Eric Hernandez (actor)
Eric Hernandez | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Eric Michael Hernandez July 16, 1990 |
| Nationality | Native American |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Alma mater | Brigham Young University |
| Occupation | |
| Organization | Cirque du Soleil |
| Known for | Lead Character in Cirque du Soleil Totem |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Parents |
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| Relatives |
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| Awards | "Key to the city" Brussels, Belgium |
| Website | ericmichael |
Eric Hernandez (born July 16, 1990) is an American actor, producer, model, dancer, influencer and motivational speaker.[1] He was the lead hoop dancer for Cirque du Soleil’s production “Totem”.[2] As a professional hoop dancer, Hernandez is an Ambassador for Native American Culture and has traveled to over 20 countries showcasing his hoop dancing skills. Hernandez also owns a YouTube channel CirqueLIFE, through which he shares his journey and experiences with the viewers.[3][4][5]
Early life and education
Hernandez was born on July 16, 1990, and raised in Southern California. He was the youngest son to Jean Kolbeck, Miss Utah in 1980, and Tony Hernandez, a football player at Brigham Young University. Hernandez grew up playing sports, such as football, basketball, and baseball, and as a native hoop dance performer. He completed his studies in sociology at Brigham Young University in 2012.
Hernandez took his initial hoop dancing lessons from his uncle Terry Goedel at age 10 to learn about his native American culture.
Career
Hernandez dropped out of college to become a seasoned circus performer. He joined Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group as a principal hoop dancer in the touring production, Totem.[6] Totem, made by the famous Canadian film and theatre director Robert Lepage, is about evolution.[7] It tells the story of human life from the first ponds to the stars and shows how our journey fits into the bigger picture of nature.[8] Hernandez has performed over 2,500 shows in 19 different countries as a professional hoop dancer.[9]
As a filmmaker and producer, Hernandez started a video project named “CirqueLIFE.” Hernandez shares his experiences and story about tours with Cirque du Soleil through the project.[10] The YouTube Channel for CirqueLIFE has amassed over 80K subscribers. He is a talented filmmaker affiliated with the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.[11][12]
Hernandez has recently competed at the 32nd Annual World Championship Hoop Dancing Contest held on March 26, 2022, at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. He has participated in the Annual Hoop Dance Contest six times and led the production of the virtual program The Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest 2021.[13]
Awards and recognition
Hernandez has been credited with the “Key to the City” award by Brussels, Belgium.
In the media
References
- ↑ "Eric Hernandez". The Circus Arts Conservatory | Sarasota. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ "Hip Hop Hoop Dance and More: Young Natives Innovate While Honoring Traditions". Hip Hop Hoop Dance and More. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ Limited, Alamy. "Hoop dancers hi-res stock photography and images". Alamy. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ "Learn the Art and Meaning of Native American Hoop Dance". www.pasadenanow.com. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ "Native American dance: Hoop-dancing champions compete in Arizona". www.azcentral.com. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ "Learn the Art and Meaning of Native American Hoop Dance". www.pasadenanow.com. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ "Cirque Du Soleil "Totem": A Spotlight on Eric Hernandez". Dance Informa Magazine. 6 October 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ "Hoopdance-Press-Release-12.16.20.pdf" (PDF). heard.org. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ "'It's about solidifying that we're here': Hoop dance world championship returns to Phoenix". MSN. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ Reports, Staff. "Hoop competition in Phoenix attracts 80 dancers from across US, Canada". PinalCentral.com. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ "Cirque du Soleil tells man's tale". Daily Forty-Niner. 19 September 2013. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ "PHOTOS: Circus Arts Conservatory presents 'PREVAIL'". www.heraldtribune.com. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ↑ Times, Navajo (8 April 2022). "Sixkiller wins 2022 hoop dance contest". Navajo Times. Retrieved 18 November 2022.