What Hooping Means to Me

Those humbling moments put the whirling
universe into perspective. I realize my own
 smallness in comparison to the vastness
of the circle.

I imagine the hoop as a window or a door used to jump, roll, skip, and duck into new worlds of motion and grace. Like a cosmic juggler, I whirl reality across my body, tumbling in and out of the sacred circle. Inside the hoop mind, gesture, and possibility are swirled together until they’re impossible to separate. I launch my intentions into the air, and then catch them with a spin as the hoop zooms back down to earth. I watch my friends through the hoop’s window, making a neighborhood near the place I stand.

Through the hoop I’ve discovered new worlds within myself, traveled to new places, and befriended a tribe of dancing astronauts. However, like any form of cosmic travel, hooping is risky. I am often challenged to anticipate the hoop’s current or frustrated by my inability to enjoy the moment. Some days, prepared to step into bliss, I trip over my own feet. Like a window looking out into night, my hoop goes dark. The door becomes a mirror and my reflection blots out the sky. Some days my hoop clatters into walls, shattering my aspirations of greatness and grace. Those humbling moments put the whirling universe into perspective. I realize my own smallness in comparison to the vastness of the circle. Instead of being discouraged by the realization, I find myself oddly comforted. I am a dust mote spiraling outward. I am a seed of posibility. Gazing out into the vastness beyond me, I glimpse a reflection of the dancer, mother, and teacher I become on my very best of days. I pick up my hoop and the journey begins again.

Begin your hoop journey this fall at SFCC!

More Than Just A Pretty Dance

"Just go to Youtube and search for hoop dance."

As the unofficial 'hoop girl' of my small Midwestern town, I make this suggestion at least once a week. Folks often respond with wonder, disbelief, or confusion upon learning that a grown woman spends hours each week dancing inside a plastic circle.

For folks who haven't seen hoop dance, folks who don't have a reference point, it must seem ridiculous. Do they imagine I stand for hours just spinning the hoop up around my waist? Do they translate hoop dancer into stripper in the round? Do they imagine feathered Native American hoop dancers telling stories with dozens of tiny hoops?  It's hard to know in a short time.

Therefore, if I don't have a hoop on hand to demonstrate, I send folks to Youtube.

Later I wonder what videos they found. Is Shakti Sunfire's performance at O Dance studio in Boulder still the first search result? (I checked, it's farther down the list now.) Will they stumble across some gal rocking a bikini and fishnets and instantly doubt my promise that hooping is for everybody and every body? Will their digitized glimpse reveal the transformative magic, the healing, and the joy that hooping creates? Or will they see just another pretty dance? 

In the video collection below you'll find hoop dance videos that delve a little deeper. They explore the process, the practice, the philosophy, and the sublime magic of hoop dance. Though the skill and grace of these hoopers is mind-boggling in its own right, these videos also reveal a bit of the emotion behind the motion. 

Love the Process - Sandra Safire 

It's a Practice - Jaguar Mary 

Eye of the Storm - Brecken 

This is my Flow - Tiana at Hoop Path 7 

Sacred Hoop - Hoop Alchemy 

Hoop Journeys Launch at SFCC

Hoop Dance classes have arrived in Sedalia, Missouri!

Hoop dance is a form of creative movement and exercise inspired by yoga, modern dance, and circus shenanigans. In Hoop Journeys you’lll earn basic movements that will take you from beginner to joyous dancer in a few short weeks.

For experienced hoop dancers, Hoop Journeys will add unique tricks, transitions, and flair to your dance.

No previous hooping experience needed! Just bring your smile.

Hoops are provided for use during class or you can purchase your own handmade hoop to practice at home. Please note that these hoops are heavier and larger than the kid’s hoops available at most stores. So do not be discouraged if you’ve never kept a hoop spinning before. With the right hoop and some instruction, you will soon be spinning your way to happiness and fitness.

You'll learn weaves, passes, and other off-body moves
that create dazzling geometric patterns in the air.

Hoop dance

• Strengthens the core
• Provides a low impact cardio workout
• Improves coordination
• Increases flexibility
• Calms the mind
• Builds Confidence
• Is an invitation to play

Enroll in Hoop Journeys today through State Fair Community College’s Lifelong Learning Program

Here are the details for filling out the enrollment form:

Instructor: Heather Hughes

Course Name: Hoop Journeys

Price: $39 (for 4 2-hour sessions + 2 short classes held independently at Liberty Park at the beginning and end of each 4-week session)

CRN                       Time                      Day                        Start Date            Location

1664                       6:45-8:45p          Monday               9/9                         F255

1665                       6:45-8:45p          Monday               10/7                      F255

1666                       6:45-8:45p          Monday               11/4                        F255