A little Danzig for Round 17 in The Hooping Game!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Alison Krauss & Union Station - 'Gravity'
Check out my latest video on my TwirlingCircus Facebook Page! Make sure to watch it in HD for the best quality! (Also on my YouTube Channel, but it can only be viewed from a PC; which is why I can't upload the video on here.)
Click the link or photo!!
by TwirlingCircus.
Smiles & Sidewalk Chalk
Not only do I decorate my front porch with Crayola Sidewalk Chalk on a regular basis, I also used the box to prop my phone up when making my hoop videos. Yesterday I had a moment of what I now call 'sidewalk chalk serendipity' when the box fell apart after accidentally being left in the rain. I couldn't help but notice the beauty of the colorful mess. After I gathered all the pieces, I had an unsurprising urge to use them; and for some reason this is what I felt inspired to draw/write:
I posted the photo on my Instagram and Facebook Page and received quite a bit of feedback. From heartfelt to hilarious, the comments were all unique and wonderful. Each and every one made ME smile--both yesterday and today. Sometimes we forget the little things that can turn our whole day around. I went from a broken box of chalk to a list the length of Santa's full of reasons people smiled. Does it get much better than that? When you're only thinking of reasons you're angry or upset with the world, just ask yourself this tiny little question--or ask the person sitting next to you. Their smile could wind up creating yours.
What made you smile today?
Monday, August 11, 2014
Say Something, I Wont Give Up My Hoops.
For many people, music is the super glue that permanently connects all the tiny pieces of life and holds them together in a place where everything will always make sense. I am one of these people, and hula hooping is one of the few places where I can both lose and find myself within the music. When the music plays and I have my hoop in hand, I twirl away into another universe that is completely my own. This is one of many reasons hula hoops are referred to as 'sacred circles'. I may stumble, drop it, and at times go for a nice little jog to catch it, but it's not about being perfect. It's about everything aside from perfection. Hoop Dancing is a meditative state of mind where worries and reality don't have to matter.
Say Something by A Great Big World is one of the saddest songs I've ever heard in my life, but it is undeniably beautiful. I don't believe in giving up on the people I love or walking away from broken things that still have room for mending. That song holds such a heartbreaking tone filled with so much love and desperation. Every time I hear it I'm inspired to pick up a hula hoop and disappear within the lyrics. Maybe it's because I never want to feel that way and I'm trying to fight against it, or maybe it's because I have felt that way and I don't want to feel as though I'm going through it all over again. (Music tends to have a very serious and personal effect on me.) The video I uploaded is imperfect in many ways. Sure, I dropped my hoop at the beginning and got a little tangled here and there, but in my mind there was never an absent moment where I didn't feel a sense of comfort and therapy. I am eternally grateful that I have found such a wonderful outlet in life, and unlike the song lyrics, I will never give up on it.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Hummingbird #stopdropandspin
Just a fun little edit of a song request
and a stop drop and spin tag!
'Hummingbird'
Thursday, July 31, 2014
'Like A Virgin' Sing-Along: Hooper Style
Yesterday I decided to take my hula hoops on an adventure to Giant City State Park. I was thrilled to see that this beautiful open area beneath the cliffs was vacant. I had all of my hoop station gear with me: hoops, iPod, random books to prop my phone on, iPod dock, water, etc. I was ready for a fun day of flowing. I don't always listen to music when I hoop, so after I'd had a nice little warm up with some good tunes I turned off the iPod and started hooping along to the sounds of nature. Little did I know that I would soon be hooping to the voices of teenagers attempting to sing 'Like A Virgin'. If there's one thing I do know, it's Madonna lyrics (and choreography... so I guess two things). They started getting lost right after the first two lines, and I can't deny that I thoroughly enjoyed the mumbling, but I had to cut in and help them with the rest of the words. The following video is a pretty hilarious account of what happened.
Make sure your volume is all the way up so you can hear them. If you look closely in the top right corner you can see my awesome backup singers.
Make sure your volume is all the way up so you can hear them. If you look closely in the top right corner you can see my awesome backup singers.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Hooping Game Round 14!
Emancipator - 'Lionheart'
Not only was this my sick day challenge in the Hooping Game, it was also the second video I've made hooping to this song. I uploaded the first video back in February. It's slightly embarrassing to watch, but it also showed me how much I've progressed. These are my favorite moments as a hooper because it's not about what other people think. It's about my journey of self-discovery. Looking back on how far I've come is never a bad thing. It's a beautiful way to inspire and motivate myself.
Friday, July 18, 2014
My Nocturnal Mind
Just my final thoughts before I fell asleep last night combined with my favorite photo I've ever taken. Music makes me feel free and capable of anything. There's a sense of magic that takes me to another level. The photo was taken at Ghostland Observatory's 2009 concert at The Valarium in Knoxville, TN. I thought it was a perfect fit from a perfect evening.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Flow Down Fest 2014!
Event hosts Allie Starfox and Jake Vaupel are still collaborating a wide variety of live music, workshops, beautiful scenery, good vibes, good people, flow art performances, and all the love that comes along with it! Instructors from all over the United States will be teaching and performing Fire Spinning, Poi, Hooping, Dance, Staff, Acro Yoga, and more! Whether or not you're a professional flow artist, this is the place for you to be! Even professionals will inevitably learn from one another. The beauty of these performing arts is the fact that no two performers are the same, and it's a never-ending journey. There will always be something new to learn. This festival is full of endless opportunities to do so. Don't miss out on a beautiful unity of people sharing their passions, great music, and the nature surrounding. It's bound to be a magical experience.
