Ria Thundercloud

Ria Thundercloud (Ho-Chunk Nation, Sandia Pueblo), tells stories of indigenous womanhood and survival through contemporary and traditional dance and movement. Thundercloud is classically trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. She also dances traditionally in Ho-chunk and Sandia Pueblo styles, including jingle, fancy shawl, and applique. Thundercloud has trained with Dancing Earth Creations, Raven Spirit Dance, Spirit Wind Dance, and Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, and she has performed in New York, New Mexico, the Czech Republic, Canada, Russia, New Zealand, and Canada. She is a graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts, where she majored in Indigenous liberal studies.

SWAIA Performances is a monthly series that showcases local, regional, and national indigenous performing talent, including dancers, poets, and musicians. SWAIA Performances are co-curated by Goiyo Perez, a performing arts coordinator working with SWAIA, and Robyn Rikoon, artistic director of the Santa Fe Playhouse. Both iconic Santa Fe organizations are celebrating their centennial year in 2022.