“The Hoop Dancer taught us to learn from our elders, as well as our teachers and friends.
When we use this knowledge to help other people, we blossom like beautiful flowers.”
– The Medicine Wheel: Stories of a Hoop Dancer
Teddy Anderson
Cultural Connections: Adopted Tlingit by Elder Annie Auston. Persian, English, Scottish and Norwegian. Hoop Dance Permission Granted by Kevin Locke.
Home Base: Victoria, BC
Teddy Anderson or Yeíl S’aghi is an internationally recognized hoop dancer who has performed in thousands of places around the world. He has brought his motivational message of love and unity to more than 20 countries, inspiring children and youth everywhere to see themselves as members of one human family. Teddy received special permission to learn the hoop dance from Lakota Elder Kevin Locke. Teddy’s rich cultural experience, combined with his passion for the arts makes him unique in delivering the message of unity and inclusion.
Books by Teddy Anderson
Interviews & Articles
New picture book by Orange Shirt Day creator Phyllis Webstad to explore meaning of 'Every Child Matters'
"Orange Shirt Day honours residential school survivors, their families and communities, and commemorates those who did not return home..."
Apr 30, 2013
Phyllis Webstad reflects on Orange Shirt Day 2022
"Phyllis Jack Webstad is an Indian Residential School Survivor from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem (Canoe Creek/Dog Creek) First Nation in British Columbia. Phyllis inspired..."
Sep 29, 2022
Teddy Anderson graduated from Maxwell International School in Shawinigan Lake where he received the highest award that Maxwell has to offer, the Eagle Award.The Eagle award is given to students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship,citizenship, character and service. In 2009 Teddy graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in Child and Youth Care.At age 15, Teddy began his hoop dance training under the careful guidance of Scott Ward, a Metis Salteaux seasoned in the traditional art of the hoop dance. Beginning with 9 hoops, Teddy's love for the art grew into a passion, his ability rapidly increased until he was able to master the dance with as many as thirty hoops. In 2003, Scott Ward gave Teddy the permission to perform that all students must receive from their teachers before they can do so.Teddy's cultural background is very diverse. In the 1970s, Teddy's grandparents and father were adopted into the Tlingit Tribe of the Yukon. Teddy's mother is Turkmen and his father is of European descent. This wealth of cultural history makes Teddy the living embodiment of his message of oneness. It inspires him to bring people from diverse cultures and backgrounds together through a dance that can be understood regardless of cultural, economic or social background. From 2001 to 2005 Teddy participated in a youth workshop, which increased his already considerable professional performance skills. He now regularly performs for audiences of more than 2000 students.Teddy has performed all over the world in China, Malaysia, Canada, USA, Jamaica, Brazil, Holland, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Tonga, Senegal, Japan, Thailand and Nepal. Teddy has danced for Olympic ceremonies, community centers, schools, First Nation's gatherings, festivals and was the star attraction at the multi-cultural festival in Halifax. Teddy continues to perform and share his art on a full time basis all over the world.
Teddy Anderson is a Hoop Dancer in the tradition of Canada's First Nation Hoop Dancers. Teddy offers community performances designed to build respect within both small and large communities. Teddy has performed all over world in community centers, universities, libraries and other cultural events. Teddy loves to use his art to bring people together.