To the beat: Hoop dancer James Jones is ready to 'illuminate' audience in Santa Fe

When James Jones began dancing, he never imagined the journey he would be on.

As a hoop dancer, Jones brings Indigenous culture to the forefront when he takes the stage.

“I began dancing at powwows,” Jones says. “When I dance, I’m trying to think about the people that I learned from. It’s more than just a dance for me.”

Jones will be one of the handful of dancers that will participate in “+ + Illuminate + +.” The event takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Center for Contemporary Arts in Santa Fe.

To the beat: Hoop dancer James Jones is ready to 'illuminate' audience in Santa Fe

Jones is a traditional hoop dance artist who has performed and traveled across Europe, China, Australia and North America, and is ranked among the top five hoop dancers in the world. Some of his notable performances include the 2006 World Ski Cup Championship in Italy, 2010 Vancouver Olympics, 2014 Juno Awards, 2015 Pan American Games, the 2015 Coachella Music Festival and in 2015 at the Sydney Opera House.

The event will feature Indigenous performers and an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for supporting indigenous voices.

Attendees will have the chance to engage with the artists post show and learn more about the 4KINSHIP Indigenous Futures Fund.

There will be a debut performance from Lucaa, a two-spirit Afro-Indigenous musician and artist. Joining them is Jones (also known as Notorious Cree), and ShanDien Sonwai LaRance, representing Hopi, Tewa, Diné and Assiniboine heritage.

Sustainable bespoke fashion will be presented by indigenous innovators Ojibwe, Oneida and Stockbridge-Munsee brand Ginew, Diné brand Thundervoice Hat Co, Indo-Hispano artist Josh Tafoya, Afro-Indigenous (niimíipuu, Nez Perce) Artist Kellen Trenal, Diné artist Bryan J Roessel and Diné brand 4KINSHIP.

Northern Cheyenne and Ketoowah Cherokee filmmaker Echota Killsnight will be creating visual storytelling, and Taiwanese artist, designer and technologist Josephine Pu-Sheng Wang will be creating light design.

“This event will be a joyous celebration of the radiant talent these young artists bring to our Indigenous community. 4KINSHIP Indigenous Futures Fund serves as the guiding force, empowering indigenous creatives by investing in, elevating, and amplifying their brilliance,” says Amy Denet Deal. “Their performances promise an unforgettable experience, honoring Indigenous creativity and illuminating the profound impact of Indigenous art on our shared destiny.”

Jones is looking forward to dancing with LaRance.

“This will be our first time dancing together,” Jones says. “We are doing very specific dances, but we’re able to bring our own flair to them. The moves have been around for a long time and we both put in our own style. For me, I was really into hip-hop and breaking, so I bring my own swagger to it.”