I certainly didn't do it alone! My co-trainer was Jennaluna. Ripe from her Level 3 training, she was superbly present as she courageously stepped right into the role of Trainer! Jenna is a natural facilitator, and it was such a joy to witness her holding the frequency of a leader and guide. She was especially potent when she fully embraced her power and yielded as her teaching worked through her. I look forward to more opportunities to teach alongside her... and share in more late night laughter! I am so grateful to work alongside colleagues that so soon become friends.

A group of 13 fabulous women arrived on Day One, fully present and eager to learn about HoopGirl philosophy and education. I was immediately struck by the presence of each trainee. As the days unfolded, the attendees initiated lively discussions that led us into many expansive explorations of the material. It was so easy to witness and identify the unique brilliance of each in attendance:

Noelle is the local hooper who made the training possible, providing us with the perfect space and constant support. She is a grounded, vibrant woman who has an impeccable warmth about her. Noelle offers observations, questions, and conscious facilitation that weave richness and depth to the teaching experience.

Elena and Tara came from upstate New York, and I was immediately struck by their shared commitment and focus. Their community is in for a treat as they offer a combined synergy that is sure to delight. Elena wooed us all with her warm and expansive teaching style that reminded me the power of eye contact and poise. Tara guided us with an effortless wisdom and a sassy smile that melted our hearts and brought joy out in our dance.

Carolann joined us from New Jersey. She was our diva-goddess guide who demonstrated how coaching and empowerment can so effortlessly be woven into teaching hoopdance. I am personally inspired by her commitment to learn and grow in the direction of her bliss. Our lunchtime chat was a highlight of my weekend.

Pam came to the training with a dream to bring Ohio to life via the hoop. She blew us all away by her skill level - after only 6 months hooping, she was teaching all of us a thing or two! She is a testament of the power of online study. Not to mention, a natural teacher and model of how youthfulness is an ageless embodiment.

Chantiel came from Boise, Idaho... and is also a student of many via her online studies. She brought a inspiring and penetrating teaching style that held a powerful space for instruction. I appreciate her inquisitive and willing presence to learn and grow.

Katie (aka: Surprise) joined us from the DC area. She brought so much creativity to her teaching via her remarkable attention to detail. I especially loved her immediate integration of conscious languaging and ability to reflect back to each of us. Her success will be no surprise to me. ;-)

Tina B (Virginia) brought her vast teaching experience into the hoop in such a personal way. She has a sensual and joyous style that is perfectly suited for the hoop - a mixture of bellydance and fitness offering a powerful fusion. She made us all smile and rest into the confidence of her instruction.

Becca was also from Virginia, and I can't say enough about the integrity she possesses. Each time I witnessed her - as trainee and as teacher - she was in full alignment with who she is. As a result, her teaching delivered a yoga-warrior-hoop journey unlike any other.

Leda came to us all the way from Florida and the performance troupe known as the Hoola Monsters. She carries the natural poise and radiance of a performer and it translates perfectly into her teaching. I celebrate her smile and the power of her natural abilities as teacher.

Allison blew us away with her beautiful circus-style contortions during the photo shoot! And as a teacher, she is a self-possessed bundle of joy that you can't help but want to connect with and learn from. She will surely magnetize many joyous bodies into her classes.

I was always mesmerized when I would witness Kara hoop during breaks. A yoga teacher from North Carolina, she has a fluid and majestic style that may be partially inspired by the little guy she is expecting from within - she did the training while 4.5 months pregnant! She certainly brought the power and radiance of yin alive through her teaching as she masterfully demonstrated and "committed" to the task at hand. What an inspiration for all the mothers out there!

I can't possibly leave out Candice C. who was from a Maryland mountain community nearby. She is a warm and delightful woman who brought a lovely energy into the group. I was inspired by her choice - one of self-love - to step out on the second day, choosing to complete the training at another time. Sometimes the path of least resistance requires that we yield to an unexpected direction. I commend her for honoring her inner guidance.

And a very special shout out to Kelly Jo... a previous graduate of the training was the ultimate assistant to Jenna and I. She went above and beyond the call of duty, catering to our every need and making a distant training location feel like home. Thank you so much for your presence, Kelly Jo! You are a star, for sure. We missed you on Day 3 and are hoping that you are feeling much better!

I couldn't possibly fully express the experience of the past weekend in these few paragraphs. I will simply share my gratitude to each and every one of the trainees for bringing their brilliance into the space; the synergy was inspiring to us all. And thank you, Jennaluna, for your exquisite partnership and presence.

A very, very special acknowledgment to Christabel... my dear friend and creative soulmate. Thank you for trusting me to deliver the product of your brilliance to these women. I am the better for it. I hope you know how you inspire greatness in us all.

Joyous & Grateful,
Candice Schutter

**Photo by our amazing Baltimore photographer, Eldon Baldwin! www.eldonbaldwin.com