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Self-Training Ain’t Easy: How To Coach Yourself

a Guide by Hoopologie Ambassador, multidisciplinary movement artist, theatre maker, and live art Performer Symoné (@symoneforever)

Symoné is a queer multidisciplinary movement artist, theatre maker, and live art performer from Washington DC based in the U.K.  Her movement practice is an integration of various skills; roller skates (both high heel and artistic skates) fused with my multiple hula hooping, pole dancing, and voguing. She has worked internationally in 10 different countries,  toured with pop-star OMI in his hit song, ‘Hula Hoop’ (precision remix), performed in London’s West End with award-winning cabaret company La Soirée at Aldwych Theatre and at The Palace Theatre with celebrity magician Chris Cox. 

Symoné is an ambassador with Hoopologie, holds a Guinness World Record and always has something new up her sleeve to create sensation.

Self-Training Ain’t Easy

I have found that teaching myself to advance my skills is a very specific way of thinking that only solidifies itself with practice. Self-training is a skill I’ve learned takes a lot of trial and error, discipline, and self-awareness. I have a huge interest in learning on my own, it’s like an exciting puzzle to me, while I occasionally attend workshops, classes, and Google ‘how tos’, the majority of the time I have a passion to figure it out solo. If you find your training and upskilling is stagnant or you’re interested in getting inspired by some new methods of training, I have written this for you!

Plan Your Session
This is where you ask yourself, what do I want to achieve? Is there anything in your current regime holding you back from your goals? Consider both the short term (i.e. one specific session) and long term goals. Consistency in our goals is important to get ourselves closer to them. This is obvious, but it’s important to be self-aware when we’re getting distracted away from goals or when we give up halfway. How can you keep yourself on track?
Our minds work better towards deadlines, so give yourself a couple of goals you can achieve by a specific time. In addition, I would suggest giving a reason for this goal, a certain type of deadline pressure can help you. Consider how you can set goals and how you can achieve them, knowing that hard work and patience is essential.

Set & Setting
Make wherever you’re training a place you know you will feel motivated and focused. Consider music, public vs private spaces, lighting, temperature, etc. Consider the impact of a public park on sunny Summer’s day that is very vibrantly popular vs. a solo studio with mirrors, speakers and temperature control.  Wherever you decide to train, consider a place that excites you, you have the space and tools to support you, and a place you can get the work done.

Be Your Own Coach
Being your own coach takes practice, it requires a certain amount of self-assurance, honesty and self-discipline. You have to learn the balance between two voices, one that is loving and mindful of your well-being and a strict voice. Here’s what might help: Imagine someone in your life or a fictional character that motivated others or themselves to be the best that they can be. What traits does that person have that can inspire you? Imagine those moments of wanting to give up and giving it 3 extra pushes. You will have to find the best techniques to coach yourself in these hard moments, whether it be mantras or affirmations or motivational music that keeps you going.

Overall, what makes your discipline special is that it’s probably self-empowering, so to have the ability to teach yourself is a real skill. It can take years to find out how to do this (it definitely did for me). I think priority in my opinion is to be safe when learning high skilled goals, just like any training session safety for a student is really important in the eyes of a coach, so research and be mindful of your body when you push yourself. You will find your own unique balance for being a coach based on your personality, for me I am 40% self-care and 60% strict, but that’s purely because of my personality, and that alters based on the discipline. So, depending on your goals, your familiarity and knowledge of a skill or prop, ask yourself how you need to coach yourself, what do you need to grow?

Training
When I say training, I don’t mean aimlessly moving to music until you run out of time or steam (unless the aim is to move aimlessly!), in my definition here training has an intention. When you know what you want to achieve, you can determine effective training methods to help you get closer. How do you like to learn?

First, break down what your goal requires, throughout the training this may alter. You will find that you might need to learn more or less than you expected, regardless it’s important you create a training regime that is effective. Consider your favourite classes and workshops in the past and how that specific teacher laid out the lesson, what worked for you and what did not? Consider what your goals are and what you need to reach this, again this requires you to be very honest with yourself.

Keeping Focused
Remember it’s always about staying motivated and excited about your goals, so it’s important to take away what will be distracting to you. Being both physically and mentally in the room (or location) you are training in is important, if your head is elsewhere or you’re emotionally not feeling balanced this can make it difficult to focus. That’s okay, because progress is not a straight line.

Remember it’s always about staying motivated and excited about your goals, so it’s important to take away what will be distracting to you. Being both physically and mentally in the room (or location) you are training in is important, if your head is elsewhere or you’re emotionally not feeling balanced this can make it difficult to focus. That’s okay, because progress is not a straight line.

