The World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, a cornerstone for cultural preservation spotlighting hoop dancing, returns to the Heard Museum in February.

The championship attracts more 100 dancers from diverse tribal backgrounds throughout the country who display their skills and carry on the traditions of hoop dance.

The 35th annual edition takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Heard, 2301 N. Central Ave., in Phoenix, on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15 and 16.

The Hoop Dance Contest is a culmination of dozens of community members who show up as dedicated staff, emcees, singers, families and supporters including arena emcee Dennis Bowen, who has committed more than 30 years of live coverage; arena director Eric Manuelito, who orchestrates the competition’s flow; and the Northern and Southern Drum Groups, The Cozad Singers and Thunder Boy Singers, who provide the heartbeat of the event.

Guests can enjoy food from local vendors and the Heard Museum’s restaurant. Opportunities to engage in hoop-themed family activities, explore offerings from community partners, and shop official merchandise from the Official Hoop Dance Merch Booth are also available.

A livestream of the event will be available online at Heard.org/Hoop.

The World Championship Hoop Dance Contest is made possible by support from APS, Susan Orr in memory of her husband William and son Tyler, the Jay Kahn Memorial Fund, the Richard O. Kern Fund, Desert Diamond Casino, the Arizona Community Foundation, the Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, the Molly Blank Fund and the Steele Foundation.

Tickets for a two-day package are $46.80 for adults; $39.60 for seniors (65+);$39.60 for military members with valid ID; $19.80 for university/college students with valid ID;$19.80 for children (6-17); free for all children 5 years and under; $19.80 for American Indian adults and children with Tribal ID or CIB; and $37.80 for Heard Museum members.

Visit Heard.org/Hoop.

The Heard Museum was founded in 1929.