Hoop of Life Presentation by Kevin Locke Sunday, May 12, 2019

The hoop dance is a choreographed prayer invoking the universal metaphor of the hoop - a symbol that for all peoples represents; peace, unity, beauty, balance, continuity and harmony. It is a prayer that we may all be restored to wholeness and wellbeing; physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually not just as individuals but collectively with all of humankind and creation. It is the design that the one Creator has stamped upon all of creation and connects us with that whole. The hoops of 4 colors represents the extensive paradigm of 4’s which includes; directions, winds, seasons, phases of day and night, stages of the moon, sun and stars, the stages of life as we progress through childhood, parenthood, grandparent hood and great grandparenthood. The colors also invoke human diversity… the hoops of humanity.

 The 28 hoops used in the dance represents the days of the particular 28 day lunar cycle when all of the signs of Spring appear. Since the multi colored hoops represent human diversity, the hoop designs symbolize the life and vitality that appear when diverse kindreds unite in ever changing tableaus of designs portraying signs of Spring. The Spring time is of the unity of humankind. A Spring time that Autumn shall never overtake and which is foretold and anticipated (in diverse symbolism) by all peoples. The Hoop of Life School Assembly Program is a 60-90 min presentation that incorporates North American Indigenous Flute music/songs, sign language/prayer, hoop dance explanation and presentation by Kevin Locke incorporating 28 hoops and ending with a participatory hoop dance, taught briefly by Kevin Locke to children and youth.

The program often ends with children/youth/teachers/audience members performing the hoop dance with Kevin and doing a round dance (friendship song) together led by Kevin.

This is a fantastic experience that your audience members will remember all their lives. It is way beyond an entertainment and Kevin has mastery in communicating most soul transforming and heart moving concepts to all ages with superb ease and effectiveness. A wonderful event for a truly unique Mother's Day experience.

For tickets and more information: www.stlawrencearts.org

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 St. Lawrence Arts features unique, eclectic, arts and cultural activities while preserving a distinctive National Historic Landmark that has served Greater Portland since 2001. The building, originally a church constructed in 1897 in the Romanesque, Queen Anne Style, is home to many performing arts organizations.

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Contact:
Julia Kirby, Development Director
julia.kirby@stlawrencearts.org or 207.775.1248
St. Lawrence Arts | 76 Congress Street | Portland, Maine 04101
www.stlawrencearts.org