Eric Hernandez is a highly accomplished Native American hoop dancer from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. With over 20 years of experience, he is widely known for his performances as the lead character in Cirque du Soleil's production "Totem," where he captivated audiences in over 17 countries. His journey into hoop dancing began at the age of 11, under the mentorship of his uncle, world champion hoop dancer Terry Goedel. Hernandez’s dance style blends tradition with personal flair, which allows him to use the art of hoop dance as a form of storytelling and cultural expression.

Beyond his work with Cirque du Soleil, Eric is also a TEDx speaker, a social media content creator with a significant following, and a cultural ambassador. His mission is to challenge stereotypes about Native Americans and to spread ancestral wisdom through his art. His performances aim to highlight the beauty and complexity of Native American culture while encouraging audiences to celebrate diversity.