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A Native American dancer performs a hoop dance.https://vimeo.com/918510715?share=copy

Signature Event

World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

February 15 - 16, 2025 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Heard Museum Campus

Parking Map

Artboard

GA entry is 8:30 a.m. Members entry access is 8:15 a.m.

CONGRATULATIONS 2024 HOOP DANCE CHAMPIONS!

Youth

1st Anjalee Andrews

2nd Naiche Duncan

3rd Isaiah George

Teen

1st Mateo Ulibarri

2nd Jerry Hunt

3rd Jerrhan First Charger

Adult

1st Josiah Enriquez

2nd Talon Ree Duncan

3rd Tony Duncan

4th Scott Sixkiller Sinquah

5th Beany John

6th Sky Duncan

Senior

1st Moontee Sinquah

2nd Terry Goedel

3rd Bartley Harris

A young man in a native outfit holding a plaque.

Welcome to the 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.

Enjoy delicious food & drinks from local vendors and the Heard Museum’s award-winning restaurant. Engage in hoop-themed family activities, explore offerings from community partners, and shop official merchandise from the Official Hoop Dance Merch Booth. For those unable to attend in person, our streaming partner Gila River Broadcasting presents a livestream of the event hosted on this page, ensuring that the spirit of the contest reaches far and wide. 

The 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, committing over 30 years of live coverage; to Arena Director Eric Manuelito, 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)

Museum Parking

Let us help you find alternative parking options with our Parking Map and ensure a stress-free arrival at the museum for an unforgettable experience.

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 rain 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.

ADA Information

There is designated ADA parking in the north parking lot. There are two areas inside the event for Elder and ADA seating. In addition, there will be special seat cushions available first come, first served at Books & More.

 

What time will the Museum open during Hoop?
Museum hours are Sat 9a-5p, and Sun 9a-4p.

The Courtyard Café hours are 11a-4p.

The Coffee Cantina hours are 8:30a-4p.

Museum Shop hours are 10a-4p.

Books & More will be open at 9a-4p.

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 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 – 2024 World Champion Hoop Dance Contest Official Rules

Previous Year’s Winner List

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 supporters

    The A P S logo.
    Susan Orr, in Memory of her husband William and son Tyler

  • Youth & Teen Division Sponsors

    Jay Kahn Memorial Fund
    Richard O. Kern Fund

  • Sponsors

    Ted & Mary Jo Shen
    Mary Ellen McKee

  • Supporters

    Logo for Arizona Community Foundation.
    Renewal by anderson full service window and door replacement.
    Desert diamond casino west valley logo.
    Sanderson ford logo.

  • Media Partner

    A logo for gila river broadcasting corp.

  • Youth & Family Programming at the Heard is made possible by

    The A P S logo.
    The Molly Blank Fund logo.
    The Boeing Company
    The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation logo.
    The Steele Foundation logo.
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!

2023 World Champion Hoop Contest Highlights

  • A Native dancer with a hoop in front of a crowd.
    Tony Duncan (San Carlos Apache, Arikara Hidasta Mandan)
  • A youth hoop dancer jumping midair through a hoop during a performance.
    More than 30 Youth Hoop Dancers competed in the 2023 contest.
  • A group of Native Americans entering the hoop dance contest in front of a crowd.
    Each day, the contest begins with the Grand Entry for all contestants.

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