This is my first time giving some Gypsy Hoop Tips, and I thought it would be fitting to write about firsts, Like the first time you hula hoop. My Students and Audience often ask , when did you start hooping?
Hoop Gypsy- OUR FIRST TIME
Carla and I both started hula hooping in the summer of 2010, right before Bliss Fest. We were at Camp Michigania and our friend DINO was making hula hoops to vend at the festival. He tossed us the first ones done to try. We both laughed, claiming "I don't think I have done this in years!" and "I cant do this...."
Then. We Hooped.
And it was Glorious. That rush of confidence, reassurance, pride. As that hoop circled around my body over and over again, it eased the pain from my hoopless past, all those failed attempts of my childhood were replaced by this new sensation. I WAS HOOPING! and I was so surprised by and proud of myself, my body, I was set free by discovering my own personal rhythmic movement.
after attending a festival with my best friend and our hoops, I was forever changed. I saw the Joys of hoop dance,and upon my return to the Detroit area, I began attending open practiced held by the DFG (Detroit fire guild). Learning all I could. I have been forever changed by the excitement and joys of Hoop Gypsy Circus life, and all because I picked up a hoop and started moving to the rhythm of a brand new beat!
Your First time,
Your first time hooping as an adult can be daunting. All of a sudden, that talented young hula hoop Gypsy Star, has handed you a huge hoop with a smile, and put you on the spot, in front of friends and family, you think, "I cant do this, This is going to be embarrassing!"
REMAIN CALM!
Thankfully you follow this Blog, so you will know exactly what to do. *** Be sure to be using a specialty made ADULT Sized hoop. The plastic cheap ones made for children are garbage, and will only lead to frustration and disappointment and land fill waste.
STEP ONE- Confidence. it truly can make that hoop go 'round. First you must believe in yourself, and approach hula hooping with a positive, 'can do' or 'at least i'm trying' attitude.
STEP TWO- Step into your hoop. and SMILE!Assume the proper hoop stance; feet shoulder width apart, Knees slightly bent, Abs activated, Bellybutton to spine to support the back, Spine aligned, shoulder rolled back, Head up and SMILE!
Holding the hoop by your waist, press the hoop against the small of your back, and allow the "Big Space" to be in front.
STEP THREE_ (***THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP!) A LEVEL LAUNCH is critical for beginner hoopers. In my classes, I normally have everyone "wind up" three time before we "blast off" together.
If you send your hoop around your body on an angle, it will wobble and be difficult to keep up. But with a nice level launch, and a proper hoop stance, you should be in good shape.
So Give it a Whirl! Have no Hoop fear, and the next time you are put on the spot and asked to Hoop, Gladly accept and show them what is up! If at first you do not succeed, pick that hoop up and try again, and again and again.
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| MY very First Hoop and Festival Hooping Experience, Bliss Fest, 2010 , Michigan |
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| Carla's Very First Festival Hooping experience, Hooping at Bliss fest, Michigan, 2010 |
