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“The Intangible Rewards of Flow Arts Through the Eyes of a Street Performer”

By Hillia Hula

“I must be out of mind,” I tell myself as I stand above a crowd on a three-foot podium while confused onlookers surround me below. “What is she doing?” I hear an intrigued voice in the distance say. “She’s right,” I think to myself. “What am I doing?” Every inch of my body wants to step down and bag the whole idea. The small group of onlookers have quickly grown into a large, curious crowd. I’ve put myself on the chopping block now and there’s no going back. Taking a deep breath in, I know I have no choice but to continue. The show must go on.

Year after year, I take to the streets to perform my multi-hoop act in the most random of places and yet I can never seem to escape the flood of fears and doubts that come along with it. “Will I look desperate? Will I be told to leave? Will they laugh? Isn’t it easier to just stick to the stage?” All these doubts should be enough to change my mind and send me running for my life in the other direction. Yet one simple question has always had the power to change my mind at the last minute and dissolve my insecurities: “Why shouldn’t I share my art and passion in public?” This question seems to hold such weight in virtue that all prior doubts seem petty. 

Connection

Flowing in public creates a space for spontaneous connection to flourish. For a brief moment in time, strangers of all ages and backgrounds, who would otherwise have passed each other on the street, come together. They witness and experience something otherworldly in a seemingly ordinary space. After the show, individuals from the audience speak with each other and with me. Connections are made, some of which last for years. They share their stories, ask questions, and tell me how the show personally affected them. This is where I get to learn just how much of an impact a street show can create. Consider this story:

Once I was performing on what appeared to be a deserted beach boardwalk. Only one elderly man watched in the distance as he leaned against the boardwalk with a scowl on his face. In my mind I already jumped to conclusions, assuming he disapproved of my show. Afterwards, I received not so much as a single clap or cheer. As he approached me, I felt a sense of dread. “You know what?” he said in a serious voice, “That was just wonderful!” His frown turned into a big cheeky grin. He began to tell me all about his granddaughter, an accomplished singer and how the show reminded me of her. Afterwards he thanked me and took a business card. A couple months later I received a call for a gig and I found out that this man had referred me!

Self-Expression

Flow in public spaces is liberating for the performer because it allows them to express their passion in a raw, authentic way. There is much more freedom on the street than on the stage. No one, not even the performer knows what to expect because no one was expecting a show in the first place. The performer can use each space as their own canvas. They can feed off of the audience’s spontaneous energy and use it to go further into a trance-like state of creative expression.

The Ripple Effect

I encourage you to express your art in public spaces. Each time you muster up the courage to do so, you produce a positive ripple effect in your community in ways that you cannot imagine. You may captivate a passerby with your flow and inspire them to take lessons. You may be the unexpected distraction that shifts someone’s anxious thoughts to pleasant ones. You make a statement to others that the expression of art does not have to be confined to a stage or a high price tag. Most importantly, you transform an ordinary space into a magical one. Will street performing be the most terrifying thing you ever do? Possibly, likely, but will it be one of the most rewarding risks you take? I encourage you to experience it for yourself.

Dance Scarab Hoops
Hoop Sizing, Hooping flow, Uncategorized

Dance Hoops Sizing

Hoop sizing can be one of the most challenging aspects of the hoop world for beginner hoopers (and sometimes even experienced hoopers!) to navigate. Given all the possible different sizes, types of tubing, and types of hoops, it is understandable that choosing a hoop can be intimidating as you begin hooping and eventually progress with your style and skill set. So where do you start?

As a beginner hooper it is very important to remember that one size does NOT fit all. However, one factor everyone should keep in mind is the necessity for a hoop that is large enough to learn the basics with, such as waist hooping. Because most of us are adults and not children, we tend to need much larger and heavier hoops than you will find at most toy stores. When the 

modern hoop phenomenon began, most hoopers were using very large hoops to enjoy on body hooping with, ranging from 38” to upwards of even 60” in diameter (some even larger!). These hoops are extremely enjoyable to use at any point in your hoop journey, but they are especially great for beginners because they move around the body at a much slower pace, and therefore make it easier to hoop with in general.

If a larger hoop is the kind you want to start out with, you should also consider your body size. Smaller hoopers can more easily hoop with smaller hoops- a 38” is a great general starting size! Curvier hoopers may want to try larger hoops up to 50” depending on body size again (I am fairly curvy and do just fine with a 38”). Another good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that a hoop that is very large will be much better than one that ends up being too small that you can’t use. PE hoops, in general, are made in these larger sizes and are wonderful for beginners and advanced hoopers alike who love on body hooping.

