Terry L. Goedel is a member of the Yakama and Tulalip tribes. He has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Education Administration from Chapman University. An educator of 30 years, Terry has taught high school and junior high math, and coached basketball, volleyball, and track. 

In 1972 he first watched three hoop dancers perform near Seattle, WA where he went to school. As a young man he struggled to identify with his native roots until that day. It was as if a light was lit inside of him and he found a love for his Native Heritage. A year later at the age of 16 years old he began attending Brigham Young University where he started hoop dancing with The Lamanite Generation. He has now been dancing around the world for 50 years sharing his culture and helping audiences of all ages to find the light within. He has performed for 3 presidents of the United States, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, twice in the Rose Parade, and the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics. His recent trip to China provided him the opportunity to dance on the Great Wall of China. 

In his performances and workshops he shares the meaning and story behind the hoop dance. A story of a small eagle that grows and develops that parallels our own journey through life and educational process. The use of audience participation helps students to understand and experience the hoop dance while helping each participant understand their own unique potential. Terry is open to any creative opportunities you might have for him to share his culture, his dance, and his heritage.