MORE ABOUT HOOP DANCING

• The history of Indigenous hoop dancing is dynamic, with many different origin stories spanning across various Native nations. Today, it is a popular storytelling dance at powwows in the United States and Canada. Indigenous people from all nations and tribes can participate in this unique dance style.
• Hoop dancing is an individual dance that can be performed by anyone, regardless of gender or age. The hoops are moved around the whole body, using hands, arms, legs, and feet.
• Each dancer brings their own style, artistry, and cultural traditions to their dance. More advanced dancers can have up to 40 or more hoops going at one time. Just like in other sports, dancers need to practice often to grow their skills and keep them sharp.
• Traditionally, hoops were made from willow branches. Now it’s common to use plastic tubing. Colored electrical tape is used to decorate them. Some use the tape to mark the four directions: north, south, east, and west. However, there are many variations, depending on the dancer.
• Every year, the Heard Museum in Arizona hosts the World Championship Hoop Dance event. Dancers are grouped according to their age and judged in five areas: precision, timing and rhythm, showmanship, creativity, and speed. Prize money is given in every age group, and one dancer from each age group is given the title World Champion.
• If you can, try to attend a public powwow. The sights and sounds are an experience like no other.