Consider not going online/social media during your sessions. Use timers and use music that will keep yourself pumped! Being present and focusing your mind and body into the session will help you get the most out of it.

Goal Setting & Keeping on Track in Sessions
You want to look back and know how far you’ve come! Top tip for this, take photos and videos, or keep a journal and write after each session, talk about what drills you did, what went well, what didn’t, and what you could do to progress. Personally, I love writing about how I feel in a training journal, “I’ve been working on x for months and I finally got it today!”. It reminds me what I was actually thinking and feeling that day, sometimes footage can’t capture these important milestones. Keeping some documentation of when you did something awesome will remind you of that time you went through hard times, you might need that reminder!

Goal Setting & Progressing
Just remember; progression is not a straight line, okay? Your own self awareness will help you to understand your own balance of being patient and pushing your boundaries. Overall, I always suggest that resting/time off away from training is equally as important as the training itself. By that I mean that over training does exist and affects you both emotionally and physically. 

End on a Good Note
If your prop drops or you fall, get up and do something silly. You want to feel good after a session so you’re excited to keep progressing, so be sure to do something that makes you feel successful at the end. 

Extra Thoughts

Trickery: I like to play with trickery when I set goals. Sometimes this means doing something I’ve convinced myself isn’t achievable and sometimes this means starting on the lesser trained side and doing it twice. Implementing playfulness is something that I find supports me into tricking myself that I’m just having fun and it’s not hard work. Set & setting can influence trickery as well, for example jamming with friends or setting a nice playful or relaxing environment can feel like your session will be relaxing and playful rather than an intense workout, but yet it is progressive.

Use your breath: Relaxation during those complex tricks or skills (i.e. advance flexibility) will help you really ease into it and push into your end range. Breath is also really great to play with when freestyling or in choreography as well.

Follow the rules: Technique isn’t easy but it’s worth getting things right so you can be lazy. By that, I mean some advanced tricks require a lot from your body, say strength or flexibility, it’s important you train safely and don’t rush learning. Once you feel comfortable you can really play around with it!

Break the rules: Following the rules is important for strength training and conditioning, but I think in terms of tricks, flow and styles, breaking the rules can make your movements more personal. Feel free to challenge anything I’ve written, it might work better for you.

Bonus: 3 Exercises to help with flow and choreography

Take ten minutes maximum to choreograph and memorize a sequence (5 minutes to create 5 minute to repeat and memorize). Put on different songs and repeat the same choreography and counts created, practice changing style, groove, additional physical flairs, and character.

Put on a playlist and freestyle with and without your prop. The goal is to dance with your eyes. By this I mean, don’t let the prop do all of the work, use your face and your gaze in your performance.

Pick a trick or a pose. Find 5 new ways to enter and 5 new ways to exit out of this move. This will help vary your transitions and help you stop repeating sequences too much.

Stay In Touch!

I’m really interested to hear how people upskill and create. Self-training is a very important part of my practice and I’m always excited to get inspired by others. I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to connect or drop me a line. 

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July 28, 2021 by
Hooping for Health
Hooping For Health

Hooping for Back Pain

Have you ever found yourself sitting in front of the computer or on your phone for hours on end, and then later realize that you don’t remember the last time you actually got up and walked around. When was the last time you went to the bathroom or drank water?!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor am I any kind of professional in the medical field. You know your body better than anyone. If you’re experiencing abnormal aches and pain, you may want to check with your doctor before trying anything new. With that out of the way, let’s continue.

Before we can get into how hooping can potentially help with back pain, we first need to understand one of the main reasons why we have back pain in the first place.

Many of us spend over 6 hours or more sitting down every single day, and a expanding rear end isn’t the only thing that is happening. Sitting can have both short and long term effects on your body and health, making this seemingly overlooked activity highly detrimental.

This infographic by Washington Post breaks down some of the most unsettling side effects of sitting down all day.

What goes wrong in our bodies when we park ourselves for nearly eight hours per day? A chain of problems from head to toe.


“If you don’t use it, you lose it!”

By sitting all day, your muscles loosens and weakens throughout your body. Without strong legs and glutes, our lower body becomes unable to holds us up when sitting down or keep us stable when walking or doing other activities, putting us at risk of injury.

Another obvious yet often ignored consequence of sitting for long hours is poor circulation. Poor circulation can cause blood pool in the legs and feet, which can lead to varicose veins, swollen ankles, or even dangerous blood cots!

The longer you sit and maintain bad posture, the more likely you are to experience chronic pain in areas such as your neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs. According to a National Health Statistics Report by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over 50% of American adults have some type of musculoskeletal pain-disorder-pain in the lower back, sciatica, neck, joints, as well as other related conditions – while 20.3% reported having lower back pain.

