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?

'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.

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.

Flow Down Fest 2014!

Flow Down Fire Festival is MORE than just a fire festival. It is everything that encompasses the lifestyle of flow arts. This amazing and unique festival will take place October 17-19, 2014 at The Original Sugar Creek Campground in Bloomingdale, IN. 


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'

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

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! 

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

#STOPDROPANDSPIN!.... NOW!!

Hoopers had quite an exciting week in social media! On Tuesday afternoon I received notifications from several people ordering me to '#stopdropandspin'. It was pretty self-explanatory. I stopped and dropped whatever it was that I was doing, grabbed a hoop, made and uploaded a Bassnectar video to my Instagram, then tagged 3 more hoopers with the same instructions. 

This ingenious idea spread faster than chain emails, and as long as hoopers keep posting their videos I don't see it stopping anytime soon. People (myself included) are being tagged over and over again, and I don't think they have a problem participating more than once. I mean, if someone's way of intruding on my day involves telling me to stop whatever it is I'm doing and grab a hula hoop, be my guest--and favorite person ever. The second day of #stopdropandspin, I woke up to several demands. Being that I was still in bed, I turned my video camera on and started filming this little excursion. Starting with the view of my ceiling, I moved on to my alarm clock showing it was only 8:03 a.m., grabbed a hoop, got back in bed, and spun it around my foot. In my opinion, this was a hilarious and great start to my day. 

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!

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.  

She Can Dance a Cajun Rhythm

@Sunshine_Dayydream . . . hooping where the wind goes.

Lauren Grady (@sunshine_dayydream) is a 22 year old Hooper and Graduate Student at Sage Graduate School in Troy, NY. Currently working on her doctorate in physical therapy, she eventually plans to specialize in pediatrics. Not only does Lauren love children, she also loves cats, hula hoops, and music festivals. During her senior year as an undergrad, she was a team leader with a group who taught the younger generation how to hula hoop in order to relieve stress and become more physically active. Aside from hooping, she spends her time reading, learning, making hemp jewelry, helping others, dancing, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Lauren's Hoop Journey started in July 2012. In preparation for the All Good Music Festival, she really started dedicating herself. For Lauren, hooping is more than a circle that spins 'round and 'round. It has become a form a physical fitness she looks forward to, meditation, confidence, and an excellent way to bond with others. In an email Lauren stated, "It makes me so happy to hand a hoop over to a newcomer and watch them light up when they can do it. I have now gotten many friends into this lovely lifestyle, and they are so grateful. I held a World Hoop Day at my college with a bunch of my friends this year and they all have gotten so good. Now that just feels amazing."

This little ray of sunshine is all about sharing her love and gift, and I simply wanted to return the favor. Look up her instagram and YouTube. It's a haven of happy hooping!!!

Hoopers of Facebook - Unite and Take Over!

Jenni D (@dreamr89)

If you haven't noticed, Hula Hooping has become one of the largest influential factors in social media's creative spectrum. YouTube and Instagram are filled with millions of videos and photos expressing and teaching the art. Surprisingly, the only network somewhat lacking in this trend is Facebook. However, Instagram's @dreamr89 (a.k.a. Jenni D) noticed the absence of unity and took it upon herself to make the change. She recently started a new Community Page called Hula Hoopers in hopes to bring even more people together. Hoopers are connecting all over the world through social networks and thanks to Jenni there is another link!

Facebook Hula Hoopers!

Check it out! Like it! Submit vids and photos!!! Spread the hooplah! Keep it goin' and flowin'!!

PLURH - PeaceLoveUnityRespect. . . HOOP!

No Job is Pointless.

I stumbled upon this article on Thought Catalog several weeks ago. I found it so relevant and inspiring. It captivates the emotions of anyone lost in the midst of their mixed-up and stressful 20-somethings. Truly a must-read.

You Should Work An Entry-Level Job discusses the significance of every opportunity one can find in the seemingly nonexistent workforce. My first post on this blog mentions the difficulties my generation faces when it comes to finding that stable career we were always promised after college. In this entry, Ella Ceron points out that no job is thankless. No matter how small or insignificant your job may seem, it is up to you to make the most of it and obtain any recognition you seek. During these times, it may take years for us to find the job we always wanted or thought we would have by now. You must believe in yourself, the work you do, and the reasons why you do it. If you ever want to find the job you're looking for, you have to be patient and start at the bottom. We should learn to accept that we may end up living paycheck to paycheck, and that it's okay. And when that's the case, we should work as hard as someone making millions. Most of us will probably end up with jobs that nobody understands or wants at this time in their life-- something we never imagined ourselves doing beyond high school. However, right now there aren't a lot of options, but if we remind ourselves every day that we have to care about our job and force ourselves to enjoy it, it will benefit us in the long run. These jobs force us to recognize life's struggles. Someday we'll look back and remember the hard times and appreciate them because these are the days developing our future. We thought that was the point of college, but now we have another practice to learn--survival and enjoying life simultaneously. We won't find the job we love or have been looking for unless we do our absolute best with what little we can find. Ceron's conclusion offers a sense of comfort and understanding for all of us.  

