through her family from generation to generation. The hoops stand for the circle of life. Once it was a male-dominant dance, but with the world in need of more healing, women have now joined in. Four hoops were used, each in the color of the four directions. Now it is modernized and some use 38 hoops. Jackie Bird performs the story of creation with her hoops.

In all of her performances, Jackie Bird has been praised for her ability to get her audience involved with her contemporary and traditional music, songs and dances. Woven throughout  Jackie's performance are the intricacies and belief of her Native American culture.

Through the aid of her puppet, "Wild Flower", Jackie is able to tell stories and songs from her culture.

Jackie's performance is more than a cultural expression. It is a gift shared by a spirited people who have mastered the skills necessary to preserve their culture.
 
 
 

Jackie Bird
Did I ever tell you of that one bird I met
       in the desert area of Scottsdale, Arizona?
She's but such a tiny being
       whose swift graceful movement
            is on the tip of her dancing toes
But her voice is so sure of who she is
       she speaks with the loving power of God

I saw her flight on the grassy grounds
        of the Heard Museum
Her dance so light she didn't touch the ground
        Being quick she flew through the hoops
            each in the color of the four directions

An eagle and a companion flew overhead
        Blessing all beings in view
She floated toward the west
        Raising her head and arms
             toward the sky as if to fly
Waving her feather toward the Sun
         she opened up the sky with golden rays
Loving energy filled the Earth
         It then flowed up through our feet
              bring joy to our hearts

She raised her hoop for all to see
         Time stood suddenly still
But I could see her spirit
          taking flight
               That bird, Jackie Bird, Jackie Bird

Angeline Medina

Pictures of Jackie dancing
See & learn more about Jackie's dance regalia
Jackie Bird & Indian Blues Rock
Order Jackie's Music
Jackie Bird: Corn Woman


Email Jackie Bird