Anybody can (and should) reduce the effects of their sedentary lifestyles by simply getting up and moving more. So there’s no need to don’t quit your desk job, stop watching moves, or going on long car rides.

The best way to offset the side effects of sitting at a desk for hours is to really maintain a constant stream of activity throughout the day, everyday. You can do this by taking regular breaks and going for out for a quick walk or…..grab a hula hoop and waist hoop to two or three of your favorite tunes!

How does hula hooping help with back pain?

Hula hooping is a low impact exercise, so just about anybody can do this. When you’re hooping around the waist, you are literally moving your entire body, increasing your circulation and flexibility, and strengthening your core muscles. All of these things make for a great remedy for back pain, an increase in energy, weight loss, and overall healthy body.

All you have to do is to get yourself a nice big beginner hula hoop that is approximately half the size of your body or bigger and start hooping. You don’t need a big studio or lots of space to hula hoop. Try hooping by your desk at work, in your living room or bedroom, but of course there’s also outside. If you don’t know how to hula hoop, check out some beginner hoop tutorial here.

Of course, it also helps to stay fit by finding ways to increase your daily physical activity. It may take some getting used to, but if it can prevent you from suffering any sitting-related health issues, then it’s certainly worth the effort.

Buy one beginner hoop and get a FREE gift!
Offer ends on Mother’s Day May 12th.

SHOP NOW

May 5, 2019 by
Community, fresh and new, Hooping and life wisdom, Millennial

Hooping as a Millennial

Amber Lane balances her hoop in front of the Iconic Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado.

Amber Lane balances her hoop in front of the Flatirons in Boulder, CO.

Hi, I’m a Millennial. There, I said it. I’m glad we got that out of the way, because despite this culturally persecuted aspect of who I am, I am also a hooper. But what exactly does it mean to be a hooper ostensibly lost in the pool of often confused and downtrodden millennials? It means I have a home to turn to when I find myself feeling overwhelmed. When I’m craving connection. When I’m craving a sense of security – something that effectively escapes me frequently throughout the day when I begin thinking about the mountain of student debt weighing down on me. My hoop is always there to hug me while dancing away my worries, and having this as a tool has proven life-altering while trying to navigate these tempestuous gen-y waters.

We, as millennials, are facing countless struggles largely unheard of in previous generations. We are well on our way to becoming the most educated, yet most underpaid generation in history. On average, we are making about 10% less than the median wages reported in 2000 – and that was almost twenty years ago – which means that when inflation is taken into consideration, is absolutely abysmal. This wage gap, however, is not only reflected among college attendees. Many who didn’t attend college are experiencing an even greater wage adversity because of the decline in the various jobs they tend to take on like manufacturing, etc… While these financial and economic woes are significant, it is just as critical to recognize that gen-y is struggling with the highest levels of clinical depression, anxiety, and stress than any other generation did at the same age. On top of it all, we are in the midst of a shifting, volatile political atmosphere, and are continually criticized, gaslighted, and attacked by many people in older generations who claim we are lazy, entitled, self-absorbed… the list goes on. All of these factors, when combined, invariably lead to the identity crises many of us are experiencing.

So how do we deal when these realities come crashing down around us? We hoop, of course! Yet it is also important to keep in mind that many of us are not just hoopers – we are yogis, we meditate, we are music lovers and adventurers, we are teachers, we are travelers, and we have a thirst for knowledge. All of these activities and qualities have something tremendously important in common, though – community. The hoop community itself is especially incredible, and I have witnessed so many amazing things being a part of it over the last seven years. The sense of connection and acceptance that comes from being a part of this circle (pun intended ;), is unique and magical. We create instantaneous, loving connections with people from all walks of life, all over the world, simply because we all adore these small plastic circles. How entirely peculiar and enchanting? We lift each other up, offer our knowledge, and provide a space to truly let go of any misconceptions about who we think we are and should be, allowing us to ultimately be our truest selves. For within the unique flow of dancing with a hoop, we are able to experience a truly raw, authentic part ourselves that many of us never knew existed before we found hooping.

Hooping provides such a beautiful way to fill our cups and therapeutically address many emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual challenges and limitations both as an individual and as a society. Whether it assists with depression, weight loss, confidence, connection, etc…, our hoop is an amazing healing tool, and when we use it with this intention it has the ability to create focus and passion in our lives, extending far beyond the surface of simple play. It hones our reflexes and ability to find solutions, which are vital qualities in these tumultuous times. We have also continued to alter the inherent desire for wealth from one rooted in the material to one in the experiential, and while that is not exclusive to the spin community, there is definitely a correlation between the two. We continuously find ways to shift the paradigm we are living in as a generation, and being a part of a community such as hooping or spinning multiplies the motivation and inspiration we experience on a daily basis, thereby increasing our ability to create a better world to live in.

