There is no right or wrong. There is only flow or not flow.
Anah (aka: Hoopalicious)

I recently returned from a long weekend in Bend, Oregon where I attended the first annual NW Hoop Gathering. It was a transformational weekend, filled with workshops led by hoop pioneers from all over the country. Presentations ranged from free-form explorations to technical skill-building, as each of the facilitators shared their unique approach to hooping with over 100 attendees. (See a full page article in the Bend Bulletin).

When I first picked up a hoop in 2006, I never imagined where it would take me. The most powerful aspect of my path in the hoop has been the way it has taught me to surrender to the unknown. By allowing myself to be carried on the current of the hoop, my life has orbited to new heights. To me, the hoop is contemplative playtime. It is a vehicle that allows two parts of me to unite in a harmonic convergence. My free spirit is nurtured by the joy of dance and exploration through movement and radiance. And the spiritual seeker and metaphysician in me is taught volumes about how the flow of energy moves in and around my body and mind. The hoop is a metaphor for the ways in which life speaks to (and through) me. Joyful. Powerful. Active. Yielding.

The SHiNE Workshop - What Moves You Matters
Saturday, April 11, 2009

My workshop presentation was at the end of the day on Saturday. After many hours of hooping, attendees were in need of a breather. In the spirit of flow, I surrendered my workshop plan to the tides of the moment. The majority of our time was spent in seated discussion. I introduced attendees to my ever-evolving experience of flow as a harmonic balance between Who We Are and Who We Have Become. Upon opening the floor for questions, we discussed the perceived barriers to living with authenticity. Topics of discussion included: the opinion of others, family dynamics, how ‘should’ can disempower our choices, and getting to the core of what it is we really want. In short, we applied the energy dynamics that the hoop is helping us to master to our everyday lives. How can we flow more deliberately towards our most joyous experience of life?

After a lively discussion, I was eager to move and vessel the understanding through movement. We had very little time, so I picked two exercises to end with. First, we moved into a circle formation and surrendered our hoops - “you are not what you do.” We co-created our own harmonic flow of energy - two concentric circles weaving in and out of one another - as attendees connected with their community face-to-face, hand-to-hand in a perpetually moving circle dance. From there, I felt the space was hungry for release. A Nia experience followed through a powerful dance of rhythm and sounding. The power of over 100 voices wildly basking in unison is still reverberating in my heart.

I am ever-so grateful to Mollie Hogan of HoopDazzle - friend, student, and event organizer - who wouldn’t take no for an answer. When she encouraged me to present at the event many months ago, I voiced my concern about teaching hoop technique as my energy is so much more drawn to coaching these days. She encouraged me to create a workshop that I would be eager to teach, and reassured me in my ability to deliver. I faced my demons of doubt, and I did just that. Thank you, Mollie, for your unconditional love and support.

And I was so delighted and appreciative to see so many friendly Portland faces in the crowd! Your presence made me feel at home and at ease. Special thanks to Lacye Lee for her assistance and support during my workshop!

A Shout Out to the Presenters

I am continually amazed and inspired by the people that I meet through the hoopdance community. The focus of this year’s event was The Evolution of Flow. In the world of flow arts (ie: poi, staff, flags, etc), hoopdance has arrived and is rock-solid! Presentations focused on experiential understandings of flow understanding, specific to the hoop. These few paragraphs could hardly do justice to all the brilliance shared in the presentations... nevertheless, a shout out feels warranted. I express my gratitude to:

Baxter of The Hoop Path for his shamanic teaching style that reminds us all to “go blind” and dive deep into what moves us at our very core.

Ann of The Hoop Path for her poise, grace, and willingness to look closer. Her teaching presence ignites a powerful fusion of femininity and strength.

Spiral of Spiral Hoop Dance for her beauty and presence as she led us through a variety of technical applications inspired by her inspirational circus-style studies. I appreciate so much getting to know her... her smile, her curiosity, and her wonder.

Rich of Isopop for a diagrammatical workshop on isolations and break-style hooping that was awe-inspiring and effective.

Christabel of HoopGirl for her continual courageous pushing of limits! Her workshop on floor hooping and micro-hoop meditations took each attendee into previous uncharted territories in and out of the hoop. Go, soul sister, go!

Khan for his wisdom and insight as he expressed an understanding of flow that pushed our boundaries into quantum physics and beyond. I was especially affected by his presentation, as I saw so clearly how the hoop is really a vehicle for the energetic teachings that come through us all.

