The Hooping Book tour continues! It was a spectacular journey to Oregon. Portland is a wonderful city. I love the energy. The creativity, the health consciousness, the way the elements of the earth with trees and the water in streams and rains saturates the air. I love how popular books and coffee are there and I love the craftiness, coziness and welcoming vibes. There is a feeling of deep authenticity for me in this city. Perhaps because I first came that way via the Whirly Girlz, soulful dancing goddesses that they are. Perhaps because I returned so often to visit with Candice, an incredible visionary of change and hope. Perhaps because it is the headquarters of Nia, one of my major influences in movement and in life and spirit. Yay for Portland!
It was so wonderful to teach in Studio Nia and share an introduction to the HoopGirl Workout with the nurturing and skilled hoop community there! An honor to be in such an intentional space and playing with students who value the experiential journey over the move accumulation....
There were 20 women, along with myself and Candice and Sylvia assisting. Lots of familiar faces and many new ones too. I taught a modified Intermediate class where we focused on the emotion of Appreciation while exploring the hoopdance principle of Pleasure. What a delightful combination! We did a freestyle warmup dance to activate the heart and circulatory system, played with Pulsing, learned two versions of Dolphin, Disco and Bullroar, vocalized, did a Body Temple activity and an air element inspired cool down. It was so short! Only 50 minutes... I found myself longing for more time to play.
It felt so good to be "back in the driver's seat" of a class since I have been spending so much time training teachers. It reminded me how easy it can be to get caught up in the business of hooping and pro training... but that both are so distinct from teaching an hour long class. I LOVE TEACHING!!!! It so deeply reminded that it is the medicine which originally brought so much healing and connection into my life as a part of my personal practice. So excited to start teaching again towards the end of this month in my new home town Mill Valley, btw!
Anyways, the class was glowing, smiling, reaching to new edges and expanding into brilliance. I could tell the depth of their presence had been cultivated by the amazing Candice as their primary hoop guide. Neat. Afterwards I did a spontaneous performance to a Tina Maila song, "Surrender", which I love. Then we had booksignings.
I feel my heart expanding while signing books. It really makes me smile and feel so honored that people are excited to read what I think about and have experienced. It is almost like signing copies of my personal journal! I think it is one of the most delicious experiences ever. And I am so grateful to have it! Thank you!
