Kings of Leon Killed My Batteries

I have an endless list of personal reasons for strongly disliking Kings of Leon (DO NOT ASK AND DO NOT JUDGE ME!), but I will never deny the fact they are talented musicians and that Closer is a work of pure musical genius. It's hard for me to even admit they are talented and that I like a song by them, but every time I hear the beginning of this I feel a surge of anxiety; and as soon as I grab a hula hoop, it's like my my soul comes pouring out all around me... Then my batteries die in my iPod dock as soon as I'm gettin groovy.

The Veiled Hooper

There's something so mysterious and enthralling about wearing a mask. We are taught not to judge based on physical appearances, yet when we can't see someone's, an automatic question mark arises. People wear masks for countless reasons. Dating all the way back to Aristotle in Ancient Greece, masks have played a huge role in the world of Performing Arts. They were first used as costumes and an easy way for men to disguise themselves as women. Nowadays, equality and the use of makeup have put masks somewhat on the back burner; which is why coming across a masked performer holds such a heightened level of interest. Unless one plans on attending a circus or another performance that requires masks, they are more than likely unprepared to encounter one. This happened to me yesterday. 

I am not making a comparison between the artists themselves, but does anyone remember the Jabbawockeez on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew? Well, I do. I didn't necessarily care nor wonder what they looked like behind their masks, but I think I found them to be even greater performers because they had the creative mindset to hide their facial expressions. It was about their movement and presence, and wearing masks added to all of that. The latest master of masked performances I discovered was @veiled_hoops on Instagram.

@veiled_hoops's bio ceases to divulge any personal information, and her true identity is kept completely anonymous through an entire profile of videos and images hooping behind a mask. The Veiled Hooper pioneered an aspect of hooping that proves it is in fact a performing art. She has talent, creativity, and a mind of her own. When I saw her profile, inspiration overwhelmed me. I found myself more than caught off guard. I wanted to know who she was, where she got the idea--I wanted to know everything. But within moments, I realized that was irrelevant. I'm not supposed to know who she is or any of the details. The point is to appreciate the lack thereof. The details shine outside the veil, and the mask itself holds its own aesthetic appeal. Whoever you are, @veiled_hoops, don't ever leave 'em without guessing. Your mystery is flawless, and the beauty in your talent radiates beyond concealment. 

If you're looking for entertainment or evidence that hula hooping is an art form, check her out!!

@veiled_hoops

Exorcism

Left for Dead

'Exorcist Theme' 

(Tubular Bells Remix)

I was in the middle of my fitness hooping routine a few days ago and I didn't know what I was in the mood to listen to. I never use iTunes Radio, but I didn't feel like setting up my iPod and all that nonsense, so I decided to give it a shot. This was the first song that came on... One of the most important/random things people should know about me is that The Exorcist (and Pet Semetary) ruined my childhood; therefore, the 'tubular bells' really threw me for a loop. The way I learned to conquer my fears after the previously stated films created one hell of a disturbed child was by feeding off of them. I watch as many scary movies as possible just to prove I'm not scared (even if I am), and now I'm obsessed with hooping to the Dubstep version of the creepiest theme song ever.  

P.s. I really enjoy this new idea of adding my YouTube videos on here. I like having this little space to express myself in words as well as hooping. Whether or not anyone reads it, I enjoy the outlet! 

Visions Are Seldom All They Seem...

Lana Del Rey 
'Once Upon A Dream'

Considering Instagram only allows one link in your profile, I've decided to start uploading all of my YouTube videos on here for easier access. Therefore, any followers who are interested will have a direct link to both my videos and blog. It seems best to put it all in one place. And now I think my blog will have a much more personal feel to it aside from writing about general topics. I want to share my own experiences that coincide with my blogs theme; which is why it's been under construction for so long. I still plan to write about general topics and feature inspiring people/artists, but I also want people to know more about who I am. I haven't put much of myself out there in these entries, and I want people to know more than just what I like writing about. I wasn't sure how to put everything together. So here is just a simple start to my new blogging journey. A video and a heads up! 

Coming Soon: 

The Real @twirlingcircus :) 

The Hooping Game!

Caravan Palace - 'Star Scat'

Like to share your hooping vids? Check out The Hooping Game on Facebook and ask to join! Sponsored by hoopmentor.com, The Hooping Game is a page where hoopers interact by exploring and challenging their hooping skills. Simply say the words "I'm in!" and someone will comment with a song to hoop to. According to the rules, you must upload your video within 48 hrs. Once you've completed your end of the bargain, you tag the person who challenged you and hit them back with a song of your choice. This game definitely has it's pros and cons, considering people who don't know you can assign you a song that you've never heard of, dislike, or it's not a sound that typically meshes well with your flow. However, if you simply stare down the negative with your positive attitude and tell yourself "I can do this." You can and you will! No one gives out critiques unless asked to do so; therefore, no one has any reason to feel shy or embarrassed about their videos. This game is a great way to improve without any criticism because it challenges you to keep your flow going and you feel pressure from yourself to progress in every video. Don't stress too much though! Have fun with it! Explore new sounds, people, and go with the flow! 

