World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

Early FebruaryThe World Championship Hoop Dance Contest annually draws dancers from around North America to compete in the traditional art of Native-American intertribal hoop dance. Individual performers may use as few as four to as many as 50 hoops, manipulating them to create such designs as globes or butterflies. Each dancer incorporates aspects of his or her distinctive culture into the dance, with emphasis on grace, speed, and athleticism.
The event takes place on the first weekend in February at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Ariz. Over the course of the two-day event, dancers compete in five age divisions, ranging from under five to 40-plus. They vary in experience from near-beginner to top champions. The contest has been held every year since 1991. Its sponsor, the Heard Museum, specializes in Native American arts and artifacts.
CONTACTS:
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-252-8848
www.heard.org