In February, it will be two years now that I have been hooping. Therefore, I feel it's high time to reflect on the past couple of years, and to offer a heartfelt shout out to some extraordinary hoop colleagues and friends.

I want to express my gratitude to Jasmine, my soul sister and friend who first introduced me to the hoop. She also inducted me into the world of teaching hoopdance, and the conception of HoopShine is owed to her. Jasmine, because of you, I am a better friend. Thank you for teaching me about truth, radiance, and integrity daily. You are like no other.

Also, to the whirlyGirlz (Jasmine, Holly, Keri, and Cara), who are an amazing group of women that I have had the pleasure of hanging with in and out of spin time. Thank you for your endless inspiration, creativity, and sharing of brilliance.

Christabel Zamor, a powerful and radiant angel in the flesh who is one of my many life guides in disguise. Thank you for inviting me into the world of HoopGirl to add what I have to bring. I have gained so much from our time spent together. Together, we have created a new paradigm that I hope we can bring to life in more of the world - what is it to collaborate fully without diluting any part of oneself. It is pure magic teaching with you. I look forward to future adventures facilitating together in and outside of the hoop.

Jonathan Baxter, you are the hoop shaman that made me realize what was missing. Thank you (and Ann) for all that The HoopPath brings to life in so many of us. You are a messenger of the highest, for you have allowed your uniqueness to create something unparalleled. May you experience the sense of freedom that you gift to so many.

HoopShine students, agents, and friends... YOU are truly what it is all about for me. Serving you is my joy. It is you that get me into the hoop on a regular basis. It is through your presence that the hoop speaks through me. Thank you for trusting me to hold the larger hoop around us all.

For some time, I did internal battle with the fact that I was a hooper didn't really fit in the hooping world. As a hoopdance performer, I experimented. I adorned myself in costumes that didn't resonate with my being. I attended festivals and events that I felt should excite me more than they did. It has been a bit confusing really. Paradoxically, I am extremely drawn to inspiring people (many of those listed above) who have interests so different from my own. I fought the urge to become something I am not... but in the end, I chose to accept my variance in desires and do only what moves me. It has worked beautifully, for it instills a sense of self-love that is honorable to my heart. And, these inspiring individuals are all the more inspiring for the ways in which they respect and honor my uniqueness. I appreciate having such healthy and balanced relationships all around me.

I have come to understand that I am a Teacher and Guide above all else. The hoop is one of many glorious vehicles through which I can learn about (and share) the messages that come through me. And it is likely that the hoop's presence will likely wax and wane in my life. I am willing to be present to the now, as the hoop constantly urges me to be. And I am no longer anxious to be other than that which I am... or to echo someone else's practice.

I share all this to remind you to always follow the path of your own heart.
Make your practice personal. Do what moves you.
Hoop for you! After all, it's built for one, yes?

Tags: Hooping, hula hoop

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