Keeping in mind the aforementioned rule that one size does not fit all, some beginner hoopers may choose to start off with a smaller hoop made of HDPE or even polypro. When I first started hooping I didn’t know where to find a hoop to use, so I just got one of the small, water filled hoops from a toy store. However, those are a pain in more ways than one, so if you do want to start with a smaller hoop we do recommend purchasing a nice hoop from a reputable hoop maker! Another great way to figure out the size and type of hoop you want is to try your friends’ hoops or attend a local hoop jam where there will be dozens of hoops to try!

As you progress with your hooping you may find yourself wanting to downsize- or not! It is important to not ever feel pressured to use a certain sized hoop just because many people are. Use what feels good for YOU and your body. My favorite hoop is still a 38” polypro, which is huge compared to the hoops most modern, advanced hoopers use. Another thing to keep in mind is that you can keep hoops of all different sizes around for different types of play, or for what you may feel in the mood for on a certain day.

If you do feel the desire to start downsizing, going by 2” in diameter at a time is a good rule of thumb. So for example, if you started with a 38”, your next hoop could be 36”, and so on. Experimenting with 3/4” and 5/8” tubing is also something you can do. Many people in the community tend to like 5/8” more since it is smaller and weighs less, but 3/4” tubing is still wonderful as well (I always prefer 3/4″!). Many people like to downsize to much smaller hoops for the off body hooping style that has becomes so popular.

Along with downsizing, as you progress you may find yourself wanting to experiment with different types of hooping such as using doubles, minis, or multiples: 3, 4, 5 hoops or more! Again, experimenting to see what sizes you like for these styles is very important. Minis can range anywhere from about 16” to 24”, and doubles and multiples can range anywhere from about 25” to 38”. It varies depending on what you want to do with your hoops. Larger hoops will be good for multi-hooping on-body, while smaller hoops will be easier to control for off body manipulation.

Amber Lane of Lucid Hooping at the Spin Summit 2014

In conclusion, hoop sizing is a huge topic for discussion. Large hoops are wonderful for beginning with if that is your main concern, but as you advance, keep in mind that every hooper has their own style and preferences. Experimentation is key to finding that perfect fit for YOU, whether it is a tiny 27” hoop, or a much larger 40” hoop. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you have regarding sizing! We are always happy to help!

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HOOPOLOGIE – SHOP SMALL BUSINESS

Hoopologie is proud to team up with the following Hoop Shops to support the “Shop Small” Movement!


Synergy FlowArts

https://www.synergyflowarts.com/

– Free shipping on all Quick Wicks
– 25% off Ready-made firehoops with code:RMFIREHOOP
– 10% off all firehoops with code:  HOLIBLAZE
Codes expire Dec 10th.

– Ships internationally


FESTIVAL TREASURES

SHOP LINK: festivaltreasures.etsy.com

Our Black Friday sale is bigger than ever this year. Here’s how:
~ 30% OFF EVERYTHING in the shop
~ SURPRISE gift cards ($10, $15, $25, $50, & $100) in first 15 orders! Run, don’t walk!
~ Multiple tiers to earn FREE MYSTERY HOOPS!
~ Treat bags filled with handmade goodies with every order!
Black Friday Weekend starts 11/23 MIDNIGHT EST. Ends 11/26.
We’re celebrating CYBER MONDAY as well with 15% OFF & FREE SHIPPING! (domestic only)
We ship worldwide!


Hoopers Accents

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HoopersAccents

– FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING on all items in the store!
– Sponsorship codes are 25% off, starting on Thanksgiving, and running for the whole weekend through Cyber Monday (November 22-26)!!
– After the exclusive Black Friday sale, we will be offering 20% off using a sponsorship code, along with FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING, through Christmas.