Allie Starfox |
Here's their most recent list of confirmed Instructors and live Music:
(Artists are still being added! Keep checking back for more!)
Instructors:
Allie Starfox- Hoops
Jake Vaupel- Poi
Tony Law- Slackline and Acro Yoga
Hobbes- Contact staff and dance
Bethany Byrnes- Dance and Double staff
Brandon Joe Rutten -Acro yoga
Michael Bly-Partner poi and poi tosses
Ryan Shadis- Partner poi an Flow Center
Jonah Digirolamo- fire walk, laughter yoga and double staff
Andrew Knight
Micha Moon -Beginner hoop
Sylvi - aerial hoop
Jessica Marlo- hoops
Music:
DJ WoBBle
DJ Bird
Renegades of Bass
Blue Fruit Snacks
Check out their website and Facebook Page for more info on these performers! There are short bios definitely worth reading!
Flow Down 2014
Flow Down Fest on Facebook
Jake Vaupel |
Not only am I ridiculously pumped for this experience, I was lucky enough to win a ticket to their festival! I wanted to take the time to spread the good word to everyone who wants expand their flow journeys and learn about others'. I am so excited and so grateful to be a part of this amazing experience!! I can't wait to learn all the things I never thought I'd have an opportunity to try! I don't even have anyone to go with but that's not stopping me!! I'm ready for the flow down!! Are you???
(And just for fun, I thought I'd add my submission video. This is the first submission video I've ever made! Thanks for the inspiration, Flow Down!)
Hozier 'Take Me To Church'
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Saturday, June 21, 2014
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.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
The Veiled Hooper
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.
If you're looking for entertainment or evidence that hula hooping is an art form, check her out!!
@veiled_hoops |
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Exorcism
'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!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Visions Are Seldom All They Seem...
Lana Del Rey
'Once Upon A Dream'
'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 :)
Monday, June 2, 2014
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!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
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!!!
Monday, February 10, 2014
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 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
Friday, January 24, 2014
#STOPDROPANDSPIN!.... NOW!!
No matter what time it is, I think it's a great addition to anyone's day. Considering most Instagram hoopers don't know each other personally, it's amazing that we are comfortable passing this chain around to random people because we know they share our passion.
One of the greatest things about #stopdropandspin is that it is bringing new faces into the realms of social media's hula hoopers. Hashtags are the primary requisite for networking and finding people who share your interests. Hoopers who dedicate a lot of time to social media and connecting with others usually have several preferred hashtags that they will check regularly and/or more often than others. When #stopdropandspin busted loose, I noticed many people I had never seen before, and there were a lot of hoopers I see regularly that had yet to catch the buzz. When they did, familiar faces came flowing into the circle as quickly as the new. Even if people stop following directions when they #stopdropandspin, they still pass on the vibes hoopers will continue looking for. Tagging someone in a hoop video isn't necessary when it comes to inspiration. People can watch hoop videos on any link, website, or hashtag and still feel the inspiration and urge to stop what they're doing and hula hoop. However, it is pretty fun when you're really in the middle of something and you receive a notification from a stranger summoning you to hula hoop. It's kind of an addiction--but that's another story for another kind of day. So, bottom line, if you're reading this and have a hoop, I suggest that you go grab it, because you have just been ordered to #stopdropandspin!
Monday, January 20, 2014
Take Another Shot
Our lives are a series of captured moments in our minds, photographs, home movies, etc. Sometimes they are dark or out of focus, but if you take the time to edit and try again, you have an opportunity to recapture and repair those moments. If the negatives are not worth saving, discard them and start a new roll of film. Look around, find the perfect picture, and don't miss the chance to take it.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Let Your Dreams Grow.
Social norms have a very dangerous
potential when it comes to our creativity and big dreams. All over the world,
people are born into different societies with their own set of rules and/or
expectations. Where these countless ideals of normalcy come from, I'm not sure,
but they form a vision in our minds telling us who we are supposed to be. Many
people grow up finding themselves displaced and at times rejected because
they don’t behave or see things the same as the rest of their peers. When
children dream of growing up to become famous performers, artists, writers, athletes,
etc. more often than not, people will tell them that they can’t. Why not? These dreams exist and came true for others, so why
can’t they be just as real for anyone else? The way I see it, normalcy is the ideal that doesn't exist. No two people are exactly the same. Therefore,
no one should live a life believing that they are wrong for being themselves
and expressing ideas that the majority finds strange or
unacceptable.
As difficult as it may seem, the most
important thing to remember is to ignore anyone who doesn't believe in,
appreciate, or understand you and your dreams. It is impossible to avoid these
people, but it is up to the dreamer to keep their negativity at bay. Only you
can keep your dreams alive, and we are solely responsible for killing them as
well. We can’t blame other people or circumstances for holding us back. Those
are the tools that we must use to build upon. No matter how small wishes and dreams may
seem, they are not pointless. They form in our minds for a reason, and it is up
to us to create and project them. Taking on a career like a Lawyer or an Office
Executive may seem like a more reasonable route, but that doesn't mean we have to
take it. You’re not wrong for being different, but it’s wrong to ignore what
makes us different. Our individuality is composed of tiny seeds helping us grow
into someone beautiful and unique. Ignoring your imagination and dreams is
ignoring who you truly are.
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