tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2010:/blog//3 2010-03-05T23:00:19Z Movable Type 3.31 tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2010:/blog//3.451 2010-03-05T22:57:41Z 2010-03-05T23:00:19Z

Click here to check out the latest video! It's a bit dark, but fun!...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ Click here to check out the latest video! It's a bit dark, but fun! ]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2010:/blog//3.450 2010-03-03T17:17:22Z 2010-03-05T22:54:23Z

In response to your requests! Take the Level 1 HoopGirl Teacher Traiining directly with Christabel no matter where you live! Save on travel costs, hotel fees! Get personally trained from the comfort of your own home by studying via...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ In response to your requests! Take the Level 1 HoopGirl Teacher Traiining directly with Christabel no matter where you live! Save on travel costs, hotel fees! Get personally trained from the comfort of your own home by studying via i-chat or Skype on the world wide web. The 10 training hours are delivered over two days and must be scheduled between 8am and 6pm PST. This is not a pre-taped video program, it is LIVE and one-on-one! You will be contacted after registering to set up your appointment times. As with the group training, this mentorship includes a manual and covers all the same concepts listed for the group Level 1 training. Aspects of the training can be tailored to your needs since it is being taught directly to you from the source! However, the live mock teaching practicum must be set up with your own sample class in your location and must be videod and posted online for teacher review and constructive feedback. As with the regular training, this one requires that you take personal responsibility to master the majority of the moves covered on the Hoopdance for Beginners DVD, but this can be done before or after completing the private training with Christabel. If time allows, Christabel can provide trouble-shooting on 2-4 moves during the online training. You are asked to read the manual prior to online training. If you want to teach the branded HoopGirl Workout class format, you can purchase your yearly teaching license at the time of signing up and you will also be mailed a licensed teachers manual. However, you will not receive a license or online listing until your mock teaching practicum has been viewed by Christabel and your teaching skills deemed excellent. If you decide not to license, you will instead receive a certificate of completion in the mail after your video evaluation. You may be asked to re-teach your mock class and re-post your video if your constructive feedback is extensive. You are encouraged to attend local HoopGirl Workout classes if possible so that you can experience a class first hand before teaching your own sample class. Program fee is normally $999, and on sale for March for $699! The first 10 people to sign up will get an additional $33 off! Use coupon code "online". This means it is now $30 cheaper to get private one-on-one teacher training mentorship with me than it is to study with me in a group class!Click here to sign up now!]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2010:/blog//3.448 2010-02-04T00:15:34Z 2010-02-04T00:19:28Z

Click here to watch the video!...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ Click here to watch the video!]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2010:/blog//3.447 2010-01-29T19:56:00Z 2010-01-29T20:30:47Z

We are experiencing an extreme shortage of teachers right now and are seeking new instructors for our team. Do you have any interest? We are particularly looking for instructors to cover Tuesday evening Level 1 HoopGirl Workout classes at...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ We are experiencing an extreme shortage of teachers right now and are seeking new instructors for our team. Do you have any interest? We are particularly looking for instructors to cover Tuesday evening Level 1 HoopGirl Workout classes at Studio Gracia in San Francisco from 7-830pm starting February 16. Qualified applicants must have completed the Level 1 HoopGirl teacher training. Those who have taken HoopGirl Workout classes in the past and with higher levels of hooping and teaching experience given preference. Our teachers are upbeat, professional and attentive. We actually have a Level 1 Teacher Training coming up in the Bay Area Feb 5-7! Also, our $200 off coupon code, "gratitude" is still active! We can also create other work-trade opportunities for exemplary applicants. Call HoopGirl Headquarters if you have interest: 415-331-6633.]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2010:/blog//3.444 2010-01-04T23:52:22Z 2010-01-04T23:58:15Z

Christabel is thrilled to come back to Kauai and share some mad hoop skills with you! This four hour multi-level skill intensive includes elements of the 12 HoopGirl Workout class series including exercises, drills, dance and moves.... read on...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ Christabel is thrilled to come back to Kauai and share some mad hoop skills with you! This four hour multi-level skill intensive includes elements of the 12 HoopGirl Workout class series including exercises, drills, dance and moves.... read on for more details...]]> here. This event is followed the next weekend by the HoopGirl Performance Training Program Feb 21-23 in the same location! On sale for only $500 with the coupon code "gratitude" until January 31st! Learn more here. and sign up here! Suggested lodging: Coral Reef Hotel $89 per night! Join the Facebook event page here. "Christabel, Thank you so much for shinning your beautiful light on all of us who were lucky enough to meet you..What I recieved from your classes: Happiness, love, trust, courage, fun, smiling, dancing, laughing, confidence, letting go, goddesses, music, earth, breath, grace, womanhood, and of course HOOPING...Can't wait for February!" - Michelle Lamb]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2010:/blog//3.443 2010-01-04T22:52:30Z 2010-01-04T22:57:26Z

