JASMINE PICKNER BELL
“Good Road Woman”
Two-time World Champion Hoop Dancer and Educator
Jasmine Pickner Bell, also known as “Good Road Woman,” is the two-time world champion hoop dancer. Jasmine realized her calling when tragedy struck and her brother, also a talented hoop dancer, was killed in a car accident. In honor of his life, she trained and performed in his place at the World Championship Hoop Dance Competition. She won, becoming the first woman to hold the title and compete in a dress (up until that point, many female hoop dancers still performed in traditional male attire). The following year she defended her title. And now she is proud to say, more women have entered the field and wear their traditional dress, not men’s attire.
“When I look at my hoops, it’s like going through life. Creating these designs represent stories that I’ve been through but also the relationships that I’ve connected as I went along. That’s where the story of the hoop dance for myself comes from.”
Each of Jasmine’s hoop designs has meaning and significance. Some of her designs are originals and others are family heirlooms, passed down with each generation. The sweat lodge design pictured above is one that is exclusive to Jasmine’s family. It was created by her father, Dallas Chief Eagle, as a nod to the ceremonial and sacredness of the hoop dance.
Listen to Jasmine’s story.
Jasmine Pickner Bell, or Cunku Was’te Win’ meaning “Good Road Woman” in Dakota, shares the sacred hoop dance with the world. The two-time world champion member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe (also known as Hunkpati Oyate), began training with her father, the renowned hoop dancer Dallas Chief Eagle. Traditionally the hoop dance only allowed men to perform. Early on, Dallas recognized Jasmine’s natural strength, outspokenness, and spirit as a potential catalyst to restore the masculine/feminine balance within the sacred circle. Jasmine realized this calling when tragedy struck and her brother, also a talented hoop dancer, was killed in a car accident. In honor of his life, she performed in his place at the World Championship Hoop Dance Competition. She won, becoming the first woman to hold the title and compete in a dress (up until that point, many female hoop dancers still performed in traditional male attire). The following year she defended her title. And now she is proud to say, more women have entered the field and wear their traditional dress and not men’s attire.
The hoop dance has been described as “the renewal of the collective human spirit.” It is a dance of healing, connectedness, and prayer. Even though Jasmine is in constant spinning motion while she dances, she never finds herself dizzy because she is aligned with a higher purpose. As she’s passing each hoop through her body, she says, “Your prayers are being connected and lifted up. You’re not only telling a story through the designs of the hoop dance, but you’re also praying and healing the people who are in need at that time.”
Each of Jasmine’s designs has special meaning and significance. Some designs she creates from a dream or vision on a long drive. Others are family heirlooms, passed down with each generation. Each dance begins with one hoop, which represents yourself. Then, the dancer connects as many hoops as they can dance with or that completes the message they are aiming to share. The sweat lodge shape pictured above is one that is exclusive to Jasmine’s family. It was created by her father as a nod to the ceremonial and sacredness of the hoop dance. The flower formation is one of Jasmine’s originals that represents humanity coming together as one. Jasmine has danced with as many as 48 hoops simultaneously.
Education is central to Jasmine’s mission. From teaching kids and ensuring native traditions are not lost in today’s society, to bringing her audience on stage with her after her performances, she loves to share the hoop dance with everyone. As Jasmine says, “When you get done hoop dancing with me, you’re going to feel better. You’re going to go home and have a story to tell. You’re going to be able to share that story with your friends and family. And that’s what it’s about for me, and why I include the audience. Let’s connect together and really have that opportunity to share our hoops and leave here with a smile on our face.”
For Jasmine, the hoop dance goes beyond performance. It’s a way of life. Her hoops act as a metaphor to keep going when life gets tough. “Sometimes a hoop might fall and a design may fall apart. But you pick up those hoops, you keep going, and you keep dancing. No matter what, as hard as life gets, you’re going to still be able to jump through that hoop.”
Jasmine lives with her family on the Wind River Reservation. Her husband, Luke Bell, is her drummer for her performances along with the North Bear singers.
Jasmine begins her dance with one hoop, progressively adding more to the formation and story. Her most intricate and complicated dance connects 48 hoops. Even though Jasmine is constantly spinning while she dances, she never finds herself dizzy because she is aligned with a higher purpose. As she’s passing each hoop through her body, she says, “Your prayers are being connected and lifted up. You’re not only telling a story through the designs of the hoop dance, but you’re also praying and healing the people who are in need at that time.”
“The hoop dance has taught me that you keep moving forward no matter what. Sometimes a hoop might fall and a design may fall apart. But you pick up those hoops, you keep going, and you keep dancing. No matter what, as hard as life gets, you’re going to still be able to jump through that hoop.”
“When you get done hoop dancing with me, you’re going to feel better. You’re going to go home and have a story to tell. You’re going to be able to share that story with your friends and family. And that’s what it’s about for me and why I include the audience. Let’s connect together and really have that opportunity to share our hoops and leave here with a smile on our faces.”
This flower formation is one of Jasmine’s signature designs that tells the story about the strength of her relationships and how we are all connected.
Jasmine’s Website:
