Lisa Lottie

1. Tell us your roots - where were you born and raised?

I was born in the Netherlands and I moved to the UK in my teens. I spent many many years in London and now I live in Melbourne, Australia.

2. Why hooping? How did the journey begin?

I was at a loss for anything to do in my life when a hula hoop literally rolled into my lap. I ran away and joined a circus (for real!) soon after that.

3. What has the hoop taught you about life?

That no matter what, if you are willing to put the time in you can learn anything.

4. What's next? How is your hoop life evolving?

I'm currently getting used to the pandemic still! i've been teaching classes on ZOOM and am creating new work from home so that when we are allowed to go outside again i am ready to get back on stage!

5. What aspect of the hoop community do you value the most and what do you hope to contribute to the future of hooping?

The focus on sharing skills in the hoop community is awe-inspiring. I absolutely LOVE how much hooping has evolved over the years and how we can now easily name 5 subcategories in what has always been viewed as a 'simple' discipline inside the circus industry. I hope to continue sharing my knowledge in the years to come!

6. What are some fun facts about you?

• I am a passionate animal lover and spend my free time fostering pets for my local animal shelter
• I ran away and joined the circus at 21 years old. I got contracted to join a traditional circus in India to replace an exotic animal act after new laws banned the use of lions and tigers in circus.
• I've shared music festival line up's with Beyonce and the Rolling Stones
• I can absolutely not - under any circumstances - ride a unicycle
• I have performed in more than 40 countries and airports give me a weird sense of home and comfort
• I teach hula hoops to circus artists from around the world, both at circus schools, workshop retreats and now also on ZOOM.