Navigating our place in the world as millennials can certainly be challenging given the backlash we experience from other generations while trying to thrive and carve a new path for society to walk. We have an advantage, however, when we surround ourselves with communities that inspire us to be our best selves. Underestimating the value of connection and its essential role in a prosperous society has proven a key reason we are experiencing such a turbulent era, but with this realization, we regain the power to re-connect with our fellow humans and show the world what it means to be compassionate and understanding. The equity we can create when we enter this mindset of connectedness is unparalleled. Hooping should not be taken for granted, no matter how far we may stray from it at various points in our lives. Even if we may wander from the physical practice at times, our tool belt remains more stocked because of it, which invariably betters the actual practice of being our best selves in everyday life. Remember your newfound tools, friends, and use them. This community is always here to support us when we need it.

 

May 17, 2017 by
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

January 31, 2017 by
Ambassadors, Hooping and life wisdom, Hooping flow, Kate Ryan

Creating a Healthy Support System: For Hoopers and Entrepreneurs

Hey Hoopers and Hoop Performers!

Having a healthy support group in your life can make all the difference in your performance, brand and business.

However, allowing yourself to feel the love (all the love) from your community, friends and family can have it’s difficulties, especially if you’re out there trying to save the world entirely on your own!

As entrepreneurs we can get SO caught up in our own work and become so driven to “be something” rather then “do something”. Surrounding yourself with real people, who share the same values as you makes all the difference on your work ethic, overall happiness AND self confidence (which is HUGE if you’re anything like me, and sometimes lock yourself away behind the computer).

Feeling underappreciated in your most personal work can take its toll; it can cause anxiety, depression and focus all the wrong efforts on a lack of self confidence.

And not talking about it… will cause a nasty riffle effect. Sometimes, we feel lonely. That’s a thing. Having a proper support system can make a world of difference, so here’s some tips, tricks and “doings” for creating a healthy support system, getting out of the house and meeting all the right people to take your hoop goals and business to the next level!

 

1. Find Your Tribe

Reaching out the community around you will be a powerful tool for sharing new ideas, coaching one another and building each other to be stronger men and women. Surrounding yourself with other hoopers, entrepreneurs, flow artists and dreamers will build your self confidence and help you feel like more of a “WE” then “I”. Rather then thinking “what can I do?”, consider thinking “what can WE accomplish!” After all, we are an awesome group on unique hoopers who want ALL the hoop love for EVERYONE!

If you are unable to find your tribe, consider creating your own by hosting social gatherings, connecting with artists over the internet and chatting with the people you look up to!

2. Share Mutual Goals – Collaborate

Collaborating with like minded artists can bring new life to your work, create excitement in a boring routine and is a much healthier alternative then competition in your community. That being said, competition CAN be healthy (check out Community vs. Competition here!) We all have our individual ways to accomplish our goals and create new work, so why not share that with your friends and supporters. They say two heads is better than one, how about two hoops!

 

Invite hoopers over for training/ play dates, here you can share new trick ideas and choreography with each other.

If you’re the kind of hooper and entrepreneur who loves to pump our online content consider inviting a friend over for a productivity powwow (Thanks Safire – who’s seated beside me as I write this), it will motivate, encourage and bring a new set of eyes to the table.

3. Do VS. Non Doing

What a POWER move this is! Have you ever heard someone say “do the thing!”, it’s the best advice I can give you.

The act of doing can bring you outside your comfort zone and connect you with new and exciting people. You can spend all the time you want thinking up new ideas, and playing around behind the scenes, but unless you share and do the thing you really want to – no one will know it exists.

Simple acts like; LEAVING the house can introduce you to new opportunities.

Hoopers often ask me “how do you do it?”, and the answer is simple, it is the act of actually physically getting up and DOING the thing, whatever and however crazy it may seem! The only difference is the doing and the non-doing. Give yourself daily tasks to work towards a bigger goal.

Examples:

Today I will share my goals with someone I trust and collect feedback.

Today I will join a hoop jam and share ideas with other hoopers and entrepreneurs.

Today I will accomplish a mini goal that will be the foundations to a larger goal (Rome wasn’t built in a day!).

