Vårscenefest 2026 || Artist Talk “Global Indigenous Collaboration”

In this artist talk, we meet hoop dancer ShanDien Sonwai LaRance and artist Steve LaRance, both of whom have deep roots in Hopi, Tewa, Navajo, and Assiniboine cultures. Together, they share experiences from a life in art, culture, and communication—from local communities in Arizona and New Mexico to stages and contexts around the world.

ShanDien is an internationally recognized hoop dancer and performer, with a career that spans from Cirque du Soleil to working with young Indigenous performers in their own communities. Steve is an award-winning visual artist and jewelry designer, known for his work that combines traditional expressions with contemporary forms, and for his strong commitment to art and cultural communication.

The conversation is led by Bodil Kjelstrup from Hålogaland Teater, who brings a local perspective and opens up for reflection and dialogue across indigenous contexts. Together they explore what it means to create, represent and share culture today – and how art can build bridges between people and places.

This will be an intimate and personal conversation, where we get up close and personal with artistry, life experiences and driving forces. An opportunity to listen, learn and get to know two strong voices in the global indigenous art field.

This event is presented in collaboration with Vårscenefest – Tromsø Performing Arts Festival.
With support from Fritt Ord and the Bergesen Foundation.
The event will be held in English and is free and open to all.