Feryn King Earns Spot in Cirque Du Soleil's European Tour

By: Jaclyn Hall

One of Akwesasne's best hoop dancers, Feryn King, has embarked on a new journey. King will be travelling abroad, doing what she does best, preform. King recently signed on with Cirque Du Soleil's "Totem", which is based in Montreal. Totem is a touring show by Cirque Du Soleil, that premiered in

Montreal back in 2010. The show was written and directed by Robert Lepage. The theme of "Totem", is the evolution of humanity, from its primordial, amphibian state to its aspiration of flight. The show takes inspiration from many different founding myths of humanity. In the show is a hoop dancing act where King, alongside her male counterpart, are set to perform.

On Friday, March 1st, a family presentation took place at the Cirque Du Soleil establishment in

Montreal, on 2E Avenue. Feryn King performed for her family one last time before leaving the country to perform throughout Europe. Dressed from head to toe, in character for her performance, Feryn showcased her undeniable talent to all who were lucky enough to be present.

It was only last year, when Cirque Du Soleil posted on FaceBook that they were looking for Hoop Dancers. Several community members instantly thought of Feryn King. "There were a few people who had tagged me in their post that Cirque was looking for hoop dancers. Not long before this post someone had complimented me that they can see me in Cirque Du Soleil and it kind of stuck with me. When I was tagged in it, I thought it would be cool to apply. I didn't think I was going to get in. I would've been alright with a no answer and would've been 'at least I tried.' Can't hurt for trying. It's a rare opportunity for our people. A few days later I received an email from them," stated King.

King has been dancing since she could walk, so it came natural to her when she was taught to hoop dance. King was fortunate enough to be taught to hoop dance by a woman named Beanie when she was 10 years old. King was also introduced to Fancy Shawl Dancing and other traditional Onkwehonwe styles of dancing throughout her adolescence. She was 15 when she decided what she was passionate about; since then she has truly embraced the art and spirit of hoop dancing. Throughout the years she has taught numerous young women and men to hoop dance. She has taught classes, competed in pow wows and performed in numerous locations.

In 2015, Feryn decided to attend Centennial College for Performing Arts. After two years of perfecting her art, she graduated in 2017. Shortly after graduating, King earned her spot on Center stage performing alongside Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas. It was during the 2017 North American

Indigenous Games, when she had the opportunity of a lifetime performing with a well known and famous Native American Preforming Artist.

Fast forward, two years later, King will be performing for hundreds of people throughout Europe. On Monday, March 4th, King flew to Vienna, Austria where she will continue to practice until her first show, which is set to take place in mid March. If you just happen to be jet-setting through Europe any time soon, don't miss your chance to see one of Akwesasne's Finest perform. Way to go, Feryn, you are an inspiration and great role model to the youth of Akwesasne.