The New Hooper's Guide to the Galaxy

As one can easily tell, my blog has been under construction/on hold for a few months. The general chaos of life found a way to hinder all of my writing. However, after my vacation next week, the words of TwirlingCircus will be back in full force!

My Skype Sessions are going even better than I expected!! I've had the honor of working with a wide variety of amazing hoopers as well as communicating with people who have struck an interest in the art form. This is the perfect time of year to start your hoop journey!! Why you ask??? IT'S FESTIVAL SEASON!!! WOOO HOOO!!! As a performing art, hooping is especially noticeable at music festivals. What better time to learn than before you're heading to one?? 

A lot of people have been asking me questions about getting started, so I thought I would put a little Q&A together based off of my most FAQ and comments:

"What kind/size hoop should I get?"

For beginners, the recommended size is the number of inches from the floor to your belly button. If the hoop is too big or small it makes the learning process quite complicated. When it comes to the type of hoop you're looking for, I personally recommend something with a little weight to it. A lot of people want to jump right into tricks with lighter hoops like polypros, but when you haven't learned the basics such as body hooping, it is extremely difficult. A slightly heavier hoop makes it much easier because you can feel the balance on your body. Dance/Exercise hoops are perfect for this. HoopMamas on Etsy have a huge selection. When I realized my first hoop was too big, I bought my second/beginner hoop from them and it taught me almost everything I know. I still use it everyday for fitness! When choosing a hoop, they give options for the tubing size. I've always suggested 100 psi and 3/4". These numbers don't make a lot of sense but they represent the thickness and weight of the hoop. 100 psi isn't very heavy, so you'll still be able to flow quite easily! If you're super determined to dedicate a lot of time to hooping, get a polypro hoop in the same size so you can learn on both! 

"What's the deal with Polypros?"

They are EXTREMELY light. The momentum of the hoop can change from fast to slow in the blink of an eye. Body hooping is a lot more difficult because it requires more effort to control the speed. These hoops are great for learning on and off body tricks because they are ready to fly at any time. Once you have the basics down, these hoops make a great sidekick. I always have a heavy hoop and a polypro in the same size so I can learn with both. A polypro will take you far on your hoop journey, but if you don't understand the balance it will make it difficult to adjust and find your flow. 

"Got my hoop!!... Now what?"

The gateway to hooping is found within you and the circle itself. In order to progress on your hoop journey, body hooping is the key. It's extremely important to know how to keep the hoop going on all parts of the body: waist, shoulders, chest, legs, etc. If you can already keep the hoop going around your waist, start with your shoulders, then chest, and then move on down to leg hooping. These things take time and patience! Your body has probably never had to move in such a way and it can be difficult as well as frustrating. The beginning is the hardest part of the journey. It's almost like a test of dedication. Because body hooping is so time consuming, you're going to get antsy and want to learn tricks as well. Set aside a certain amount of time to spend on body hooping and use the rest for the things that are typically more fun to learn. Isolations are another fundamental aspect of hooping. When it comes to off the body tricks, the limitless variations help with transitions and finding your flow. Start yourself off by learning a basic isolation and gradually move on to different variations. Lassos, vortexes, step-throughs, jump-throughs, and simple passes and tosses are some fun tricks that all beginners are capable of! You can find tutorials for beginners all over YouTube! Just search for 'beginner hoop tutorial' and take a look around! (If you have trouble learning without any assistance, I'm still here to help!)

  

"I'M STUCK!":

Getting stuck in your hooplah is NOT a fun feeling. There are endless possibilities as to why you may feel this way. Sometimes we simply plateau and keep doing the same things over and over. It happens to everyone. This is usually your cue to learn some new tricks. Get on YouTube or Instagram and start watching some videos for inspiration. Find something that intrigues you and start working on it! Another suggestion I have is experimenting with your hoop. Try making up weird tosses or isolations and just play with it--even if it looks stupid. You never know when something random and awesome will happen! 

If you're a beginner and you've already learned everything mentioned in "Got my hoop!!... Now what?", there's a good chance this is a blessing in disguise! If you've moved on to more complicated tricks and they make sense but just aren't working out, it's probably time for a new hoop!!!! Yay!!!! Unless you feel like you are progressing at a rapid pace, move down one size at a time--or if you only have a dance/exercise hoop and don't know if you're ready for that, get a polypro! When you get a new hoop it's like a quick redo. You have to teach yourself everything you just learned all over again, but have no fear! Your mind and body already know the motions, it's just a matter of picking up the pace and you're ready to move forward!