4.  Check Yourself – and others too

You know what’s best for yourself and your profession, so do what you feel is the best thing to do. As much as I don’t want to say it and admit this, be careful WHO you partner with. Some partnerships might not be the best for you and your brand, consider what values you have and put yourself first. It’s okay to protect your art.

When approaching or being approached by supportive roles, meditate on the relationship. Is this someone you want your brand to be associate with? Does this FEEL right? Do I connect with this person and/or group?

More often than not, relationships, sponsorship’s and partnerships can look much “shinier” than they actually are. We grow excited over potential opportunities and maybe find ourselves distract by the reality of the situation. That’s OK, it happens, to almost everyone.  If you’ re able to distinguish and, if needed, defuse the situation in a positive way (i.e – before you’ve committed, contracted and established the partnership) you’ll save yourself from potential fall outs, disagreements and disappointment.

You can do this by sharing an open conversation with the parties involved, ask yourselves; What do we hope to gain from this relationship? How can we support each other? Do we share the same values?

Don’t be afraid to leave the relationship either, over time our values may change and the partnership can take a hit. If you are no longer feeling secure in the relationship it might be time to talk with the parties involved about moving in a new direction – that be separating or reevaluating the partnership. This can be a difficult conversation to have, think logically about why you may be leaving the relationship and try your best to keep the split amicable.

It will make a world of difference when you feel supported by, and support the right kind of people. When the time comes you’ll know you’ve found your perfect fit!

Love and all the best,
Kate

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Do you have any great tips and tricks that have inspired you to support yourself with a healthy support system?? Share you stories below!

In the past twelve months I have made a conscious effort to surround myself with supportive and successful people. Mostly women! It has made the world of difference. I made a change in sponsors and became an ambassador for the most amazing family-run company. I reached out to many great mentors and friends who share the same values as I regarding social circus for social injustice. These actions have assisted in my overall happiness, drive and self confidence. I am inspired by the people I surround myself with!

That’s a choice anyone of us has the power to make and will change their lives for the best!

December 2, 2016 by
essential oils, fresh and new

Hooping & Essential Oils

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Of the many things in life we have found a great passion for, there are two we’ve discovered that go very well together: Hooping and Essential Oils.
The interplay of these two beneficial practices create a myriad of benefits physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. While some of you may have a greater understanding of and experience with using essential oils, others of you may be more in touch with just your hoop. We’re here to help you become more connected with both and thereby enhance your daily practices.

  • EOs and Hooping are known to support the body’s healthy functions. Essential oils are the perfect wellness supplement since they are created purely from nature. Unlike nutritional supplements, essential oils work on a chemical level, which gives them the ability to support cellular structure and function- the very building blocks of our beings. Practicing with your hoop provides a means to strengthen your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well being.

 

  • Both EOs and hooping focus on the “individual” Individuals who are new to the concept of incorporating essential oils into daily living are often surprised by the vast number of choices available for supporting specific wellness goals. This variety allows us to experiment and explore, not only with which essential oils we best respond to, but we can also tweak how much, how often, and the method of application. When it comes to hooping practice, we can see how everyone may benefit or be drawn to a specific style, and as the journey evolves they settle into a flow that serves their individuality.

 

  • Both are tools. EOs and Hooping are tools to enhance the body’s capacity to support a healthy lifestyle and feel amazing in every facet of life.

 

  • Both can affect emotional well-being. Aromatherapy is a science on its own, using the olfactory system to connect with the body’s limbic system to pull us out of emotional potholes. Similarly, hooping practices can calm the central nervous system, energize and empower us, pull us away from negativity, and help us feel the potential of our own strength.

 

  • Both are a “practice.” We practice to understand ourselves and our surrounding world better, and to see where our efforts can be helpful and useful. We practice not only to learn how to be strong and healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, but also to go beyond and learn to be better human beings every day- to affect positive change and make our world a better place. As with very definition of the word practice, we must work at using these tools consistently so that we refine our abilities and evolve along the way.

 

If you are interested in learning more about DoTerra Essential Oils, please email us at [email protected]. We are currently looking for some leaders to help build our team.  If you are interested in signing up for a wholesale account (25% off Retail) please visit the Hoopologie Doterra Wellness Advocate Page.

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October 11, 2016 by
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

September 2, 2016 by
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.

May 25, 2016 by
Ambassadors, Hooping and life wisdom, Kate Ryan

HoopStar’s Code of Conduct Part Two

 

 

HoopStars Code of Conduct Part Two

For those of you just joining, this is part two of the HoopStar’s Code of Conduct written by Kate Ryan, Canadian Hoopologie Ambassador. Catch up with the introduction in part one here.