The new Flexi-Bounce hoops will playfully spring off your body with a soft, pleasurable bounce! Made of super flexible, thin pipe for easy handling and a soft ride. Covered in friction-generating cloth tape~ great for arm and leg hooping!...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ The new Flexi-Bounce hoops will playfully spring off your body with a soft, pleasurable bounce! Made of super flexible, thin pipe for easy handling and a soft ride. Covered in friction-generating cloth tape~ great for arm and leg hooping! Perfect for all levels, older hoopers and kids too! Three packs in super juicey Hawaiian- inspired colors- EARTH-WATER-SUN. 38 inch diameter. A wonderful alternative to heavier hoops! Only $89.99 for a three pack!]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2009:/blog//3.442 2009-12-28T03:29:30Z 2009-12-28T03:38:16Z

Hoop Goddess Bundle! $299 For the aspiring hoop master who wants it ALL! Includes: Hooping Book, Hoopdance for Beginners DVD, Hoopdance Workout DVD, Hoopdance Evolution DVD, Power Hoop, Energy Hoop, Zip Hoop Pack, Ultra Hoop, Action Hoop, Adventure Bag,...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ Hoop Goddess Bundle! $299 For the aspiring hoop master who wants it ALL! Includes: Hooping Book, Hoopdance for Beginners DVD, Hoopdance Workout DVD, Hoopdance Evolution DVD, Power Hoop, Energy Hoop, Zip Hoop Pack, Ultra Hoop, Action Hoop, Adventure Bag, Water Bottle, HoopGirl Tank Top, Magic Glitter! Regularly $408 You save over $100!!! Beginner Bundle! $95 For the newbie who wants just the basics: Energy Hoop, Hooping Book, Hoopdance For Beginners DVD, Hoopdance Workout DVD Regularly $110.92 You save $15! Save $200 on Trainings! Remember to save $200 on all trainings until December 31st with coupon code "gratitude". We have added a Performance Training in LONDON: April 9-11! We also have one in KAUAI Feb 19-21! The Perfomance Training is a life-changing weekend for those who want to perform at their highest potential on stage, film, television, or just in everyday life! ]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2009:/blog//3.439 2009-12-05T22:42:33Z 2010-01-04T23:51:14Z

Hello beautiful hoopers! Thank you for all you do and for your love of hoopdance! This month ONLY, I would like to offer you an enrollment special on all upcoming HoopGirl Teacher and Performance Trainings... Save $200 by using...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ Hello beautiful hoopers! Thank you for all you do and for your love of hoopdance! This month ONLY, I would like to offer you an enrollment special on all upcoming HoopGirl Teacher and Performance Trainings... Save $200 by using coupon code "gratitude"! This is the biggest discount available all year long, so take advantage of it before it is too late! I love you and can't wait to share all I know with you... click here to sign up now! Love, Christabel this offer is valid until December 31, 2009]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2009:/blog//3.441 2009-12-05T04:52:05Z 2009-12-05T05:16:28Z