Circle Hoops

CircleHoops.etsy.com

– 10% off & free shipping in the USA on all Ready to Ship hoop
– 25% off regular priced hoops in the shop
– 30% off orders of $100 or more
(no coupon needed)
– Hoop Like No One is Watching t-shirt/crop tops – $25
or
– $20 with the order of a hoop coupon code HOOPLOVE
– $1 raffle for a custom reflective polypro hoop.
You pick the size! Includes clear protection tape.
SALE starts Monday 11/19-11/26 – We ship internationally
Current turnaround time is 1-8 business days ️


Hoop Junky

www.TheHoopJunky.com

– Sponsee codes will be worth 30% off!
– All readymades will be 50% off and include free U.S. Shipping.
– Spend $75 (after discount) and get a mystery bare hoop.
– Spend $100 (after discount) and choose between a mystery bare hoop, mystery taped hoop, or mystery mini doubles.
– Spend $150 (after discount) and choose between a mystery bare hoop, mystery taped hoop, mystery mini doubles, mystery reflective hoop, or Kevlar Sleeves (any style).
– Spend $250 (after discount) and choose 2 of anything listed above!
*Mystery: You pick the tubing size and diameter, we pick the colors!
*Shipping fees do not count towards “spending” amount.
We offer international shipping (please contact for quote).
– Sale runs from Friday 11/23 at 12 AM (EST) to Monday 11/26 at midnight.


Hoop Mamas

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HoopMamas

– LISTING LINK (TO ADD FREE GIFT TO SHOPPING CART)! > www.etsy.com/listing/114407205 
– PROMO DATES >11/11 through 12/12 (Our Christmas order deadline date)
(*Choices are 1/2″ PE Hoops or Minis in 3 sizes and 4 color choices)
Black Fri Sale – 25% OFF with CodeBLKFRI2018
Small Business Saturday Sale –
1) Free Shipping on All Orders (No Code – Listings will all be set to ship Free)
AND
2) 15% off with Code SMALLBIZLOVE15
Cyber Monday Sale – $10 OFF with CODE CYBMON10OFF
**’FREE GIFT HOOP’ With Every Order!** 


Serenity Hoops

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/SerenityHoops

– What sets us apart: The “Serenity Connection” featuring our exclusive “EZClip” push button (say goodbye to sore thumbs) and “Ghostrivet” (the invisible thumbscrew rivet).  The cleanest, simplest connection for hoops anywhere.
– We also feature custom tape jobs with a virtually limitless tape supply and 9 years of experience making hoops that ensures a top quality product with every hoop.  We make a better whirled, one hoop at a time!
– Reduced prices on our components throughout November and December.
Components ship internationally.  Hoops are mainly focused on the local and Canadian market.


AHoopScience

www.etsy.com/shop/ahoopscience

Holiday Sale:
11/18-11/22 :Free Domestic Shipping
11/23-11/26 :20% OFF all items (no code necessary)

•Ships both domestic and international.


Mystic Hoops

www.facebook.com/mystichoopsmx

Holiday Sale:
El Buen Fin (November 16-19) Exclusive discounts in selected items, including LED hoops
November 27-30 Ready to ship hoops with HUGE discounts
December 1-16 Different options of hoop packs with guaranteed delivery before Christmas
All December long – Payment in 3 months with no interest through PayPal with a minimum order of $115 USD

Shipping: Mexico and Central – South America


Lunar Landings

LunarLandings.etsy.com

Holiday Deals:
– Enjoy 25% off this Holiday Season with any sponsored hooper’s coupon code. Search #LLSpaceCadets to find one!
– All orders receive free eco-friendly soy candle samples.
Thank you for shopping with us. We’re honored to make your hula hoops and soy candles!


Dance Hoops

DanceHoops.etsy.com

We are your one-stop shop for beginner hoops, trick off-body hoops, convertible buugeng minis and fairy wing fans.
Black Friday pre-sale: 11/19-11/22 15% off colored tubing
Black Friday 11/23: 20% off STOREWIDE
Small Biz Saturday 11/24: FREE 24″-38″ PP/HDPE on orders over $30
Sunday Funday: 11/25: 2 Free 16-20″ PP/HDPE minis on orders over $30
Cyber Monday 11/26: 25% OFF Any 2 Hoops
Giving Tuesday 11/27: 15% OFF + We will donate a hoop to Toys for Tots for every order we receive!

We ship worldwide with affordable Canadian shipping fees. Please message us if you have any questions about sizing or holiday shipping.


