What are Hoop Journeys?

Learn new ways to move on your hoop journey

About Hoop Journeys

Hoop Journeys are explorations of the art and ninja tom-foolery of hoop dance.

Heather Hughes launched Hoop Journeys in the summer of 2012 as a series of hooping workshops held at the Dresden Community Center. This fall, Hoop Journeys will find a new home in State Fair Community College's Lifelong Learning program. The first of three sessions launches September 9th, 2013. Each session is four weeks long and consists of a 2-hour immersion class every Monday from 6:45-8:45 pm. The longer sessions allow time for warm-up, practicing foundational hoop movements, learning new tricks, exploring technique, meditation, and playing ridiculous games.

Each session is accessible to new hoopers. However, more experienced hoopers will also benefit from extra practice, exploring techniques, and playing with the unique variations layered over simpler movements.

You can find more information and enroll in Hoop Journeys through SFCC here.

 About Heather Hughes

(pssst....that's me, so I'll write in 1st person)

Hello! I'm Heather Hughes, a mother, graduate student, avid hooper, and lifelong resident of rural Missouri. I love books, beads, hoola hoops, and wildflowers.

Hooping Background:

I believe hoop dance invites hoopers to
create and embody their stories through
movement rather than words.

I first discovered hoop dance at a concert in the summer of 2007. There I met marvelously costumed women moving and dancing inside seemingly magical hoops. Upon returning home I learned I began researching hoop dance online.. I gave my first home made hoop a spin on my birthday, December 19th, 2007. I dropped it. I picked it back up. I dropped it again...over and over again. Some time that week I experienced my first glimpse of hoop bliss spinning in circles to Bob Dylan.

Since then, I've performed across Missouri with Incendio Fire Performers, taught hoop dance to children in schools and after-school programs, launched a local hooping club, taught an advanced workshop in Columbia, MO, taught private hooping lessons, and taught Hoop Journeys in Sedalia. 

Educational Background:

In December I wrapped up a degree in Education and spent a semester substituting teaching in the Sedalia-area. I'm currently working on a Master's Degree in English as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Central Missouri where I teach Composition.

I believe that my background in the traditional, academic classroom continually informs how I teach hoop dance. I strive to adapt my teaching methods to my student's learning styles and skill level. I am dedicated to the belief that anyone can learn new things--regardless if it's new ways to write or new ways to move. As an English major and book-lover, I recognize the power of story. I respect the stories everyone brings to their hoop journey. My story imagines the hoop as a symbolic Circle with the power to transform and heal.