Hey Hoopers! Welcome back to the HoopStar’s Code of Conduct; Part Two. The HoopStar’s Code is a collection of ideologies, or the “How to Succeed without Really Trying” Chapter created from both personal and collective experiences in the industry I work in (performance art/ entertainment). It is the simplest way I could share the “quick fixes”, as to how one could succeed in finding their happy place.

It is what being a role model, and Ambassador means to me.

These are the lessons learned, ideas shared, and practices that myself, and many others have experienced in the wonderful world of HoopStars (all spinners and sinners included!).

So, lets get to it!

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HoopStar’s Code of Conduct

3. Perception & Perfection

Perception: “a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression”.

Perfection: “the condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects”.

                I always wanted to be a performer. Growing up I had dreams to succeed in dance and performance art (as well as a million other dreams, a fairly imaginative kid I was). I wanted to be recognised for the work that I could create. Performing in front of the mirror; I would sing and dance pretending I was on the television. I remember singing Disney songs to my mom when I was just 8 years old. I believed I was meant to be on stage, what a cliché. I loved to make people laugh, make them smile, and inspire them to move.

 

Watching videos of dancers, gymnasts, anyone who moved… moved me. I would whisper to myself “I want to be just like them, I want to be a dancer”.

These people had found themselves entirely in their own bodies of work and I too wanted to find myself in the things I was passionate. As I aged, I grew to compare myself to others and by doing so I was unknowingly taking away from my own potential.

The more we tell ourselves “I want be someone else”, the less of ourselves we will ever be.

Based on my lack of credentials I was convinced I would never make it as a professional dancer. Realisically I would never be good enough. Despite this three years ago I started training, fully under the impression that it was far too late to have a chance at a ‘career’. My lines would never be perfect, my toes would never point and no matter how hard I trained there was always someone who made it ‘look’ easier. Criticism aside, I did enjoy dancing and it made me happy. It was only my own perception that made me feel like it wasn’t enough.

I needed to believe I was a dancer, maybe a late bloomer but capable of excelling. So I would tell myself over and over again ‘YOU are enough’. And even if i didn’t believe it sometimes, I would keep on reminding myself.

 The change of heart can be found in how we view, practice and set our intentions of moving forward. 

Even with four years experience on the high beams I still was an awkward kid. Picked last in gym class, I had no rhythm. But I believed that I was graceful. It wasn’t until my vulnerable teenage years that I allowed others to sow seeds of doubt in me.

Today I percieve myself not as perfect but as able. I am able to be the woman who I had always dreamed of, and in this I feel confident enough to move forward.

I allow myself to Shape Me.

…and as my sister’s husband admitted to me last weekend “for a Ryan girl, you’ve actually got grace”. I think it is working.

 

Perception is an essential tool in creating your happiness.

There are days when you wake up and feel as if you will never be good enough. And then there are days, moments before you step on stage where you feel more in control than ever. You feel your body as your own best friend. Those are the days where you can feel at home in your heart.

That is the perception of self.

There are days when I grow to accept I will never be Julianne Hough, and days where I happily accept being me, Kate Ryan. There are days when I feel years behind, regretful that I had dropped out of gymnastics and damaged my potential. Then there are days when I feel for a moment I do embody some elegant ballerina, who studied and practiced for years. I look in the mirror and see myself as graceful and capable.

Perfection may be defined by the book as “the condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects”. However freedom is not a part of perfection. It is the exact opposite. You will never be free of your flaws or defects; these are the things that make us different. We wouldn’t want to free ourselves from the little things that make us unique.

 

I will never be perfect.

I will never be free of my knobbly knees, or wobbly toes.

And I wouldn’t want to be either.

When we let go of our expectations to be ‘perfect’ we allow ourselves to authentically BE.

I see myself as both a dancer and a clown. I embrace the body in which I am feeling into every day and every day is different.

If I chose to embrace the woman who I see myself as tomorrow, today, she lives right here and now.

It is a matter of perceiving ourselves as able beings, it is the moment we stop comparing ourselves to others and embrace who we are at the very core.

The moment I began to experiment with my potential (no matter who thought otherwise) was the moment I could truly breathe. It is a matter of accepting where we are in the moment, and potentially making a huge mess of it.

Make it messy, and have all the fun!!

You are capable of living to your fullest potential, and today that is more than enough.

April 5, 2016 by
Ambassadors, fresh and new, Hooping and life wisdom, Hooping flow, Hoopologie Team, Kate Ryan

Confessions of a Hoop-Star

The How to Succeed Without Really Trying Chapter.

Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Kate Ryan. I am a professional street performer, circus artist, corporate entertainer, festival shaker, and hoop maker, among many other quirks of the “oddball” trade. I am not much different then you. I have my hopes and dreams, and I aspire to be the best version of myself daily. Some days I fall short, some days I don’t. Some days I find myself in quite the pickle. Thankfully, there is an abundance of good-will and lucky charms in my life, as there is in yours. I am surrounded by beautiful people everyday, as are you. I listen to what the world around me is saying and try my best to be what we consider a “good person”. I have my shadows and my flaws. These are the things that make us unique. When I was 19 years old I visited my childhood dream of traveling the world. I left with a measly $800 and traveled two countries for 15 months. I had some help during my travels, in which I am forever grateful for. I studied traditional circus hoops and social circus overseas and returned home to Canada this summer to solidify my career as a Hoop-Star (like a Hoop-ster with more glitter and glitz). I am currently in the beginning stage of my North American tour, and this is my third tour funded and supported by the art in which I create.

It has been anything but easy.

This November I was named the first Canadian Ambassador of the respectable Hoop-Everything company, Hoopologie. In this moment I realized I had many unanswered questions about myself and my work. So I began asking what it really meant to be an Ambassador for this well-rounded (see what I did there!) community. I knew being named an Ambassador was more then just a title, so what was it?

“How did I get here?”

“What does it mean to represent a global network of Hoop-Stars?”

“What do I want to manifest out of this career?”

“What ideologies will I chose to represent and live by?”, and most importantly, “In what ways will I use my voice to contribute to the hoop community?”

I began to summarize a list of experiences I have lived through and set apart the good from the bad; what has worked and what has not? What have I learned that has brought me here today, and how will I pass this knowledge on?

***Sidenote; this is not only for Hoop-Stars, you can apply these lessons in any practice, any play, any way in life!

 

Below is a collection of two life lessons I experimented with during my global travels teaching and performing in the industry of circus. This is not the ONLY way to succeed in manifesting your dreams, however. Allow me to clarify- this is only a collection of ideologies that has worked for me and my work. This is a collection of guidelines I will embody to my very best. If it helps in any way then my part is done, and if not, then my part is still done. Take what you wish from these lessons and always… PLAY!

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Hoop-Stars Code of Conduct 

1. Community & Competition

Community: “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.”
Competition: “the activity or condition of competing: rivalry” 

 

 I was 6 months a hooper when I moved to Asia and performed my first ever solo piece. It was magical. I was praised for my talents and devotion to such a practice. I held my head high, and it was the first glimpse of a woman who could make something of her life. It was the first glimpse of personal potential and power. Up until this point I had lived my life with insecurities and self-destructive patterns. In this practice I was able to see myself from a different perspective, and before I knew it I  developed an ego greater than the secret love of James Franco (who am I kidding, that’s no secret). I figured that I was some kind of Hoop Goddess (and the only one there ever was), meditating and yoga-ing in this magic circle…. I put myself on my pedestal and frowned upon the so-called communities around me….

What I actually did was remove myself from like-minded individuals and artists entirely. 

This became apparent upon my travels to the land down under.

I brought with me an ego bigger the the Buddha’s belly himself.

Because I had done this, I held my head higher than ever before. I was on the other side of the world, chasing my dreams and making them my reality. I was interesting, and my ego was apparent in my work. I noticed that I had zero “flow friends”, and I struggled with admitting I had no real idea of what I was doing. To be vulnerable was to be weak, and my ego wasn’t about to let that happen.

It wasn’t until I met the humble and sophisticated (and really human) Deanne Love that I was quickly removed from this place.

If Deanne Love (of HoopLovers) would want to be my friend and supporter, who the hell was I on this lonely pedestal?

When I arrived in Australia I was greeted with open arms by best of the best in the Hoop world; my ego took a beating. It became apparent to me that this was my ego, my problem. I thought I was special- the very best their could be. I was definitely not the best, and today I don’t want to be the best. I want to be me. In meeting these inspiring individuals I realized that we ALL have a gift that deserves to be enjoyed by others.

This experience, the one in which I hoarded and ate all the cake to myself…. overly indulging in self-love…. created a not so humble, competitive version of me. I secretly spewed hate at anyone who was living and breathing the life I so desperately wanted. I ignored the magic that was my life.

I found myself constantly comparing me to them.

I initially robbed myself of learning and being inspired by these Hoop-Stars. I was intimidated by the Hoop-Stars around me- I saw them as competition.

 

Negative perception only harmed me as an individual performer and artist. Thankfully my ego was​​ eventually bruised and slightly broken. Without my ego driving in the front seat, I was able to see the hard work and devotion that each and every artist puts into their work. I began to appreciate the individual for their gifts and what we could co-create as a community together. I learned more from my community then I ever would have myself.

