The 19th Annual Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest at the Heard Museum was overflowing with people, culture, and energy from the contestants who have worked so hard to be at this major event. Contestants must have poise, athleticism, agility, extreme coordination, rhythm, and be excellent dancers. In the first photo, I was able to capture a relaxed moment of this handsome dancer who has a captivating smile. He just has that look. His jewelry, native designs and symbols, long dark braids, overall contentment, and in-control demeanor really stood out.
The second photo shows hoops stacked against a tree. The dancers use many hoops in their dances, from 1 to 50 hoops. Contestants use the hoops to create images of being a butterfly, riding a horse, and they make boxes and images of the world out of these magical hoops-- all while dancing to the drums and chants.
Contestants also have vibrant costumes with native bling. These were not the outfits I used to see at Indian Festivals when I was growing up in rural Arizona.The outfits today are captivating and really complement the hoop dances being performed at the festival. Hoop dancing has truly evolved and it is great to see so many young men and women competing.
If you want to see some excellent modern interpretations of native fashion, check out Virgil Ortiz, who is a truly creative native designer from Cochiti Pueblo. click here for a video of Virgil Ortiz's fusion of native and modern fashions at last year's Scottsdale Fashion Week
I was able to attend Scottsdale Fashion Week at the Waterfront last year and actually saw Virgil Ortiz's debut of native fashion and it was awesome. I especially liked the native violinist model who you can see in the video. Ortiz's use of feathers, blindfolds, and masks on his models is a very unique way to highlight his designs. The men's jean designs were very cool. Dancing and fashion ties right into the Hoop Dancers.The third photo shows one of the dancers performing for the audience and judges. You can see one of the poses made during a hoop dance. Next year I will have to try to make a video and upload it onto my website so you can really feel and see a hoop dance.
11 comments:
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to experience something many of us would never have access to. These are wonderful photos.
beau festival, costume magnifique.
nice festival, great costume
I love them, I'm so glad you posted some more!
Glad you have shown us some hoop close-up so we could see the details. Amazing outfits too. The photos are just great!
As to your question, some say portuguese knew Columbus was wrong because they have previously made the same mistake but is was kept top secret. Although there are some documents at the Rio de Janeiro Lybrary that 'may' confirm it, this is still very controvertial...
Clicking on the link to the Virgil Ortiz fashion show video is a real eye-opener, and well worth the time to check it out. Outstanding.
Beautiful people!!
Great photos from a fabulous event.
Very handsome man and fantastic costumes!
I'd love to have some native American clothes and bling. I already have several pieces (clothes, bags, accessories) from various Philippine tribes and Asian countries. Still don't have anything from Northern countries. I should remedy that soon ;)
Wow. Nice photo of the man and the rest are nice as well. This was an interesting post. I liked it from the start.
Brookville Daily Photo
Another amazing costume. I'm loving these photographs. You love colour - first Chihuly and then this. Me too!
You captured some great images to share and thanks for your informative text as well.
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