I've been on a fantastic journey over the past 4 months! I bought an unlimited pass to a nearby yoga studio and decided that I would do yoga at least 5 days of every week, if not every day...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ I've been on a fantastic journey over the past 4 months! I bought an unlimited pass to a nearby yoga studio and decided that I would do yoga at least 5 days of every week, if not every day and sometimes twice a day. Amazing things happened... ]]> One of the biggest changes has been my mental state. Practicing such steady and precise breathing quieted my mind and released all the endless ruminations. Stressful thoughts evaporated as soon as I stepped on the mat, and after some time, started decreasing even off the mat. The next huge change was my body. People started making comments about my arms and abs when I went out dancing... a lot. Things got tighter, leaner and more muscular. Huge accelerations also happened in my feelings of spirit. I felt energy zipping through my body and had a sense that I holding more light and life force. The feeling of being a channel between heaven and earth was tangible and visceral. Meanwhile, while all this yoga has been happening, my personal hoop practice quieted. There have only been so many hours in the day... and it feels nice to change it up a bit. I have still been training students, but my own training decreased while I focused on integrating this new modality. Yoga has very tangible and specific things which it is feeding my body which I know will make me a better hooper. I want to share these insights with the hope that you may also check out yoga... it is such a rewarding practice! First of all, what I love about yoga is the breathing discipline it cultivates. The use of the conscious inhalations and exhalations calms my nervous system. This has direct application to hooping... it reduces jitters and sloppy movement and amplifies a sense of focused presence. The second thing I love is yoga's emphasis on precise lines and heightened awareness of physiology and anatomy. I find that when I hoop after doing yoga, I am able to discern muscle groups more clearly, engage places previously ignored (which thereby creates more beauty and elegance) as well as articulate my joints and create planes with purpose. Finally, what I love most about yoga is how it moves energy: physical, emotional, and spiritual. I experience a tremendous awareness on all levels. It is incredible cross-training for any hooper who desires a more tangible grasp of chi. Also, when I teach hooping after doing yoga, my voice is richer, more grounded, more articulate and infused with spiritual energy. I can't say enough about how grateful I am for the gift of this new practice! Check it out and please let me know how it influences your hooping... xoxo Christabel tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2009:/blog//3.440 2009-11-19T22:30:55Z 2009-11-19T22:34:40Z

NEW! Sarasota, Florida HoopGirl teacher training dates just added! Level 1 is March 22-24, Level 2 is 26-28! Remember you can save $200 on EACH training if you sign up before November 30! Use coupon code "gratitude". Click here...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ NEW! Sarasota, Florida HoopGirl teacher training dates just added! Level 1 is March 22-24, Level 2 is 26-28! Remember you can save $200 on EACH training if you sign up before November 30! Use coupon code "gratitude". Click here to sign up now!]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2009:/blog//3.437 2009-11-17T23:24:15Z 2009-11-17T23:21:26Z

Hello friends! Well, tis the season to buy new hoop gear. I have worn dozens of types of shoes and boots while hooping over the years and learned a LOT about what works for my body. Below are the main...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ My Dream HoopGirl Hoop Boot Has: 1. FLAT bottoms (as opposed to heels of any kind) with small to medium sole (so they don't weigh down heavy like snow boots) 2. SNEAKER-LIKE support for high impact dance movement 3. RUBBER ON THE SOLE which allows for some grip as opposed to slick bottom 4. STYLIE design which looks fashionable 5. DURABLE materials, preferably leather upper 6. TALL in size so that they can be worn with pants or with shorter items 7. SUPPLE UPPER so that the leather on the calf conforms to movement instead of being stiff 8. QUICK RELEASE entry and out, meaning a zipper side ideal or if not, easily placed on and taken off 9. SNUG CALF so there is no baggy separation between the upper and the leg while dancing~ this allows for a sleek appearance Read on for the contenders for my purchase which I have come up with and the reasons for my choices below. Enjoy! ]]> DNKY TALLINA $229.00 Available in black only. I found these at Bloomingdales and they are also on Zappos. I freaked out when I saw them because they looked amazing! They met EVERY qualification above except the SNUG CALF~ this could be a plus or minus. These boots can actually be pushed down and crumpled to look like slouch boots. Perhaps a fashion plus? But then the upper highest part sticks out a bit in an awkward way which won't work under pants. Even if they are worn at full height, again, the flare top will push out against the inside of pants and look awkward. BUT, if you plan on wearing these with bootie shorts, these could be for you! The leather was soft as butter and the soles were perfect. They truely felt like sneakers. I especially love the back buckle along the ankle~ super, super stylin! GEOX KINK $219.95 Available in Cognac at Zappos. Available in Black at Nordstroms. My only concern about this pair, having never tried it on, is the give in the upper. However, it seems that it may work in nicley, just from the appearance. It has a hot ankle strap and the detailing on the upper is neat, but again, the additional leather could add extra stiffness. Overall, it seems this boot has potential, though it may also need some breaking in. Beautiful styling and a rich color. Note that I also found these available in Coffee Suede at Nordstroms! This version looks the most promising to me in terms of comfort since the suede is softer. DKNY ALCANTAR DISTRESSED LEATHER BOOT $198-202 Available in tan on Zapoos or black on the DKNY site. They are out of size 8's and I have looked all over the internet for them to no avail, so I will be probably ordering a size 8.5 in black and putting an insert in. I normally wear an 8.5 but this brand tends to run a 1/2 size larger than others. My thoughts on the metal buckle: it looks great, but potentially could be irritating if too tight on the calf. We will only be able to tell by trying them on. MERRELL PLAZA PEAK $204 These boots are available in black from Zappos. The leather looks supple and pliable. The soles look dope with rugged lugged rubber~ the only risk with this boots is that the substantial sole may also be a bit heavy. I like the side zipper for easy entry and exit. The calf may be roomy... but at a festival with rough terrain these could be the ticket. TSUBO KIHO $190 These boots have great reviews online at Zappos and the brand is well known for comfort. Again, I like the side zip entry and the sole look ample and sneaker-like. The only potential drawback is that from the image, the calf could be a bit roomy. ECCO CHARM BOOT $170 These boots have a slightly more patent look than some of the others, which could allow it to dress up a bit more. I LOVE the stitching on the inside and outside of the foot. It looks well tailored to fit. This brand is well known for it's comfort and the sole looks substantial. The only concern I have about this is that it looks a bit boxy, as opposed to sleek, towards the end-top of the foot. But, on the plus side, the price is right compared to some other pairs reviewed here. Have fun and let me know what pair/s you end up getting! xo Christabel ]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2009:/blog//3.438 2009-11-11T23:12:14Z 2009-11-11T23:24:45Z