Philo of Hooping.org for his playful and approachable teaching style that emphasized legwork and so much more. I am so grateful to Philo and the way in which he owns who he is and connects us all to one another, one click at a time.

Anah (aka Hoopalicious) of Hoop Revolution for her expertise and willingness to share it. I felt so much alignment with her teaching, in philosophy and technique, and I appreciate the ways she pushed me into so many areas of exploration in my hoop I had yet experienced. I am renewed with inspiration!

Thank you to all of the presenters for your wisdom and sharing. The best part about sharing a platform with you all was truly feeling complete authenticity in our sharing with one another and the community at large.

And as a final thought... a very heartfelt thank you to the radiant women in my life who support me every step of the way. I am blessed in friendship withe amazing women who inspire me endlessly! The best part of my weekend was the sharing of laughter, insight, and delight with ladies dear to my heart: Jasmine, Christabel, Holly, Keri, Jennaluna, and Mollie... you rock my world! Cara and Sylvia... you were both there with me in spirit. Thank you for your invisible support. I love you all!

Tags: hoopdance, northwest hoop gathering, Hooping, shine coaching

HoopGirl Level One
Baltimore, Maryland

I am settling in at home in Portland, Oregon relaxing after three glorious days in Baltimore, Maryland! I was there co-facilitating a HoopGirl Level One Teacher Training. Although I had taught the course material alongside Christabel on numerous occasions over the past 3 years (and even helped co-author many of the concepts), it was a new dawn for me and for HoopGirl. This was the first training in which the material would be presented without Christabel as a facilitator. My intention going into the weekend:  to trust that I would be able to channel her wisdom - along with my own - and deliver 100% on the promise. And I am so pleased to announce that we did just that! 

I certainly didn't do it alone! My co-trainer was Jennaluna. Ripe from her Level 3 training, she was superbly present as she courageously stepped right into the role of Trainer! Jenna is a natural facilitator, and it was such a joy to witness her holding the frequency of a leader and guide. She was especially potent when she fully embraced her power and yielded as her teaching worked through her. I look forward to more opportunities to teach alongside her... and share in more late night laughter! I am so grateful to work alongside colleagues that so soon become friends. 

A group of 13 fabulous women arrived on Day One, fully present and eager to learn about HoopGirl philosophy and education. I was immediately struck by the presence of each trainee. As the days unfolded, the attendees initiated lively discussions that led us into many expansive explorations of the material. It was so easy to witness and identify the unique brilliance of each in attendance: 

Noelle is the local hooper who made the training possible, providing us with the perfect space and constant support. She is a grounded, vibrant woman who has an impeccable warmth about her. Noelle offers observations, questions, and conscious facilitation that weave richness and depth to the teaching experience. 

Elena and Tara came from upstate New York, and I was immediately struck by their shared commitment and focus. Their community is in for a treat as they offer a combined synergy that is sure to delight. Elena wooed us all with her warm and expansive teaching style that reminded me the power of eye contact and poise. Tara guided us with an effortless wisdom and a sassy smile that melted our hearts and brought joy out in our dance.

Carolann joined us from New Jersey. She was our diva-goddess guide who demonstrated how coaching and empowerment can so effortlessly be woven into teaching hoopdance. I am personally inspired by her commitment to learn and grow in the direction of her bliss. Our lunchtime chat was a highlight of my weekend.

Pam came to the training with a dream to bring Ohio to life via the hoop. She blew us all away by her skill level - after only 6 months hooping, she was teaching all of us a thing or two! She is a testament of the power of online study. Not to mention, a natural teacher and model of how youthfulness is an ageless embodiment.

Chantiel came from Boise, Idaho... and is also a student of many via her online studies. She brought a inspiring and penetrating teaching style that held a powerful space for instruction. I appreciate her inquisitive and willing presence to learn and grow. 

Katie (aka: Surprise) joined us from the DC area. She brought so much creativity to her teaching via her remarkable attention to detail. I especially loved her immediate integration of conscious languaging and ability to reflect back to each of us. Her success will be no surprise to me.

Tina B (Virginia) brought her vast teaching experience into the hoop in such a personal way. She has a sensual and joyous style that is perfectly suited for the hoop - a mixture of bellydance and fitness offering a powerful fusion. She made us all smile and rest into the confidence of her instruction.

