July 28-30, 2026
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, AZ
Eric Michael Hernandez
Featured Keynote: Eric Michael Hernandez
The Power of Movement: Storytelling, Identity, and Connection to Place
Celebrated hoop dancer, award-winning filmmaker, cultural ambassador, and former Cirque du Soleil performer, Eric Michael Hernandez has captivated more than 10 million people worldwide with his fusion of Indigenous tradition and modern artistry. At TerraSync, Eric will invite us on a powerful journey of personal story, cultural expression, and spiritual connection to the natural world.
Drawing from his Lumbee heritage, his performance career, and his 2023 TEDx talk The Modern Native American Story, Eric will explore how movement and storytelling can break stereotypes, deepen understanding, and build bridges between people and place. His keynote will culminate in an interactive experience that offers attendees a deeper appreciation for Native culture and its enduring relevance in today’s world.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a transformative blend of tradition, artistry, and personal truth—live at TerraSync.
Cultural Heritage and Artistic Expression
Eric Michael Hernandez is a renowned Native American hoop dancer, filmmaker, and public speaker, known for blending his Lumbee heritage with artistic expression. He grew up learning hoop dance under the guidance of his uncle, Terry Godel, a nine-time world champion hoop dancer, mastering intricate hoop manipulations and incorporating personal flair into his performances. His unique style emphasizes smooth transitions and storytelling through dance, allowing him to share the cultural richness of his Lumbee roots while captivating audiences globally.
Career Achievements
Eric rose to prominence with his performances in Cirque du Soleil’s Totem, where he showcased his skills on an international stage, delivering over 5,000 performances to more than 10 million people. A career highlight includes his performance at the 91st Academy Awards in 2019, contributing to a powerful display of Native American culture. He recently ventured into filmmaking with his short film Courage, which chronicles his journey of self-discovery and embracing his Native identity through dance. The film has earned critical acclaim, winning Best Native American Film and Best of Fest honors on the 2025 festival circuit. Additionally, he delivered an impactful TEDx talk in 2023, The Modern Native American Story, focusing on breaking stereotypes and encouraging audiences to connect with Native teachings.
Cultural Ambassador
As a cultural ambassador, Eric strives to inspire others to embrace movement, culture, and spirituality as vital components of life. Through various creative mediums, he uplifts Indigenous stories and traditions, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. Collaborating with industry giants like Cirque du Soleil, Red Bull, Virgin Voyages, Deloitte, and Nike, he shares the richness of Native traditions and the artistry of hoop dance, inspiring audiences to navigate life with grace and beauty.
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