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.

'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! 

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.  

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

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