Started in 2017, the Indigenous Artist Spotlight series was created to foster greater awareness and understanding of the strength and diversity of Indigenous art available in Ontario and beyond.
This month, Ksenija Spasic interviewed Arik Pipestem; a performer, dancer, choreographer and a proud member of the Tsuut’ina nation.
Instagram: @arikpipe
What is your origin story? Was there a moment early in your life or artistic career that set you on the path to becoming a dancer?
I didn't have the happiest of childhoods. Performance was my escape to a better life, one worth living. Dance was the key. My mentor Cynthia Ward – my shepherd – her guidance helped me become who I am today.
My daughter watched you dance on Canada’s Got Talent. She was in awe. I asked her what her question would be for you. She said “why do you want to perform?” So, if you don’t mind answering a four-year-old’s question, what is it about the experience of performing that you love?
Throughout my life I have had many reasons to perform: to escape, to impress, to express, to grow... and now to teach. I loved the experience performing at a young age and still do now. I was driven by my accomplishments and moulded by my mistakes.
Now, I savour every clap, laugh, gasp and smile.
You are a bit of a big deal. You’ve performed with Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas and Cirques du Soleil among others. What keeps you connected to yourself as an artist?
I would say I'm far from a big deal, but maybe I was in my younger days. These days I try to enjoy the moments for what they are and hold onto them as life-long memories for my future self to look back and smile.
Please give us some insight into hoop dancing as an ancient art form and tell us about the unique ways you approach this craft.
Hoop dance, as it was taught to me, has many origins from many nations and has filled many different needs.
I know in my bones is that it is medicine. It heals. It continues to heal. And medicine should always be shared amongst the people.
Are there any venues where you really loved performing?
My favourite venue to perform at of all time is hands down the royal Albert Hall in London. Say what you will of colonizers – they have impeccable taste.
You’ve been part of the Chimera Project for over a decade. Could you talk a bit about your work there?
Over a decade!?! Wow! Time flies when you do what you love huh? I love that they share my passion for collaboration. Mixing hoop dance with ballet? Sign me up.
If all logistical concerns were swept away, what would you like to create?
I’d create an international hoop dance competition!
Right now, the world hoop dance championships in the U.S. are limited by blood quantum rules, which unfortunately exclude many exceptionally talented dancers – even those with high potential – because of how much of their ancestry they can prove on paper.
I envision a competition with an open invitation to all aspiring hoop dance artists from around the world to compete against the best of the best. To make that happen, I guess I should get on sharing this medicine with our cousins overseas and spread the word!
Medicine should be shared to the people.