Becca was also from Virginia, and I can't say enough about the integrity she possesses. Each time I witnessed her - as trainee and as teacher - she was in full alignment with who she is. As a result, her teaching delivered a yoga-warrior-hoop journey unlike any other. 

Leda came to us all the way from Florida and the performance troupe known as the Hoola Monsters. She carries the natural poise and radiance of a performer and it translates perfectly into her teaching. I celebrate her smile and the power of her natural abilities as teacher.

Allison blew us away with her beautiful circus-style contortions during the photo shoot! And as a teacher, she is a self-possessed bundle of joy that you can't help but want to connect with and learn from. She will surely magnetize many joyous bodies into her classes.

I was always mesmerized when I would witness Kara hoop during breaks. A yoga teacher from North Carolina, she has a fluid and majestic style that may be partially inspired by the little guy she is expecting from within - she did the training while 4.5 months pregnant! She certainly brought the power and radiance of yin alive through her teaching as she masterfully demonstrated and "committed" to the task at hand. What an inspiration for all the mothers out there!

I can't possibly leave out Candice C. who was from a Maryland mountain community nearby. She is a warm and delightful woman who brought a lovely energy into the group. I was inspired by her choice - one of self-love - to step out on the second day, choosing to complete the training at another time. Sometimes the path of least resistance requires that we yield to an unexpected direction. I commend her for honoring her inner guidance. 

And a very special shout out to Kelly Jo... a previous graduate of the training was the ultimate assistant to Jenna and I. She went above and beyond the call of duty, catering to our every need and making a distant training location feel like home. Thank you so much for your presence, Kelly Jo! You are a star, for sure. We missed you on Day 3 and are hoping that you are feeling much better!

I couldn't possibly fully express the experience of the past weekend in these few paragraphs. I will simply share my gratitude to each and every one of the trainees for bringing their brilliance into the space; the synergy was inspiring to us all. And thank you, Jennaluna, for your exquisite partnership and presence. 

A very, very special acknowledgment to Christabel... my dear friend and creative soulmate. Thank you for trusting me to deliver the product of your brilliance to these women. I am the better for it. I hope you know how you inspire greatness in us all. 

Joyous & Grateful!
Candice

Tags: HoopGirl Training, hoopdance, teacher training

Hoop Dancer DeGrazia

Today, I was gifted this stunning, limited-edition print by DeGrazia. I can hardly wait to get home and frame it... it so wonderfully captures the magic of the hoop. The DeGrazia Gallery was home to Ted and his wife Marion. Both created exceptional art within the walls of the studio. Yet, what stuck me as most precious was the love and creativity that they put into the grounds in which they lived. Touring the place is like walking in a desert painting, alive with color and the native american spirit of serving the whole.

I was reminded how the hoop is a symbol for that wholeness... of unity... this weekend. Our Thanksgiving celebration was at Daniel's uncle's home in Scottsdale. This was my first time meeting this side of the family. They were all so warm and welcoming. One of the highlights of the evening was after dinner. I had a hoop in the rental car. Upon the urging of the group, we brought it out for a demonstration. I made sure that everyone else had a chance in the hoop first. Daniel's younger brother, Nathan, is a good sport. He jumped in first... followed by Daniel... his stepmom... then aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was immediate joy bursting from the seams! I gazed around in awe as the entire family was bathed in contagious laughter. And I remembered why this simple service that I offer is so potent.

The Circle.
It brings people together.
By its very nature, it unites.
And for its simple teachings, I am grateful.

When I was searching for an image of the above print to share with you, I ran across this poem. I hope you enjoy it as I did. And I hope that you find yourself in a circle dance of your own, sometime soon.

Hoop Dancer
(Based on the painting by Ted De Grazia)

A stream of light flows in circles around me.
Hoops and halos surround my body,
as I reach through each center with a dancing limb.
My pointed foot draws a blue circle
while my outstretched hand
paints a swirl of bright yellow.

I am the hoop dancer.
I carve a story into the night air,
as I move in rhythms,
that make my heart pump stronger
and my skin tremble with pure knowledge.

The lyrical notes fall all at once
from the dark, speckled sky.
They come crashing in waves,
and jingle at my beaded, fringed ankles.
Movement creates a limitless space between
my feet and the dry, crumbled earth beneath.
The hoops are as light as the air itself.
They raise me up and I am in flight.
Each circle is a galaxy –
each waving feather in my headdress
creates the stardust that lights up the world around me
so that my body is the bonfire –
aglow with a story.
It is the narrative of the hoop.