Exciting news! In 2010, Candice Schutter (HoopGirl Master Trainer, Life Coach and Founder of Shine) and I will be offering a series of seminars focusing on radiant living and self-empowerment. We are currently in the planning stages and welcome...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ Exciting news! In 2010, Candice Schutter (HoopGirl Master Trainer, Life Coach and Founder of Shine) and I will be offering a series of seminars focusing on radiant living and self-empowerment. We are currently in the planning stages and welcome your input! If you spent a weekend with us: What would you want to to learn about? What material, themes, tools, or concepts would be beneficial to you? Many of you have commented on getting "so much more" from the hoop trainings than just hooping. We want to identify what that is and offer it more directly outside of the hoop to both men and women. I'm looking forward to your thoughts! Click here to share your ideas. ]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2009:/blog//3.436 2009-10-20T00:34:47Z 2009-10-20T16:03:48Z

HOOPGIRL WORKOUT SKILLS INTENSIVE WITH CHRISTABEL IN PARADISE! WHAT: Join Christabel, the founder of HoopGirl.com, in her first ever Kauai hoopdance classes! This six hour training will take you on a dynamic journey of body, mind and spirit. Each...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ HOOPGIRL WORKOUT SKILLS INTENSIVE WITH CHRISTABEL IN PARADISE! WHAT: Join Christabel, the founder of HoopGirl.com, in her first ever Kauai hoopdance classes! This six hour training will take you on a dynamic journey of body, mind and spirit. Each seminar is two hours in length and includes elements of the 12 HoopGirl Workout class series at each level. Level 1: Feel Good Body: Get your funky groove on! This class will provide action-packed essentials to get hooping! You will learn how to keep the hoop spinning, how to recover it and much more! Develop poise, body awareness and strength while moving and expressing yourself. Exercises provided to help develop your own signature style. Moves taught include: Booty Bump, Limbo and Barrell Roll. Experienced hoopers will be challenged with more challenging variations. Level 2: Magical Mind: Explore emotional expression through hoopdance by integrating vocalization, gestures, facial expressions, and dance. Expand the planes of movement as we move down low to the floor and jump high in the air. You will be challenged to take the skills from level one and apply more speed, precision and range of movement. Moves taught include: Jingle, Fling, Jackrabbit, Sparkle, Tailspin. Level 3: Radiant Spirit: Play with spiritual energy and explore how to be a channel while hooping. You will learn different techniques to vessel and radiate energy. Included is a guided journey through musculature, bones, breathe and space. Expand awareness of your body as a temple. Hooping exercises explore using gesture, vocalizations, and visualizations to amplify presence and increase creativity. Advanced material taught in the context of cultivating presence and poise. Moves include: Atomic Twirl, Charm, Stargate, Bullroar, and Poncho. WHEN: Dec 6, 3-5pm Feel Good Body Dec 12, 3-5pm Magical Mind Dec 13, 3-5pm Radiant Spirit LOCATION: All Saints Gym, 1065 kuhio Higway, kapaa, Hi 96746 COST: 1 class/2 hours for $50 2 classes/4 hours for $90 3 classes/6 hours for $120 (Those taking level 3 are especially encouraged to at least also take Level 2 as some of the material is sequential) HOW DO I SIGN UP? Space is extremely limited! Students are encouraged to get the best deal and most intensive training by taking all three seminars. Click here to register online. QUESTIONS? Contact Skylar at starchildhi@yahoo.com WHO IS CHRISTABEL ZAMOR? Christabel is passionate about teaching hoopdance as an empowering, sensual and artistic dance form. She is the founder of HoopGirl.com, the creator of the HoopGirl Workout, and the author of "Hooping: A Revolutionary Fitness Program". She has been teaching sold-out class since 2001 and has performed hoopdance internationally for clients such as Cirque du Solieil and Universal Pictures. She has produced 6 instructional DVDs and has been featured in hundreds of publications and television shows, including Time, O, Prevention, Shape, Spin, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, and many more. Her 72-hour HoopGirl teacher certification program has created over 375 HoopGirl certified teachers in over 13 countries. WHAT'S NEXT: Christabel will be returning to Honolulu and on Feb 19-21 will teach a Level 1 HoopGirl Teacher Training, followed on Feb 23-25 by a HoopGirl Performance Training. Space will be extremely limited in these events and deposits are now being accepted to hold space. Click here to secure your spot! ]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2009:/blog//3.435 2009-10-12T16:16:13Z 2009-10-12T16:35:24Z