Cosmic Vibrations

www.shopcosmicvibrations.com

Pre sale — 11/13-11/21
🔹 25% off store wide with code HOOPITUP / free wand with $50 purchase / free mystery hoop with $100 purchase
Thursday/Friday — 11/22-11/23
🔹 30% off store wide with code BLACKFRIYAY / $20 mystery taped hoops / free gift with every order
Saturday/Sunday — 11/24-11/25
🔹 Free domestic shipping with code FREESHIPUS / 25% off for international customers with code COSMIC25
Cyber week — 11/26-12-1
🔹 25% off storewide with code CYBERWEEK / free wand $50 purchase / free mystery hoop $100 purchase – free gift + wax
Plus check our Snapchat for extra deals – @cosmickittyz


MissHoopsALot

www.MissHoopsALot.com

MissHoopsALot.etsy.com

Come shop the largest selection of colored hoops anywhere- over 170 colors to choose from!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday (11/23- 11/26):
All colored polypro and HDPE hoops- $16
All taped polypro and HDPE hoops- $25
All Reflective and Color Morph Reflective hoops- 25% off!

Enjoy an additional 10% off your entire order with a sponsee discount code- search #squirrelspinsquad on Instagram or Facebook to find one!

We ship worldwide!


SHELLED HOOPS

shelledhoops.com

Spend over $50 –  Free magnet AND Sticker
Spend over $100- Free natural colored poly/hdpe, magnet, and sticker
Spend over $200- Free colored polypro, natural polypro, magnet, and sticker
Spend over $300  Free taped hula hoop, colored poly, natural poly, magnet, and sticker
Spend over $400  Free kids/budget led hoop, taped hoop, colored poly, natural poly, magnet and sticker
Spend over $500  Free LED hoops (and all of the above)

We ship all over!! (Shipping charges don’t towards the tiered prizes)


Radiant Life Hoops

https://www.radiantlifehoops.com/shop

– Offering a free bar of handmade soap with every hoop purchase.

– $5 off each hoop when ordering 2 or more!
Discount codes 2 – DOUBLE, 3 – TRIPLE, 4 – QUADS
-All breakdown travel hoops $10 off from Dec. 1
$15 Domestic shipping (Canada only)


Clouded Circles

www.etsy.com/shop/cloudedcircles

Clouded Circles will be holding sales throughout the end of the year! You can find Taped Hoops for 20%-40% off, Colored Hoops for 20%-30% off and even a few BOGO sales! Special Coupon Codes will be included in random orders for a some extra savings too!

Domestic shipping only


Sacred Flow Hoops

https://www.etsy.com/shop/sacredflowhoops

30% off storewide – Use code CYBER to save!

– Large selection of:
– Specialty taped performance hoops
– Bare polypro & HDPE hoops
– Reflective hoops
– Sectional hoops
– Ships internationally

SALE RUNS November 23-26!


HOOPSPIN – (UNITED KINGDOM AND THE EU)

http://hoopspin.co.uk/

-Polypro Hoops
-Golilocks Hoops
-Beginner Hoops
-Bulk Polypro Tubing
-Sectional Hoops


I Dream of Hoops

https://www.etsy.com/shop/iDreamOfhOOps

-25% off everything in our shop
-free shipping on orders over $50.

Ambassadors, Hooping and life wisdom, Hooping flow, Hoopologie Team, Kate Ryan, Uncategorized

Increasing Flexibility for Hoopers

Increasing Flexibility for Hoopers

 

Hey Hoopers and gonna’ be Bendy Babes (boys and girls!).

Do the words “I’m not flexible” or “I’ll never be flexible” ring a bell?

They do for me.

Despite what you’ve been told, or may have been telling yourself, being flexible is accessible to any one of us that wants to be flexible. The  misconception here is if you haven’t been training since you were four, you will never make any progress now. How wrong that is!

Here’s my story. I was nineteen years old when I started training dance hoops and contortion. I had no experiencing in flexibility training or any knowledge of how my body “flowed”. I started from ground zero. What worked for me was having this realization that my body was merely made of knots. Knots that I had been ignoring for nineteen years, and each knot represented a part of my past. The more I worked on untying these knots the happier I was and the more flexible I became (in both mind and body, yoga jazz).

 

Upon the realization that I was flexible, my body became flexible.

As long as I worked towards untying those knots my body would loosen and bend into it’s new mold, that be touching my toes, going for full splits, or deep back bending. It took twelve uncomfortable months and many breakthrough moments but eventually I did touch my toes and as more time passed I saw my body accomplishing what I once thought impossible for myself.

And that will happen for you!