"You should work at a job you love. And the job you love is out there, and if you have to try your hand at a thousand shitty jobs until you find the shitty job that doesn't feel shitty, then work those jobs, and be the best at them even if they're not right in the long run. They are right for the moment, because they taught you something about yourself. At the very least, they will teach you about what you don't want, a lesson in and of itself. And keep dreaming about the right job, and keep trying, and keep believing that it's out there somewhere."

Please take a minute to read her article. You won't regret it. 

Perfect Circles

Hoopity Hoop!

Hoopnosis

@_hoopnotized

It's Showtime!

@ashsol

Follow Your Bliss

@blissfulhippie

Sacred Circle

@captainvnss

Tiny Vessel

@carlyyyj

Home is Where
the Hoop is

@digicammy

Look Beyond Your Reach

@emiliajean

Embrace

@kaleakbigs

Meet Me in Montauk 

@kaytripp

Hooping Wonderland

@luvmuvment

Rolling in the Rushes 
Down by the Riverside

@sunshine_dayydream

Aeroplane Over the Sea

@plurkitty_krush

Earthling

@shimmerloveslife

Fringe and Foliage

@sitarabird

Push Your Limits.

@twirlingcircus

This Girl Is On Fire.

"I will write myself into every corner of the universe, I will keep singing until nothing comes out, I will bounce to the beat until my body stops."

-Chloe Duran

Chloe Duran of Santa Cruz, CA. is a fantastic lyricist and poet. Her pure and honest style comes from a constant flow of inspiration. Her words are raw and relatable, written in a pure and honest style. Chloe's writing reads like a clear series of thoughts. The outlet she finds in writing definitely agrees with her. She recently emailed me some of her work and I felt it needed to be shared. It's time for Chloe to come out of the woodwork!

Her lyrics are mainly rap, and when I read the first song she sent me, her natural talent blew me away. Once this girl adds some beats to her words and puts herself out there, I truly believe she will be someone to look out for. The videos she sent along with the lyrics proved that she can do more than write rap songs. She's a package deal. Nicki Minaj doesn't know it yet, but she's got some competition headed her way.

As for her poetry, the same rules apply. Nothing is hidden beneath the surface. The words are a fresh train of thought. Her style appears simple because it all unfolds naturally. Most writers envy this ability because it's the greatest way to connect with readers. The first poem she sent was actually about me and I have never been more flattered in my life. As a writer from a completely unbiased perspective, I have no other choice but to honestly admit that it's a beautiful poem. If the poem were about any other human being, I still would've fallen in love with it. The rest of her poems possess the same impact because her detail and imagery consistently captivate. I chose to feature the poem about my alias (TwirlingCircus) only because its content is most applicable to this blog's vibe. So here's just a taste of Chloe Duran's gift:


Hooping with her loop 
she's made a believer out of me. 
Twirling with her circus, 
You better believe 
I can feel her soul-- 
From how many states away? 
She's a beauty  
right down to her bones. 
No one can stop 
what she already knows.

Keep spinning in circles, 
Keep em all guessing.
She's a damn rock star-- 
with peace and love 
as her message.

My only suggestion and critique for Chloe: Start a blog and/or a YouTube page so we can see and hopefully hear more!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Perfect Circles

Found some fun hoopers this week!

Grow

@twirlingcircus

We are More Than 

Just One Person

@altarnativereality

Sunshine Smiles

@bklynsunshine77

Infinite

@coutneyynk

Flutter By in the Sky

@ebonie_hoops

 Dancin' in the Street

@ethereal_mermaid

Keep Your Heart Young

@hoopsie_daisy

In the Right Place

@junglegoddesss

Orbiting Inner Space

@katdabz

Family Fun

@littletigerfairyprincess

Sky High

@martianbeauty_

At Ease

@mmollywood

Night Lights

@smaashleyyy

Find What You're

Looking For

@therestingnomad

Smile! You're Hooping!

@trugzilla

Unlimited

@youngearthtoes

Just Keep Spinning

@bethmadden8