World-renowned hoop dancer Thirza Defoe (Ojibwe and Oneida Nations of Wisconsin) shares traditional call-and-response Iroquois socials songs, a graceful Eagle dance, storytelling, and an introduction to the Ojibwe languages.  Thirza effortlessly weaves 24 hoops into designs of flowers, eagles, butterflies, and other natural symbols.  Then, she invites the audience to join in a People’s Hoop Dance.

A Closer Look - About the Artist:

Thirza Defoe (Giizhiigoquay), from the Ojibwe and Oneida tribes of Wisconsin, is widely known for her sacred hoop dancing that she has been performing since the age of 8. Her many years as an accomplished hoop and eagle dancer have awarded her recognition in both the native community and throughout the world.  

In 1992, she danced in the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Barcelona and celebrated the Millennium in Egypt dancing with the Call for Peace Drum and Dance Company. She has been featured in the National Geographic World Magazine and has been hailed Wisconsin's Best Kept Secret by News from Indian Country: The Independent Native Journal. Thirza shares her culture: traditional Iroquois social songs, storytelling, hoop dancing, eagle dancing and the Ojibwe language through educational presentations and performances for audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

Her acting credits include the starring role and narrator in the Emmy award winning, People of the Forest (PBS educational documentary), Most recently, Sacajawea in Stone Heart at the Autry National Center Native Voices and a principal role in the independent film, Road Reps. Other credits include One Tribe Many Nations, a children's book that highlights Thirza. When not performing, she can be found pursuing her other interests: photography, playing bass guitar, writing, snowboarding, Kung fu and mentoring young native playwrights with the mentor Artists Performers Project (MAPP) at the Autry National Center.

In March 2004, Thirza was awarded the First Americans in the Arts Scholarship for students pursuing careers in acting. In May 2004 she graduated from the world-renowned, California Institute of the Arts were she received her B.F.A. in Theatre. Later that year, she was awarded the Indigenous Heritage Festival award in the category of Performing Arts. This award is given to artists who have made a major positive impact on indigenous people and issues of the world. Thirza began 2006 with her portrayal of Sacajawea in the world premiere of Stone Heart written by Diane Glancy which toured to the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City and Washington D.C.

http://www.thirzadefoe.com

About the Meet the Museum Series:

Look for other Meet the Museum partnerships offered in Smithsonian museums on and off the mall. These programs are specially designed by Discovery Theater and the education departments of the nation’s top museums to engage young people during their visits to the Smithsonian and foster scholarship (and fun!) Each program introduces themes and topics in a 20-30 minute Discovery Theater performance in a theater or space within a museum. The main event is the gallery visit to see objects, artifacts, or artwork on that theme; all in a one hour format (more time in the galleries is always an option). We have planned a very special day for you and your children: plan to attend them all!