Hooping has changed the way I look at my health and potential. It has improved my cardio and coordination, strength and flexibility and inspired me to be in the best shape of my life.

Every milestone we pass, is another knot untied.

In this article I’ll be sharing tips and tricks on increasing flexibility to pull off some of those tricky hoop combos and yoga poses you want to perform. I wish you all the best in your bendy journey, keep practicing and keep playing – progress will happen! Let me know if you have any tips I may have missed, feel free to share them with the community in the comments section below.

1. Brainstorm and Visualize

 Seeing is believing! Think of some of the kick ass flex poses that you want to work towards and visualize yourself doing them. It will create confidence in the poses. I’ve gone as far as to dreaming my way through the trouble shooting of balance and poise. You can doodle, draw or paint the poses you hope to one day accomplish. Having a picture to look at every day will keep you inspired.

 

Create a list for yourself of what you hope to accomplish in the new year.

The first yoga poses/asanas I chose were;

– Forearm Stand (foot hooping)

– Anything with a Back-bend!

– Dancers Pose

– Shoulder Stand to Tiger Pose (footing hooping and roll over)

My shoulder stand to tiger pose (foot hooping roll over) was something I had thought of doing for years but doubted I could. One night, after visualizing myself performing the roll over I was able to troubleshoot the dynamics and perform the trick.

Share your brainstorming with us in the comments section,

 2. Join a Yoga Class

Yoga is pretty much accessible wherever you go. Search for studios in your area and check out the local teachers. Practitioners of an advanced yoga background are usually more than happy to give you pointers on your journey.

When I first moved to Australia I couldn’t afford to take yoga classes as much as I wanted to, so I signed up for a “work trade” program. The work trade programs ask for you to clean the studio and work reception tasks in trade for yoga classes. This program is available all over the world but is not often advertised. You may have to ask around and check in with multiple studios before you find the right fit. This is an alternative way you can seek mentor-ship on a budget.

Having a regular practice and studio will motivate you to make use of the tools available for yourself.

3. Accept Growing Phase

When you first start working towards a deeper practice understand that almost everything will feel weird and new to your body. It’s not about looking pretty or getting there the fastest, take your time and enjoy the plausible falls and shakes.

When working towards an advanced goal, set mini goals.

For example,

“The next time I practice I will hold for X seconds”

“Today I will try X yoga pose/ asana”

Remind yourself of how far you have come. Taking progress pictures is a great way to keep up with your training.

 

 Take time and enjoy the knots you untie.

4. Bendy Friends and hoop

 

Having someone to stretch with will bring new energy into your practice and motivate you both to make progress in your training. Set play dates with your friends, gym dates, park dates, etc. It’s a great way to avoid repetitive practice.

You can challenge your friend and set goals together, or skill share your different experiences and specialties.

Acro Yoga is a great practice for improving your balance and coordination, join a class with your new best bendy friend and have fun!

 

Bring your hoop to stretch with you.

Flowing through the poses with and without a hoop will improve your balance and coordination. Try footing hooping through a series of yoga asanas or standing balance poses while knee hooping.

Not sure where to find like minded bendy babes? If you have a circus studio join one of the drop in classes and ask around. Look into yoga classes and workshop series featuring acro yoga, hooping, etc. Join local jams and put yourself out there! Don’t be afraid to ask for support when you need it.

5. Youtube

When in doubt, turn to the internet for never ending inspiration and videos (but don’t spend to much time “training” behind your screen). There is a never ending source of flexibility training videos on Youtube targeting the muscles groups you want. The internet is also a great place to find hooping tutorials to help break down some of the advances bendy poses you are going for.

Below I’ve link some of my favorite flexibility and training videos.

Contortion Warm Up

Front Splits with Andrew McQueen (my first trainer in Australia)
Visha Lu Calgary Contortionist

Otgo Waller

Hoop Yogini, Hoop Yoga

and this girl, just for fun..

6. Stretch everywhere

Short and sweet, where ever and when ever you can, stretch! Try stretching during your every day tasks, like brushing your teeth or when you’re in the shower (don’t fall, that’d be horrible). You can stretch while you’re waiting for the bus or cooking a meal. It’s great to keep your body warmed up and those five minutes will make a difference in your practice.

That’s all for now, keep at it! Bendy Babes!

Love, Kate

Uncategorized

25 Signs you are Hopelessly Addicted to Hooping

Lisa Looping having a blast with her hoops in Vienna, Austria.

Lisa Looping having a blast with her hoops in Vienna, Austria.

1. You always have hoops in your car.
2. The hoops in your car are worth more than your car.
3. You have dreams about hooping sequences.
4. You manipulate any object you can get your hands on.
5. You notice circles. You see them EVERYWHERE!
6. Your Instagram feed is like, hooping, only hooping. And you prefer it that way.
7. You live in a place with high ceilings.
8. You had hoops at your wedding, or you plan on hooping at your wedding. Of course.
9. You carry a hoop on your person everywhere you go.
10. You start to think there are only 2 kinds of people in the world. 1) Hoopers 2) Lame, boring people
11. A day goes by and you get depressed, because you did not get to hoop.
12. You own more funky leggings and stretchy flow clothes than formal clothes, or any other type of clothes for that matter.
13. You get a little star struck when you see your favorite teacher outside of class, but you keep it cool because you know that we are all human and all equal.
14. When your mind wanders, you think about tricks you are looking forward to mastering.
15. You are not ashamed to whip out your hoop at your office, parking lot or at the bus stop.
16. 30 day challenges mean very little to you. Don’t people hoop everyday anyways?
17. The only selfies you have on social media contain yourself and a hoop
18. Hooping is the last thing you think about when you fall asleep, and the first thing you think about when you wake up.
19. You post so many hooping videos, your non hooping friends stop following you.
20. You hoop wherever you go.
21. You believe hooping is the new sex, the new tantra. it’s so enlightening.
22. You hoop on vacation. you take pictures of you hooping in exotic places. You’ve hooped on a mountaintop or in front of a waterfall.
23. You are Hoop smug. You have no idea why your friends are not hooping because it is the best thing in the world. What’s wrong with them??
24. You think hooping cures everything. I mean it does, right?
25. you use hashtags like #hoopeverydamnday

We hope you enjoyed the 25 signs you are hopelessly addicted to hooping, we know there are some we missed so let us know in the comments below what we should add!

-The Hoopologie Team

Hooping and life wisdom, Hooping flow, Hoopologie Team, Kate Ryan, Uncategorized

Creating a Character, for Hoopers and Hoop Performers

unnamed (1)Hey Hoopers and Hoop Performers!

Recently I’ve been asked by hoopers for advice on creating and performing a successful hoop show. I think it’s great so many of us hoopers are this enthusiastic to share our hoop love with the world. So I’ve created a list of suggestions on the topic of becoming a hoop performer.

The most valued influence on my shows is to first create a relate-able character that an audience will enjoy.

Why create a character? For one, it’s fun to play dress up and play pretend! I’ve found that creating a character to experiment with inspires creativity when building the show, it also allows me to “think outside of the box” and step outside of my comfort zone. The characters we create breath new life into our hoop flow, and personally I’ve found new confidence in myself with these characters.

Below are some of my suggestions on the topic of “Creating a Hoop Character”.

1. Find your Character

From performing your act, to selling your shows, one thing that will set you apart is the character you play. This is your chance to embody an alter persona of your own. An important tool to creating confidence in your character, is committing to them (don’t worry, there is no limit to the number of characters you may play!), you may also name your character, play dress up, and experiment with angles of your characters personality. That being said, there is nothing more confusing than a show that doesn’t know its niche. If you’re silly, BE silly. If you’re full of emotion, BE that emotion. Whatever it is, commit.

This representation is often a version of ourselves we want to share, born from a story we’ve always wanted to tell. Over time you will get to know your character and who they are as the individual parts of yourself, what makes them tick, what makes them happy. These are important foundations to being comfortable on stage. Know yourself and all the different parts of you will follow.

For example take my inspirations: Lisa Lotti – Circus and Multi Hooper, Rachel Lust – Breaks Master and Ninja Warrior, and SaFire – Teacher and Role model. These hoopers found their niches and played upon them. Find yours, and run with it!

2. Know your Crowd

Performing the right character for the right crowd can make or break your show. Take into consideration the crowds you will be performing for and ask yourself “Where is my medium ground?”

A number of my own shows have been lost in translation because I performed an ill-judged character for an audience that didn’t understand her. It surprised me that some of the most difficult tricks I know, were not the best performed for certain crowds. For example, a children’s character requires color, comedy, and a shining personality (but not the world’s most difficult hoop tricks), while a corporate booking may require more artsy skill than bubbly personality.