Cristina M. R. Norcross
August 2, 2006

Tags: circle dance, hoopdance, hoola hoop, hula hoop

HoopGirl Teacher Training - Portland, OR
September 21 - September 23

I am continually inspired and grateful to be a part of the HoopGirl Network. It's really about so much more than hoopdance. Christabel (HoopGirl Founder) and I just completed a three-day teacher training here in Portland. It was a rich experience... facilitating 14 talented individuals in their discovery of their path as teachers.

There is so much to comment on, that I won't do it justice here. Let me just speak to the power of potential recognized. Each and every person in the training has something significant to offer. Again and again, I am reminded that the SHiNE philosophy is reflected all around me. It is such an honor to be a part of the unleashing of personal power. I feel a responsibility as a trainer: to do everything within my power to encourage (in-courage... instill courage) by reminding each person of the uniqueness that is their birthright. It feels so rewarding to deliver a message that resonates through every cell of my being... what you bring matters!

Facilitating with Christabel is an utter joy... she and I came together only a few months ago with such grace. Our styles compliment one another brilliantly. And she always amazes me with her evermore radiant presence, articulate presentation, and authenticity. She is a true pioneer - not only in the hooping world - but as a paradigm-shifter at the cutting edge of conscious business and co-creation. It is truly an honor to work alongside her. She has offered me a platform to exercise my gifts... without her faith in me, it would be a few paces behind where I am now. I am grateful for the ways that she has held up a mirror to me, as a colleague and as a friend.

And Miss Taj... ah, what can I say? She is a Licensed HoopGirl Teacher who participated in a teacher training we held in LA a few months ago. She has since jumped on board to join the team as a Master Trainer and was present throughout the week to assist - and did she ever! Her silent service was such a blessing. She is a powerhouse of presence, with a silent potency I find intoxicating. I look forward to many more opportunities to work with her on various levels.

I will save time by keeping my comments general regarding the attendees (although I could quite easily post at length about each trainee and his or her unique brand of magic). It is the mock teaching practicums and feedback sessions that light me up... this is always my favorite aspect of the trainings. To witness the evolution of each trainee - in just three short days - is pure inspiration. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to do what they do... jumping in with both feet and being receptive to feedback from the group. I celebrate those raw moments, and express my gratitude at being able to be a part of it.

Congratulations to all of you... Lacye, Erika, Nathan, Nicole, Ali, Lynn, Sabine, Karly, Tia, Leslie, Yvette, Anne, Jennifer, & Lori Lynn. You are all uniquely gifted... it was a joy to be a part of your unfolding.

Tags: HoopGirl Training, hoola hoop, hula hoop, hoopdance

Master the Flow of Brilliance

Hoopdance for me has very little to do with perfecting hoop tricks or enhancing physical conditioning. The primary reason that I am drawn into the hoop is for the ways in which it teaches me to reflect the flow of life.

Much like life, the hoop has a spiraling, elevating rhythm. This rhythm is one that invites us to merge with it - neither controlling nor neglecting our place in it. When we lack trust in this rhythm, we attempt to strong-arm life...pushing with too much force. At other times, we fall into the despair of inertia...no longer giving ourselves to the life all around us.

The experience of flow - of which the hoop is a perfect mirror - can teach us much about the laws of energy. While hooping, I must learn to reside in the middle. The center point, where my axis is grounded with integrity. I travel around this center, while meeting my relationship with the hoop in healthy balance. I push just enough - equally on all sides - to participate and bring myself to the relationship. When I attempt to control (or bully) the hoop, it lets me know by resisting my force. Likewise, when I neglect its inherent rhythm by refusing to meet it, it lets me know by weakly fumbling along. On both occasions, the hoop can be counted on to fall with a crash! - in that joyful resonance that announces an opportunity to learn... and return to the sensation of harmony.

The hoop teaches me how to find and maintain center. And it is from the core of me that I find and express my power.

The hoop shows me what it is to be in relationship where co-dependence immediately reveals its dysfunction... inviting me to instead differentiate in order to unite and create harmony.

The hoop offers me a safe container in which to reach my brilliance forth, while held in a space that cannot be penetrated.

And the hoop reminds me that I am capable of more than I ever imagined when I surrender to the flow of life... directing and yielding, smiling and laughing, spiraling ever higher.

Visit HoopShine.com to experience flow in your life.

Tags: why hoop, hoola hoop, hoopdance, hoopshine