ADVANCING AMERICAN INDIAN ART
Adult Division Second Runner Up: Talon Duncan (San Carlos Apache, Arikara-Hidatsa-Mandan), 205 points
Adult Division Third Runner Up: Tony Duncan (San Carlos Apache, Arikara-Hidatsa-Mandan), 204 points
Adult Division Fourth Runner Up: Josiah Enriquez (Pueblo of Pojoaque, Isleta, Navajo), 199 points
Adult Division Fifth Runner Up: Eric Hernandez (Lumbee Tribe), 197 points
Adult Division Sixth Runner Up: Sampson Sinquah (Gila River, Pima, Hopi-Tewa, Cherokee, Choctaw), 196 points
2023 Heard Hoop Dance Contest Senior Champion – Moontee Sinquah (Hopi-Tewa, Choctaw), 213 points
Senior Division Second Runner Up: Terry Goedel (Yakama, Tulalip), 194 points
Senior Division Third Runner Up: Jerry (J.J.) First Charger, 151 points
2023 Heard Hoop Dance Contest Teen Champion – Mateo Ulibarri (Pueblo of Pojoaque), 196 points
Teen Division Second Runner Up: Jerry Hunt (Navajo), 186 points
Teen Division Third Runner Up: Jerrhan First Charger (Blood Tribe), 180 points
2023 Heard Hoop Dance Contest Youth Champion – Naiche Duncan (Cree, Taino, Apache, MHA Nations), 195 points
Youth Division Second Runner Up: Jai’Po Harvier (Pueblo of Pojoaque, Santa Clara Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, Tohono O’odham Nation), 185 points
Youth Division Third Runner Up: Isaiah George (Santa Clara Pueblo), 182 points
The art of hoop dance honors cultural traditions shared by multiple Indigenous communities. With roots in healing ceremonies, traditions and practices, today hoop dance is shared as an artistic expression to celebrate and honor Indigenous traditions throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Over the years, as the hoop dance community has grown, dancers have incorporated new and creative designs and intricate footwork while still respecting the fundamentals of the form. Each dancer presents his or her own choreography, weaving in aspects of tradition and culture. Men and women compete on an equal field, and individual routines may feature as few as four to as many as 50 hoops, which are manipulated to create a variety of designs such as animals, insects and globes.
Traditional hoops were made from the wood of a willow tree. Modern-day hoops are often made from reed and plastic hose because of the durability of the material when traveling. The hoops are decorated with tape and paint to symbolize the changing colors of each season. The traditional wooden hoops are still used on rare occasions.
Dancers are judged on a slate of five skills: precision, timing/rhythm, showmanship, creativity and speed. Contestants compete in one of five divisions: Tiny Tots (age 5 and younger), Youth (6-12), Teen (13-17), Adult (18-39) and Senior (40 and older). Cash prizes totaling $25,000 are awarded to winners in each division, and victors in each division can claim the honor of being the World Champion.
Through stunning performances of those women and men competing to be named the next World Champion Hoop Dancer, the event combines artistry, athleticism, tradition and suspense for an unforgettable weekend of fellowship and competition.
Get in touch via contact@heard.org for general inquiries.
2023 Heard Hoop Dance Contest Adult World Champion - Scott Sinquah (Gila River , Pima, Hopi - Tewa, Cherokee, Choctaw), 208 points
February 18 – 19
Saturday – Sunday
Location:
Libby Amphitheater
Event Category:
Festivals, Performances, Special Event
Event Timings:
Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gates open at 8:15 a.m.
Grand entry at 9:00 a.m.
*All listed times are approximate*
You must be logged in to post a comment.