Mike Webb, Public Engagement Manager
Eric Manuelito, arena director for the 34th World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, welcomed sleepy families and anxious dancers as they gathered in the Heard Museum’s Steele Auditorium on Saturday morning, February 17, the opening of the championship. Manuelito started his address by illustrating the purpose of this gathering and encouraged participants to remember the healing nature of hoop dance. He concluded his announcement with a prayer and instructed all dancers to line up for the Grand Entry. Then, 119 competitors—the most ever in the history of the event—dutifully lined up behind the elders to begin the annual procession.
This year’s competition broke the records for most dancers ever to compete and the highest attendance in the event’s history. Over the two days, 7,500 visitors converged upon Libby Amphitheater, braving the elements, finding the perfect seat on the lawn, and watching closely to see complex hoop formations take shape with an ease that only a skilled dancer could ever pull off.
After Saturday’s preliminary rounds, in which dancers competed two at a time, each qualifying dancer took center stage for the final round on Sunday, when a share of the $25,000 in cash prizes came closer within reach. The Youth, Teen and Senior divisions led the day with fierce competition. Anjalee Andrews (Hopi), in her sophomore year of dancing, took first place in the Youth Division, while Mateo Ulibarri (Pueblo of Pojoaque), maintained his champion status by taking first place for the second year in a row. Six hoop dancing legends competed in the Senior Division, with Moontee Sinquah (Hopi-Tewa/Choctaw), patriarch of the Sinquah family, winning the title of Senior Champion.
On Sunday, the final round of the Adult Division held one more surprise for the record-breaking audience. Hoop history was made when Talon Duncan (San Carlos Apache, Arikara-Hidatsa-Mandan), scoring 209 points, was followed by Josiah Enriquez (Pueblo of Pojoaque/Navajo/Isleta Pueblo) with the exact same score. For the first time ever there was a tie for first place, causing a buzz in the arena as the two dancers prepared to perform another round of dancing for the tie-breaker. The evening sun was setting on the competition as Enriquez claimed victory with a repeat score of 209. He fell to the ground in elation and exhaustion, realizing he was just announced the 2024 World Champion Hoop Dancer.
The World Championship Hoop Dance Contest aims to uplift and celebrate the community of dancers who work tirelessly through the year to perfect their craft. In addition, it is extremely important to note that this competition thrives not only on the energy and commitment of the dancers, but also on the dedication and passion of the announcers, drummers, Hoop Dance Contest staff and Heard Museum staff. Dennis Bowen Sr. (Seneca) continued his legacy as master of ceremonies with a new team of Hoop Dance Contest staff by his side. The Thunder Boy Singers (Northern drum) and the Cozad Singers (Southern drum) shared the responsibility of providing the heartbeat of the contest, singing and drumming over 120 songs across the two days.
For relatives and community members unable to attend, Gila River Broadcasting Corp. provided a live stream of the competition, featuring live interviews of the competitors for the first time ever. Shawn Martinez (Diné), live entertainment director for the Phoenix Suns, and Melody Lewis (Mohave/Tewa/Hopi), founder of Indigenous Community Collaborative, engaged with the dancers, providing never-before-heard insight into their performances.
The Heard Museum is extremely humbled and sincerely grateful for the special moments and indispensable collaborators that were part of this year’s competition.
