OSAC presents cross-cultural fusion Hip Hop Hoop Dance in June

The Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) is Terrance Littletent, First Nations Hoop Dancer, and Chancz Perry, Hip Hop dancer and choreographer, in a cross-cultural fusion performance to 45 Saskatchewan Schools.

Details of the tour can be found at hiphophoopdance.ca/.

Perry and Littletent share a historical, educational, and inspiration perspective on the blending of their traditions and dance genres.

Littletent is an educator, producer, performer, and world champion hoop dancer from the Kawacatoose Cree Nation. He was born in Regina and inherited traditional teachings from his family and elders, singers and dancers, storytellers and academics.

Littletent began learning dance techniques and movement skills at six years old and was presented by his uncle with the gift of the hoop when he was eight. At 19, he was recognized as a world-renowned hoop dancer. He has travelled across Canada, the US, and performed overseas as a Grass and Hoop Dancer, singer, and storyteller.

Perry is an entertainer with over 30 years of experience on stage and screen and behind the scenes. He has a diverse education background, with a certificate in Early Childhood Education from SIAST, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Simon Fraser University, and is taking a pause from his Master’s of Education in Art Therapy at the University of Regina to pursue his arts work.

As a producer, choreographer, and triple-threat performer (actor, singer, and dancer), Perry has been nominated for two Jessie Richardson Awards and won the Vancouver Sun Reader’s Choice Award for Entertainer of the Year. He is often an Artist in Residence at Regina public and Catholic schools and is the Outreach and Program Coordinator for Dance Saskatchewan, Inc. He spends time as a sessional instructor at the University of Regina in several departments.

Hip Hop Hoop toured with OSAC’s Performing Arts in School program in the Spring and Fall of 2018. They presented at 48 schools — a total audience of 12,631 students and teachers. OSAC presents more than 300 live community and school performances each year.

Balgonie Elementary School said that “The performance contained a wonderful balance of performance and teachings which for our older students helped them understand the similarities that exist between First Nations and the cultural roots of Africa.”

The Hip Hop Hoop’s Moose Jaw and region dates are:

• Empire Community School — June 10 at 9:30 a.m.
• King George Elementary School — June 10 at 1:45 p.m.
• Assiniboia Elementary School — June 13 at 9:30 a.m.
• Coronach School — June 13 at 2 p.m.