I only attended one day of the Harbin Jam since I wanted to heal my cold a bit between this event and Hoop Camp, but I am so glad I went! This event is organized by Merlin of Psi-Hoops...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ I only attended one day of the Harbin Jam since I wanted to heal my cold a bit between this event and Hoop Camp, but I am so glad I went! This event is organized by Merlin of Psi-Hoops and Nyali of Hoop Nectar, both based in San Diego. It was wonderful just to attend for an evening and have no responsibilities other than having fun... read on!]]> Sophia from Fairfax, which was lovely. Her music was fantastic and all over the charts. Tammy Firefly also dazzled us with her Hoop Lyra gorgeousness as she suspended from one of the rafters. There was lots of time for soaking in the springs and the sunshine. The whole group is much smaller, maybe 20 attendees, max. Group activities are all-inclusive with everyone sharing and participating with each other. Activities was spontaneous, playful and community oriented, with leadership shifting from one person to the next as each was inspired. It was nice to get a chance to connect with hoopers from all over the world, many who I didn’t know very well, in such a gorgeous natural environment. It was also neat to share the space with the rest of the Harbin community for the ecstatic dance night and watch dancers intermingle with glowing hoops. What a spectacular evening of sweaty, heart-pounding fun! The food was really, really good as well. And the gift of psi-hoops which Patrick gave to us at the end was unbelievably generous. I think the most profound experience I had while there was a 30 minute blindfolded hooping exercise. I stood in a hoop (to keep me centered), blindfolded myself and did half an hour of balancing a second hoop on my head while dancing. This opened up a whole world of creativity I never would have imagined! My whole focus was on fully expressing dance while exploring micro-movements of the cranium. Leaning in different directions, letting the hoop hang in different ways, balancing on one foot then the other, moving down to the floor and back up, responding to the music, etc. It felt amazing to move in slow motion and approach balancing as a moving meditation. Afterwards the most profound thing happened: even after removing the blindfold and hoop, I still felt a tingley sensation on my head as if the hoop was still there. As a result, I found myself moving my body with increased alignment, conscious posture and deliberate movements. The feeling persisted for hours and I explored it again in the hoop jam. Even the next morning, I found myself lifting my head higher and stretching my spine upwards to make space and create fluidity while moving. It is a level of awareness that is still with me, even as I write these words… I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have joined this group for just the day! Thanks to Merlin for the gift of psi-hoops and Nyali for her gorgeous, fluid dancing inspiration and radiance. It felt as if everyone was shining and happy at this gathering, basking in the beauty and fun. Looking forward to next year! ]]> tag:www.hoopgirl.com,2009:/blog//3.434 2009-10-08T15:21:30Z 2009-10-08T15:30:14Z

I had the joy of attending Hoop Camp in the mountains of Santa Cruz again this year! This event is organized by Heather Troy of Move Hoops, a licensed HoopGirl Workout teacher committed to creating community and creating fun...

HoopGirl http://www.hoopgirl.com/ I had the joy of attending Hoop Camp in the mountains of Santa Cruz again this year! This event is organized by Heather Troy of Move Hoops, a licensed HoopGirl Workout teacher committed to creating community and creating fun ways to bring hoopers together. Hoop Camp is a boot-camp type non-stop training experience for hoopdancers, featuring back to back classes and activities from 6am until 1am daily. It is amazing to experience the teaching styles of so many diverse hoop leaders from around the world under the redwood canopies and sunshine. For me it has the added appeal of falling on the birthday weekend~ so there is an instant assembly of all my favorite friends all in one place to celebrate with! I was honored to be invited back to teach again... ]]> Level Three HoopGirl Workout spirit-based emphasis of moving etheric energy through movement. While I was excited to attend, I got very sick and lost my voice a few days before leaving. I went anyways, even if I had to sit out for much of it. The mystery, though, was wondering how I would teach my class- the closing event of the retreat- with no voice. Since my focus was Spirit, I knew I would be guided… So here I was, surrounded by about 150 hoopdancers for the weekend who all wanted to speak to me, of course. My DVDs were how many first got their start studying hooping and they wanted to chat about it, and others just wanted to just catch up and connect. Since I had only a certain number of words I could croak before my voice would completely leave each day, I had to take some serious care in choosing when and how to speak. I realized how many useless words I usually use. All the filler and excited chatter which I may rely on in social situations was completely unavailable to me. Whittling my communication down felt like a form of alchemy where I learned how to transmit essence without the need for filler. I found that my eyes and breathe became a strong way to create connections with those who wanted to talk when I couldn’t. Drishti, which means, "point of gaze or focus", became my words. While others chatted, I just focused on taking long deep breaths and sending healing energy to my throat while deeply looking at whomever was speaking. I let my emotions open. It felt wonderful to harmonize in this way~ with gazes and breathing and only the occasional word. When I did speak, the tonality of my voice was incredibly bassey, deep and resonant. This was a profound experience for me because it shifted the frequency of how I related with those around me. The vibration of hearing my own voice instantly grounded and centered me and slowed me down in a way which made me feel absolutely present. And something about it also effected people listening. I ended up taking lots of naps and drinking gallons of tea. I took few workshops since my energy was low and focused on just being with people as I could. It was a wonderful opportunity for self-nurturing and learning when to just say “no” to overexertion. I spent lots of time with my close girlfriends, Candice, Jasmine and Keri and others, just visiting. By the time my workshop rolled around Sunday afternoon, I actually was able to speak continuously. But how I used my voice in class was completely influenced by the insights I gained from loosing it the two days before. It was fascinating to observe how people’s bodies responded differently to slow, careful, intermitant words spoken in a low voice. Something about it magnetized the attention of them, even though many were exhausted at the end of a long experience. In the class I wanted to impart how I move spiritual energy through my body while hooping. Years of reflection has helped me realize that dancing with spiritual energy is just about learning how to become a receptive vessel and an effective transmitter. It isn’t “out there” and “woo woo”. It is entirely “in” the human body, in experiencing the muscles, bones, anatomy and breathe at a deeper level. So we did a number of exercise to connect to the music, build inner fire, align the spine and crown, develop agility and let go. A fun highlight was a Cup Balancing exercise on the head inspired by a line I frequently use in my classes, “imagine that you have a teacup on your head.” Literally balancing an empty plastic cup upside-down on the head is an amazing way to build presence and poise, especially while dancing to music and doing a variety of moves. Another favorite I shared was Passing the Volleyball~ while in Snake and Barrel Roll, passing a ball around the body from hand to hand. We had to use balloons, which was actually a lot easier, but easier to manage. Watching all the students drop in to a deeper level of awareness, sweating and giving it their all with the class was amazing! I love the feeling of community at Hoop Camp. I love seeing so many smiling faces, so many friends. I love the opportunity to try so many hoop styles and learn. I love being able to teach such a large group! So grateful for the opportunity and all the learnings which came from this year! ]]>