What is Hoop Dance?
Hoop dance is a form of dance that involves use of a hoop around the body in a rhythmic motion. A lot of people refer to it as simply "hooping". It takes "hula hooping" to a new level. It incorporates elements of belly dance, hip-hop and rhythmic gymnastics. It's visually beautiful and hypnotizing. Can be used as a fitness tool, meditation or the art of playful seduction. It's a freestyle form of dance so there is no wrong way to do it! I personally call it "belly dance with a twist".
Should I bring my own hoop to the class?
Depends on the class you are taking. Most teachers provide hoops for their students. In my classes I provide students with professional, oversized hoops that were created for an adult body. Because of their size and decoration they are heavier that your regular "toy store" hoops which helps to keep them up and add resistance to your workout. They are not weighted hoops, which can be uncomfortable to use as you learn new tricks. Size and decoration provides enough resistance. Also the size makes it comfortable to use it around your body when performing. The hoops I provide are around 1.5lbs in weight and 41" in diameter. The smaller the hoop you use the harder you have to work to keep it up. I recommend starting with bigger size hoop and upgrade to smaller one like 37" diameter later on. Your hooping style will also affect the size of the hoop you choose. If you like very athletic, off the body tricks and fast dancing then going with a smaller hoop is the way to go. Bigger hoops will allow for slower, sensual, groovy dance styles.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that will not restrict your movement. Yoga or Pilates wear are great. A pair of jeans and a sleeveless top works as well. Try not to wear slippery fabrics, as it may be hard for the hoop to stay up. General rule: the more skin the better as it provides friction and it's hard for the hoop to fall down. Barefoot or with sneakers on, it's up to you. Dress it up or play it down.
What can I expect from the class?
Classes I offer are designed to condition your body for hoop dancing and make you a better dancer no matter what your skill level. Class consist of core hooping intervals and strengthening exercises with hoop serving as a resistance tool. As you progress you will learn body moves that bring your balance and coordination to new heights. The more advanced you get the more cardiovascular workout you will receive. It may take some time to learn new things so be patient, as your body needs time to figure it out. Generally everyone can hoop on their waist within their first class. What takes time is to appear effortless as you hoop. And that's why we practice. We'll do all kinds of movement combinations so we can gracefully move with the hoop giving the appearance of dancing. Most classes are done standing although we might do floor work depending on class focus on that day. Classes are offered as a part of 4 week progressive course to encourage commitment, consistency and learning. Those 3 things are essential to see positive change and improvement in your skills. I offer various themed classes and for various levels. Workshops and Jams are also happening so keep in touch to stay updated.
How long does it take to learn?
Depends on how often you practice and how fast you learn. Within your first class you will be able to hoop on your waist. With time you learn how to hoop on your hips, thighs and chest. This may take 2 months to learn or a bit more depending how often you do it and for how long. Of course natural ability helps but it' s not essential. You don't need any previous dance background /experience to be able to hoop dance. Classes are designed for beginners in mind. Even if you were not able to do it as a kid you will keep it up this time. At the end it's all about what YOU get out of it. No matter what your skill level you will see incredible changes in the way you move your body. You may notice you are getting slimmer, stronger and more graceful. Everyone has a different story to share. It's about the progress, not perfection.
I've never taken any dance class/group class before. Will I be able to attend?
Of course! Classes are designed for beginners in mind. People of all ages, shapes and sizes are welcome. Everyone can hoop. Class is meant to be fun and provide an incredibly effective workout so you don't want to miss out on that! Still not sure about making it to the class? Contact me if you need more information. I would love to hear from you.
Where can I see professional Hoop Dancing?
It's really popular at the underground club scene. You may also see performances at various festivals, parties or music videos (Justin Timberlake's, Beyonce's , Britney's to name a few). Professional hoopers may also use fire, LED or glow in the dark hoops for more dramatic effect and to hypnotize the audience. Burning Man Festival is the place to be if you want to see a lot of it and connect with the hooping community.
One person that needs to be mentioned here for her outstanding work and popularizing hoop dance is Anah "Hoopalicious". She was featured on "America's Got Talent". Another talented female hooper is Rayna McInturf, the "Hooping Goddess" which hypnotizes crowds with her slow and sensual hooping. Twice in a row she won "Female Hooper of the Year" award from hooping community (hooping.org). Christabel Zamour is another female star in the world of hoop dancing and her energetic style has brought her lot of attention. A lot of talent out there! Check them out, feel inspired and come to our classes and workshops to learn this beautiful art form.
How much does it cost to take a class?
Prices vary according to the studio location at which the class is offered.Is Hooping good for weight loss?
Anything that will keep you moving and challenge your body will give you results. So hooping definitely fits that definition. There is no magic food or exercise that will give you the results you desire. Consistent intense workouts and sensible diet will help you achieve your goal. If hooping is your only form of exercise then make sure you vary the intensity and engage your whole body as you practice. Ideally you want to focus on getting 5 to 6 workouts a week. To start seeing results commit to at least 3 workouts a week. You can always add more when you gain stamina and strength. Keep them between 30 to 60 min. depending on intensity. On top of that add a diet that is high in vegetables, fruits and whole foods. Try to avoid processed, sugary and energy lacking foods. To really change your body composition you need to exercise and clean up your diet. One compliments the other. Exercise will shape & tighten your body where good nutrition will keep you lean. As you exercise consistently your body composition (muscle to body fat ratio) will change. This will affect your overall look in the most positive way. It will also help to keep your body at its peak when not so clean diet days kick in. And we all have those days. So no worries. Just do a U turn and keep at it. Weight loss has an accumulative effect whether we are talking about food or exercise. That's good news. Try to stick to your goal 80% of time and you will be surprised how your well your body responds to treating it well on most of the times.
Hooping is a full body workout. It will bring your heart rate up and will give your muscles a nice tone. You will get stronger and more flexible. A high energy hoop practice can burn up to 600 cal/hr. A moderate pace waist hooping will burn 300 cal/hr. The key is INTENSITY. The more you put into it the more you will get out of it. You can use hooping to get great results but you need to stay focused and committed to your goal on consistent basis. Like with any other exercise out there. No magic hoops in store. Sorry :(
The good thing about hooping is that it makes you feel really good after and you are not dreading the next workout. Which will help you stick with it. Your body awareness will increase and if you keep hooping consistently you will notice less cravings and better food choices. You will gracefully start changing and this itself will motivate you to keep going at it.
