Samsoche Sampson’s Gift for Hoop Dancing and Cultural Artistry
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Today we’re talking with Samsoche Sampson (Mvskoke Creek/Seneca) who is an interdisciplinary artist, powwow and hoop dancer, performer, musician, as well as a father and partner. Samsoche and his brother, Luhme, make up the world-renowned hoop dancing team known as the Sampson Brothers, who over twenty-five years have performed throughout the world: on stage in big cities and at powwows in remote Indigenous communities.
TEDx Minneapolis
The Sampson Brothers have created their own style of dance - a fusion of traditional pow-wow and hoop dance and styles from other cultures. Cultural dance styles from around the world are distinct and unique. Yet they are all part of the same circle - the earth. Using words and dance, the Sampson Brothers demonstrate the interconnectedness of humanity and all living things. As world-renowned dancers, Lumhe and Samsoche Sampson (Mvskoke Creek/Seneca)—a.k.a. the “Sampson Brothers”—promote cultural pride, unity, and hope through art, education, and dance. From the moment they began walking, the brothers learned the Powwow styles of Grass and Fancy dance, and Hoop dance became their passion as young boys. More than 25 years later, they have performed in more than half a dozen countries, hundreds of universities, and educated thousands of people around the world about their culture and Indigenous Hoop Dancing. The Sampson Brothers bridge modern times while honoring tradition, bridging two worlds to break stereotypes, provide positive inspiration, and create opportunities for the Indigenous community for generations to come. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
PBS Voices
Micco and Samsoche Sampson, who perform as The Sampson Brothers, are well known on powwow grounds and beyond for their impressive synchronized hoop dance routines, which are often performed to the beat of Native hip hop. Watch them perform traditional hoop dance formations in front of Minneapolis’ American Indian Center, on the Mississippi’s Stone Arch Bridge, and underneath the Hennepin Avenue overpass. If Cities Could Dance, produced by KQED, is a show about dance culture across the U.S.. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://to.pbs.org/2XewHgX
KQED Arts
BONUS from If Cities Could Dance: Watch as Indigenous movement artists from Minneapolis to Albuquerque represent their culture and honor their ancestors—past and future—through dance.
🎥CREDITS: Cinematographers: Shaandiin Tome, Forrest Goodluck, Austin Madrid, Brennan Vance Drone Cinematography: Jon Reynolds, Shutterstock Producers: Charlotte Buchen Khadra, Kelly Whalen, Chinwe Oniah Editors: Kelly Whalen, Chinwe Oniah, Rachel Boyoung Kim Associate Producer: Masha Pershay Music: Randy L. Barton a.k.a. Randy Boogie, Frank Waln, Thomas X Engagement Producers: Lina Blanco, Sarah Pineda, Vida Kuang Special Thanks: Rulan Tangen, Dancing Earth Indigenous Contemporary Dance Creations, Shane Montoya, Breakin’ Hearts, Mary LaGarde, The American Indian Center Senior Producer: Kelly Whalen Executive Producer: David Markus
Photograph by 3 Months Sun Photography
Photograph by 3 Months Sun Photography
Photograph by 3 Months Sun Photography
Photograph by 3 Months Sun Photography
Photograph by 3 Months Sun Photography
Photograph by 3 Months Sun Photography