Thursday, May 26, 2011

Hooping 101 : Part 1

Since I have started the hooping trend in our common room, I thought it only fair to give you some tutorials and information to help you get started. I hope this will help you and keep you motivated to dance in your hoop!


Questions


Q: Can I use the hoops at my local walmart/target/etc?
A: The answer to this is both yes and no. If you are a beginner and have never hooped as a child you may find those hoops increasingly difficult to use because they are smaller, lighter, and spin much faster than the adult hoops made for hoop dance. They are considered more like 'pro hoops' or for advanced hoopers.

Q: How big of a hoop do I need?
A: An average adult can start with a hoop between 40"-42" and it should weigh around 1.5lbs. The larger the hoop, the slower it will spin, the heavier the hoop, the more you will feel it hitting your body. You should never try to hoop dance with a weighted/exercise hoop.. these are not made to be danced with and can cause lots of bruising and in some cases injury. Your hoop when resting on the ground should fall between your navel and your chest. They do make plus size hoops which are larger and spin slower which may help some of you who naturally move more slowly.

Q: How long will it take me to learn?
A: Each of us are different.. and the answer really depends on how much you practice. If you're easily frustrated and walk away from it often, it will take you longer than someone who practices for 30-60mins per day. Just keep trying and you'll get it! If I can do it, ANYONE can!!

Q: Where can I buy? What do you recommend?
A: Hoopnotica is by far the best hoops I have ever used. They are smooth, beautiful, perfectly weighted, and I cannot recommend them enough. More budget friendly would be HoopMama on Etsy.


In this post, we will not be learning anything except waist hooping and trouble shooting. Please watch all of the videos as every hooper has a different style and a different way of teaching.. hopefully one of these will help you!

Waist Hooping Video Tutorials








Troubleshooting

Problem: My hoop keeps falling to the floor! HELP!
Answer: This is totally natural in the beginning process. Take the hoop and spin it around your body without moving.. just to feel where the hoop hits you.. these points are called your push points. Some people will hoop front to back (having one push point in the front and another on the opposite side on the back) and others side to side (one on each hip). Your timing may be off but continue practicing and you will get it!

Problem: My hoop dips to one side and then falls.
Answer: The most common problem is that one of your push points is hitting the hoop with more force than the other.. put a little more into the side that dips and this should correct the problem.

Happy Hooping!

1 comment: