World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

Welcome to the 35th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest at the Heard Museum!

This annual event attracts over 100 dancers from diverse tribal backgrounds throughout Turtle Island, displaying their masterful skills and carrying on the traditions of hoop dance.

A young man in a native outfit holding a plaque.

Enjoy delicious food & drinks from local vendors including Frybread Fanatic, Wiki-licious Malasadas, and the Heard Museum’s award-winning Courtyard Café. Shop from the Official Hoop Dance Merch Booth, explore offerings from community partners, and don’t miss the Family Fun Zone (open 11:00a — 5:00p) with hoop-themed art activities, games, and information about our Heardlings programs for kids and families.

The 35th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest is a culmination of dozens of community members that show up as dedicated staff, emcees, singers, families, and supporters. From the Arena Emcee, Dennis Bowen, Sr. (Seneca) committing over 30 years of live coverage; to Arena Director Eric Manuelito (Diné), flawlessly orchestrating the competition’s flow; to our Northern and Southern Drum Groups, The Cozad Singers and Thunder Boy Singers, providing the heartbeat of the arena.

Since the first World Championship hosted at the Heard Museum in 1991, this event has become a cornerstone for cultural preservation, spotlighting and continuing the profound history of hoop dancing within Indigenous communities. Join us in celebrating the artistry and excellence of Indigenous peoples at this thrilling two-day championship that promises to captivate, educate, and inspire all who attend.

2024 Heard Hoop Dance Contest Adult World Champion – Josiah Enriquez (Pueblo of Pojoaque)

For those unable to attend in person, there will be a livestream of the event hosted on this page, ensuring that the spirit of the contest reaches far and wide.

Museum Parking

Let us help you find alternative parking options with our Parking Map and ensure a stress-free arrival at the museum. Bike racks are also positioned in the courtyard entrance.

Light Rail Access

Embrace eco-friendly travel, beat traffic, and arrive seamlessly. Hop on board for a scenic journey and step off the Encanto/Central stop via Valley Metro Light Rail.

Ride Share

Arrive in style! Join our event at the museum hassle-free with convenient ride-share options. Skip parking stress, enjoy the journey, and make memories at the museum.

Hoop FAQs

Can we purchase tickets at the event?

Yes, tickets are available to purchase at the gate.

Note: Hoop closes on Sunday at 5:00p.
Culture Passes not valid during this Signature Event.

How early can we arrive, and what is your weather policy?

General public entry time is 8:30a.

Members have an early bird entry for seating at 8:15a. The event starts at 9a.

This is a rain or shine event. Should the weather turn grey, the competition may be postponed and/or moved indoors to the Steele Auditorium. If the forecast indicates rain we suggest bringing jackets, umbrellas, ponchos, etc. In the case of warmer weather, there will be a cooling zone with two large port-a-cools available all day in the Hearst Foundation’s Children’s Courtyard.

ADA Information

There is designated ADA parking in the north parking lot.

There are two areas inside the event for Elder and ADA seating.

Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) Services are available.
We are committed to making this event accessible to everyone. CART services provide real-time transcription of all spoken content into text, displayed on a screen or personal device. This service ensures that individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or benefit from text-based access can fully participate. To access CART services pull up this link on your smartphone.

Museum visitors can also utilize a variety of sensory-friendly resources.
For museum visitors, we offer sensory-friendly resources including noise-canceling headphones, color-correcting glasses, Williams Sound personal amplifiers, weighted lap pads, and more.

What time will the Museum open during Hoop?

Museum hours are Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sun 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• The Courtyard Café hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• The Coffee Cantina hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Museum Shop hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Books & More hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Can we leave the event and come back?

Yes, we have handstamps, and you may leave and come back as you wish.

Photographers/Videographers

Photos and video for personal/social media is not only allowed but encouraged!

If intended use is for publication, business, or sales, permission is necessary.
1. Click this link to submit form for review.
2. Please review the photo/video policy to protect the rights of Indigenous Artists.

What other things should we bring? Suncreen? Hat?

Yes, you are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle, fold-up chairs, blankets, hats, sunblock, sunglasses, visors, umbrella/poncho.

Popup tents not permitted.

EVENT RESTRICTIONS

Food, Beverage, Alcohol restrictions
No outside food or drink is permitted, except for water bottles. This event has many outside food vendors as well as our Courtyard Café and Cantina. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Are bags allowed in? What size?
We do not allow cooler bags inside this event. Inside the museum normal bag policies apply.

Pets and service animals
Only Service Animals will be allowed and must be leashed or tethered accordingly. Comfort animals not permitted.

Firearms and weapons
No weapons, any time, inside or outside permitted.

Smoking policy
Not permitted in the Museum, nor within 20 feet of the front entrance. Only allowed in designated smoking areas.

Prohibited Items
Illegal Drugs or Substances, Skateboards, Segways, Scooter, Rollerblades, bicycles, Hoverboards, and helmets. No coolers, ice chests, or pointed-Tip Umbrellas, Patrons without Shoes or Shirt.

Drone restrictions
It is illegal to fly a drone during this event. https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-arizona/

About the Contest

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.

Contest Rules

Rules have been developed with input from the Hoop staff and Advisors to the program.

If you have any questions email us at: hoopdance@heard.org.

Heard Museum – 2025 World Champion Hoop Dance Contest Official Rules

Previous Year’s Winner List

2024 Josiah Enriquez

2023 Scott Sixkiller Sinquah

2022 Sampson Sixkiller Sinquah

2021 Tony Duncan

2020 Scott Sixkiller Sinquah

2019 Cody Boettner

2018 Nakotah LaRance

2017 Tyrese Jensen

2016 Nakotah LaRance

2015 Nakotah LaRance

2014 Derrick Davis

2013 Derrick Davis

2012 Dallas Arcand

2011 Tony Duncan

2010 Derrick Davis

2009 Brian Hammill

2008 Charles Denny

2007 Dallas Arcand

2006 Dallas Arcand

2005 Alex Wells

2004 Daniel Tramper

2003 Lisa Odjig

2002 Alex Wells

2001 Alex Wells

2000 Lisa Odjig

1999 Vincent Davis

1998 Derrick Davis

1997 Derrick Davis

1996 Derrick Davis

1995 Quentin Pipestem

1994 Derrick Davis

1993 Quentin Pipestem

1992 Quentin Pipestem

1991 Eddie Swimmer

Questions?

Have general event questions? Email us at: hoopdance@heard.org

Interested in being a food/drink vendor: hoop.vendors@heard.org

Our Sponsors are the best! For more info: hoop.sponsors@heard.org

Our sponsors

Major Sponsors

Susan Orr, in Memory of her husband William and son Tyler
Youth & Teen Division Sponsors

Jay Kahn Memorial Fund

Richard O. Kern Fund
Sponsor
Supporters
Media Partners
Youth & Family Programming at the Heard is made possible by

Tohono O’odham Nation

A group of native americans are dancing in front of a crowd.

Hoop Competitors

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history at the Heard Museum’s World Championship Hoop Dance Contest! Showcase your skills and passion alongside contestants from diverse tribal backgrounds, all vying for the prestigious title of World Champion and a share of the $25,000 cash prize. Register now to participate and immerse yourself in a celebration of indigenous culture, complete with delicious food, and family activities. Click the button below to secure your spot and join us in honoring the profound history and artistry of hoop dancing!

Registration Open

2023 World Champion Hoop Contest Highlights

Tony Duncan (San Carlos Apache, Arikara Hidasta Mandan)
More than 30 Youth Hoop Dancers competed in the 2023 contest.
Each day, the contest begins with the Grand Entry for all contestants.

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