World Championship Hoop Dance Contest set to start March 26 in Phoenix

PHOENIX — The World Championship Hoop Dance Contest at the Heard Museum in Downtown Phoenix is set for Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27.

American Indian and Canadian First Nation hoop dancers will compete for the world title and cash prizes, according to a press release.

Hoop dancing is an art form that honors Indigenous traditions in the U.S. and Canada. It has roots in healing ceremonies and practices. Participants develop their own choreography with four to 50 hoops which are used to creates shapes of animals and other designs.

Competitors will be judged on precision, timing and rhythm, showmanship, creativity and speed, according to the release.

There are five divisions including Tiny Tots, Youth, Teen, Adult and Senior.

The winner of each division will be crowned world champion and received a $25,000 prize.

The festivities return to being in person at the museum after they were held virtually in 2021.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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