"I want an LED hoop, but I don't know if I'm ready yet."

That's crap. Everyone is ready for an LED hoop. My very first hoop was an LED, and if it had been the right size, it would've been perfect. LED hoops are expensive, so it's understandable that people would be nervous about such an investment. If you're worried that you'll get it and be ready for a smaller one shortly after, get one in the size you're going to move down to or just get one in the size you're comfortable with. Also, there are ways to get LED hoops resized. Citiva Creationz resizes LED hoops for extremely reasonable prices and she makes GORGEOUS LEDs as well. You don't have to buy a $600 Smart Hoop the day you begin hooping. There are thousands of other LED options out there! Simply Google Search "LED Hoops" and see what you find! 

Helpful Hints:

When you first start hooping, patience really is a virtue. Remain calm, and make sure you're not restricting yourself in any way. Hooping has no limits, so don't allow anything to get in your way. The following tips will help you avoid these obstacles: 

1) Wide open spaces!! A big/open room with high ceilings where you won't have any room for fear of hitting inanimate objects is a necessity. You don't want your subconscious getting in the way of your concentration. Hooping outdoors is usually the easiest way to do this.

2) Less is best. When learning body hooping, shorts and tank tops are a Godsend. Baggy clothes, t-shirts, and long pants can make things reallllly difficult. It sounds kinda gross, but your bare skin will stick to the hoop and simplify the learning process by giving you a little more control. The more clothes you have on, the more they get in the way. 

3) Listen to your favorite jams. Turn on whatever songs you enjoy dancing to the most and get funky! Or mellow out and lose yourself in some calming sounds!

4) Record yourself. I'm not saying you have to make a YouTube video or put a clip on Instagram, this is just a very effective way to track and continue your progress. After warming up for a bit, prop your phone up or use whatever recording device you have and film! Have a little hoop sesh after warming up and continue focusing on whatever you've been practicing. When you look back and watch the footage, you can see where you're struggling and find an easier way to fix the issue. More importantly, there will be so many times you look back on the videos and surprise yourself. It's a pure feeling of pride and accomplishment that you deserve!  

If you need guidance at any point of your journey, that's what I'm here for! Email me (twirlingcircus@gmail.com) ANY questions at ANY time! If you're interested in lessons, I'd be happy to give you all the information! They are extremely affordable, effective and fun! Happy Hooping, everybody!!! 

Virtual Hoop Classes!

Hey Hoopers! GUESS WHAT!? Thanks to the fact I live in the middle of nowhere, I'm unemployed, and I have no clientele nor a location to hold hoop classes, I thought perhaps using Skype would be a great way to work with fellow hoopers! I have many followers who request a lot of tutorials, and I intend on getting those started in the very near future on my YouTube. I'm currently open to suggestions and willing to negotiate costs for virtual classes based on what each prospective student is interested in learning. 

Though it's not an actual hoop class, I will have my own classroom at home where I can interact live with students. I think this is an important aspect because other tutorials and instructional videos do not allow room for discussion and critique. With this method, I can instruct hoopers face to face and answer questions the moment they arise. 

I plan to teach beginner--intermediate hoop fitness and flow classes. Hoop fitness is extremely important to me and I would love to share the different ways I use my heavier hoops to stretch and stay in shape. As far as flow goes, I feel that the sky is the limit. For beginners, I can start with the basics of body hooping flow and then progress into transitions and tricks. For intermediate hoopers, I plan on focusing more on transitions and tricks and perfecting techniques. 

I would love to have students who already have things they want to learn; therefore, I am offering a pay as you go series of sessions as well as single sessions. My classes will range anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. I believe this is a perfect way to interact one-on-one in social media's hooping community, and I look forward to getting some feedback. I will feature hoopers I've worked with on my blog, and I also plan to use this site as an outlet for my own development and growth as an instructor. 

If anyone has honest suggestions for price ranges, please let me know! I need your help to make this happen! I'm super excited about this idea and I hope other people are, too! Please don't hesitate to contact me! For more info or ideas, please comment here, email me at twirlingcircus@gmail.com, or leave me something on my Instagram! If anyone is interested in setting up a session or being my guinea pig, come on down!! While getting everything started and running smooth, I would like to offer FREE FIRST SESSIONS for a limited time as a sign of my appreciation for anyone helping me build my clientele. Hope to hear from some hoopers soon!! Thanks for all your love and support! I wouldn't have come this far without all of you crazy hoopers!



Best ways to contact me: 

Email: twirlingcircus@gmail.com
Instagram: @twirlingcircus
Facebook: Twirling Circus