This will forever be a reminder and something that I am constantly working towards.
Just last month I was greeted in Canada by another like-minded artist. She had hopes and dreams very similar to my own. You would think this would make us stronger- two heads better then one. I spent a day or two feeling disrupted by this presence. To move through this feeling I had created for myself…..

I had to move forward WITH her….

I would not remove myself from her and her gifts. I would not challenge her or separate our levels of work. No, I would do the thing I was most scared of… I would include her as if she was the only friend I ever had. And shockingly I was comforted to be surrounded by such a woman. I extended my hand in support and gratitude, and received very much the same back. We were living very similar lives, had many things in common, and were able to share with each other the magic in our lives. We each learned something new and were grateful for our short time together.

If you choose to view your communities as competition you will very well live your life on a different level, your level. You will take away the thing in which you crave the most. Removing yourself from support, skill sharing, and the occasional partner butt hoop – which is one of the most bonding experiences I have ever had.
On that note, competition CAN be a healthy outlet in creative aspirations, but only when you include others in your sometimes dangerous, sometimes vulnerable, safety circle. Competition can challenge us to try new things and enlighten us to a feeling of endless possibilities.

Remember, you are the BEST version of yourself….and so is Jimmy, Timmy, and Kimmy…

We are in this together. 

Forever, Play.

 

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2. Inspiration & Limitations

Aligned with Community & Competition, we find Inspiration & Limitations….

When given the choice, choose to inspire….. 

 

There is a fine line between inspiring your peers and…. limiting them. Our ego plays a major role in differentiating these two polar opposites.

When we speak in the direction of our peers, is what we are saying a direct reflect of how we are truly feeling?

Is there an ulterior motive? 

Is “less for you, really more for me?”

 The moment you perceive yourself as “can do’s” and “can’t do’s”, the moment you compare yourself to another….is the moment you remove yourself from inspiring the world around you (and yourself).

Each and everyone of us has a gift in which we chose to share with the world. In some practices we will flourish, in others we will fall. Every one of us has our forte.

Remember this when a peer of yours surprises you in their quickly learned talents, remember that you do have a gift, the thing in which you where meant to do. Do not let another’s riches blind site you from your own. As well, do not allow your ego to rob them of their moment.

Success is Support.

I recently had a client whom asked me to not work in the ways I was working. The client was hurt that I had made the choice to move forward without their approval and support. After many heated discussion and child like arguments we both came to the simple conclusion that this… sucked.

I was left with the feeling of being stuck. And, I started with the feeling of being stuck. I had made a full circle going nowhere. Stuck in an absolute rut. I wanted to grow and move forward, I felt inspired by my own potential and future until this “more for you, is less for me” conversation was brought to light. I had experienced disappointment from one of my close peers and business partners, and they had experienced the same from me.

Here’s the thing, more for me is NOT less for you. Less for me is NOT more for you.

I believe this fall out could have been easily avoided. Had we both been a bit more, supportive…..

The reality of this, not everyone will like your work and how you manage yourself. Not everyone will agree with you. Not everyone will inspire you. Some will make you feel trapped and territorial. Having felt both sides of the spectrum here, I can openly admit that both sides…. suck.

 

I have limited my fellow performers in the ways that they work. Asking them to disregard bookings because of my own personal beliefs (i.e mainly free bookings that irk something deep within me). And yet, when I first started most of my gigs were free.

How else was I suppose to gain experience?

This is a very contradicting story I know. I have asked of them to sacrifice opportunity because I was feeling selfish and territorial. And I have been asked to sacrifice opportunity because of entitlement.

Understand that as we all breathe the same air and oxygen into our lungs, we will not use our breath in the same ways.

When you find yourself in these moments, inspire. Not matter the cost on your entitlement our ego. Inspire your community.

Ask yourself is what I am saying/ acting upon inspirational? Is this a worthy lesson I am practicing?

When we breathe and live in Inspiration we are gifted an abundance of possibilities. When we breathe and live in Limitations, there is no gift, no honor, there is nothing.

Remember the time when you were limited by yourself. Do not wish this on others.
Remember the time this practice felt impossible?

Stay humble in your journey, and you will see many similarities in your communities, you will receive the direct support you need to grow as one, and as a whole.

Remember the very first steps….

 

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Thanks for reading the HoopStars Code of Conduct for the month of December!

For easy reading I have saved the remaining bits and pieces for next month’s newsletter!

Here’s a hint to what the Code will cover!

3. Perception & Perfection
4. Force & Flow

Enjoy!

May all you dreams come true!

December 14, 2015 by