Many times within our growing community, we have experienced things which we have used to help us sense our differences... different "move" languaging, different opinions on the nature and value of performance, sensuality, fitness and much, much more. There has been jealousy, competetiveness and all the petty dramas within and between communities of various affiliations.

I had a very clear sense of clarity as we walked together in the opening circle that we are all "cut from the same cloth". We all share a profound and meaningful purpose of spreading joy to humanity through the hoop. We are all one big family! Of course every family has it's challenges as it matures. This weekend stood out for me as a turning point in our growth -- clearly we have reached a time where we want to share with open hearts, evolve and let go of anything which no longer serves.

Hooping is more than a sport or a hobby... it has clearly created a very discernable lifestyle. This gathering had a community of people from all walks of life who came together to celebrate being alive, having miraculous bodies, being happy, releasing fear and pain and embracing love -- all through hooping. There was an underlying interest using the hoop for personal transformation -- becoming healthier, happier, more whole, more connected. It was clear to me that existing and emerging hoop leaders are all healers... facilitating an almost alchemical transmutation of the body and thoughts through movement. We all have our different modalities and languaging, but we all fundamentally are delivering an experience of connection. I loved this deep and sustained focus on what makes us the same. I believe what we focus on grows, and clearly this weekend has birthed quantum levels of inspiration and connection in all of us which we will each share with so many more!

This hooping lifestyle also seems to have developed new trends in hoops, a distinct "look" and new edges.

The hoops themselves are changing in this artform... the newest hoops on the scene were smaller, lighter and faster than anything most people used before. Indeed, they seem to be exponentially shrinking! My small light "Zip" hoops sold out at the event to facilitate all the doubles classes happening -- teaching the art of twinning. Shakti's pairs of 20 inch hoops also sold out as well. I myself bought a pair from her and couldn't put them down.

There was also clearly a hooping lifestyle "look". Many wore tribal earrings, flowing wide-legged pants, handmade tops and feathered accessories, hair extensions, leather hip packs. Jasmine's Hoop Clothes provided an anchor for those seeking "the look", as did other collectible yummies from the marketplace, like Annieland jumpsuits and playful rompers. There was also clearly a hooping lifestyle "look". Many wore tribal earrings, flowing wide-legged pants, handmade tops and feathered accessories and leather hip packs. Jasmine's Hoop Clothes provided an anchor for those seeking "the look", as did other collectible yummies from the marketplace, like Annieland jumpsuits and playful rompers. Firegroove's hair extensions were eagerly collected by many women who instantly transformed themselves into long-haired goddesses and Anah's colorful dreds disappeared off her table fast and could be seen adorning the heads of many as they strolled down paths towards classes and jams. I loved seeing how hoopers have modified and changed typical designs and made them unique, showing new seams, sewing styles and color combinations. The creativity in adornment was very beautiful and really brought out a feeling of celebration.

All the teachers were spectacular! Ann's teaching was a new creative frontier... she taught through an impassioned reading of a myth where the students all became a character. It was original, completely fresh and stimulating to experience. Of course Bax and Beth were a wonder to dance with as well! Baxter, as always, spoke in an easygoing way which entrained our body to rhythm while relaxing our thoughts. Beth's debut was full of courage, precision and also freedom to explore Hoop Path techniques. I also found Bunny's seminar incredible and awakening -- her level of awareness in all the muscles of her torso and use of abdominal locks to manipulate the hoop took "control" to a whole new level! I was profoundly moved by Jules' workshop on the art of holding hoops interlocked for dance -- in what I have always called "Matrix" (one placed within another). I felt a fresh passion come into my playtime with her guidance and was captivated. I loved Sharna's exercises and how clearly she divided her workshop into activities-- such as the balloon holding which was fun and simultaneously cultivated so much strength and teamwork. Stefan's workshop was full of laughter, pizzaz and expressiveness. His tangible exercises in cultivating flair as a performer let us breathless and smiling after an experience of guided performance for the group. Watching Spiral was of course amazing, particularly how she places so much precise control and awareness into every limb. Her spinning practice has been something I have long studied, having translated it into what I call Fantasy. So beautiful. I think what I loved most about Erin's workshop was her confidence and muscular power and performance. I unfortunately did not attend workshops by Annie, Hanna and Kamala, Anah or Shakti but I heard they were also superfun and challenging in a wonderful way which builds solid skills.

My spark ignited with the Matrix style interlocked hoop formation taught by Jules combined with Shakti's 20 inch hoops. It was so freeing to be able to hold the hoops on my upper body in Matrix simply by flexing my shoulder muscles and pushing... thus even freeing my body from the from the typical movements of Snake... a fascinating way to stimulate the upper body while being able to now invest ALL energy into dancing. For me, the feeling of the hoops was one of containment and safety. Plus.. for me there was something distinctly sexy about their smallness ... like little folded wings. Such concise control and precision is required to keep them in motion or still... I loved it! I love the that I have to invest so much awareness into undulating my own body around them .. it almost feels like a body puzzle. I can't wait to keep playing with these new tiny toys for transformation.

I was SO excited to share my Hoop Sexy dance journey with everyone and it was well received. For me, Hoop Camp felt like an exciting opportunity to share this cherished work with the global community and also with the teachers whom I most respect who have never experienced my approach. It was neat teaching in a basketball court since I am accustomed to the containment of dance studios. I found the redwoods surrounding the space incredibly peaceful and nourishing. I loved the sun shining down through the leaves and the bright blue sky above. It was absolutely perfect. I taught 3 back to back classes of 50 minutes. Each group was gorgeous, completely invested in creating their own experience of transformation and enthusiastic. I watched them take risks, try new things, express themselves and shout for joy. It was so much fun! I was especially honored that the teachers were also such full participants, as opposed to just sitting and watching or doing their own thing. Afterwards, there were smiles, precious connections with students and even a few tears. It felt like a pure transmission of the work, though I did feel exhausted from the intensity.

Most memorable for me is how SHINING and BEAUTIFUL everyone at Hoop Camp was. It was as if each person was GLOWING with joy and light. I loved re-connecting with long time friends, spending time talking, hugging, playing and catching up. And meeting so many new friends as well!

Baxter also clearly held a wonderful place as a shepherd of the whole hoop community, stepping in and sharing his wit, humor, wisdom and love with the all those assembled. That really stood out in my mind as a new evolution. He clearly has much insight (and the courage and clarity to speak about it) around how to bring all our communities together for a greater purpose.

My only wish is that Hoop Camp was a week long so I could have spent more time relaxing between workshops with play and rest. It was an intense weekend. But magical ... and I would even say life-changing. I'm so glad I could be a part of it! Beautiful work Heather!!! I am so grateful! Learn more at www.hoopcampretreats.com