Last but not least, really get to know your crowd. I have two exercises I perform with, the first I pick out two or three people and continue to acknowledge them throughout the show. The second, make eye contact!

3. Play 

Performers and artists alike, play is an essential learning tool in bringing new life to your work. Young children’s play allows children to explore, identify, take risks and create meaning. The very same applies to us as grown up’s, and thank goodness! Almost all of my bits and characters (bits being the fun comical banter you may hear during a show) have been discovered through “play dates” with my circus friends.

Playing creates a moment for our authentic characters to speak, on top of that it’s fun and at the end of the day your “job” as a hoop performer SHOULD be FUN!

 I have a story I’d love to share. It is about a comedy character that I perform, her name is “Kate the Lifeguard”. My lifeguard character is only a year old, and she has MC’d two circus festivals, performed at numerous festivals as a roving character and inspired thousands of people to PLAY. She is the essence of “being yourself, not giving a damn, and having a good time”. I discovered her completely by accident. It was on the third day of rain at a music festival when I decided I was going to have a good time, I was done with the rain, raining on my parade, I was going to play. I threw on this costume pictured below, and picked up a floaty toy, and swam in a mud puddle for six hours.

 Alas, “Kate the Lifeguard” was born. This character is so much more than a funny bit I do, she is the happiest parts of myself, she is the fun part of my job, she keeps me grounded in a world so focused on what our successes “look like”. She is muddy, dirty, and authentically me.

Be amazed by parts of yourself that you will discover through the simple act of being silly. If you aren’t sure where to start, tell silly jokes, dress up fabulously, do something entirely out of your comfort zone (grocery shopping in a princess dress?), make people laugh, and have fun with your art! Before you know it you’ll have a fun new character to share in your act!

It’s yours to create!

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Remember, none of these character you create have to be over the top! A character could simply be yourself, and that is more than enough to put on an awesome hoop show! These are only my suggestions from personal experience.

Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments section on my webpage (www.kateryan.ca). Do you have any exercises you love to use when writing a new character? Suggestions for other hoop performers?

Kate Ryan

Ambassadors, Hooping flow, Meditative Hooping, Uncategorized

7 Reasons to Hoop this Summer

Ninja Hoops

Ninja Hoops Zach & Marria styling out their Ninja form on a beautiful Summer day in Boulder, Colorado.

1. You meet new friends

Hooping is an amazing way to meet new friends. You’ll be surprised how many other hoopers you can stumble upon around the city while going to different parks, especially during the summer! If you live in a more rural area, there is a high chance you can connect with hoopers near you through social media to arrange hooping meetups!

2. You get outside and improve quality of life

Being outside in nature is proven to naturally reduce stress and increase well-being, and that effect is amplified when you’re being physically active. Grab your hoops and head to a park or other grassy area and notice how your mood and demeanor improve!

3. You move your body and play with artistic expression, thereby enhancing your self-image

Moving, creating, and expressing are all amazing ways to get in touch with yourself. When all three are combined you become a powerhouse of artistic expression and significantly enhance your self-image, which has become a well-known benefit of hooping.

4. You might lose some weight and increase your metabolism

While many of us start hooping for fun, a wonderful added benefit is the ability hooping has to increase your physical health. Many hoopers lose weight unintentionally (or intentionally!), and if nothing else, you will most likely experience an increased metabolism and greater vitality.

5. You’ll be happier and relieve symptoms of depression

Hundreds of stories have surfaced from hoopers around the world sharing how hooping has helped them in extraordinary ways. Hooping can be a motivation to get outside and get moving when all else seems lack luster in life, or if you’re just feeling a little down. Movement naturally secretes endorphins and thereby causes us to feel better, so when hooping is done on a regular basis, there is a high chance you will start to feel happier overall and even begin to relieve symptoms of depression if present.

6. You’ll practice mindfulness and reduce stress

Meditation and mindfulness practices have been a proven catalyst for huge reductions in overall stress in life. Many people have found hooping to be a meditative practice because of the melodic repetition and focus it provides.

7. You can discover new music

Hooping provides a wonderful opportunity to discover new music. Put a radio station on Pandora or Spotify from a song or artist you love, and the floodgates of new, amazing music will open!

Danielle Odette spins her one-of-a-kind prop, called a SQUIDGE, in Boulder, Colorado.