Flow~NW Hoop Gathering
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!
HoopGirl Training - Baltimore, MD

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
Hoop Anniversary Shout Out!

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?
Circle Thanks
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
HoopGirl Training - Portland
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.
Why Hoop?!

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.
HoopShine Body - Day 1

Tonight was the first
session in the HoopSHiNE BODY class series. The
intention of this new offering is to integrate the
various facets of my work.
Hoop... an avenue for learning
about the nature of energy in and around us.
SHiNE... my passion for
assisting others in activating their unique genius.
And
BODY... the vehicle that is our
most powerful ally in vesseling our brilliance through
this world in which we live.
In short, we learn to use the Hoop - the master teacher
of energetic flow - to activate the SHiNE BODY.
The SHiNE BODY is a high resonance sensation from which
ultimate joy and creativity can
emerge.
Tonight our focus was Presence.
We established our anchors
to ground us in
Presence as a sensation. Our physical anchors
included breath
and the
sensation of touch.
We used these tools to then harness the mind, tying it
to the present via the now
moment. I consider
the now
moment to be the key to unlocking
the potential in our hoop practice. The nature of the
hoop is that it relies on our connection to
now.
It is through continual presence with the now (via
contact points) that the hoop knows harmony. When we
disconnect - and are no longer Present - the hoop lets
us know. It falls. And we learn to smile down as we
pick up the hoop with a grateful heart.
Thank you
for reminding me to be present,
we say.
Your love
for me is real.
If only this degree of
truth were present in each and every relationship in
our lives. What clarity! The good news is... the hoop
is here to show you the way to doing just that.
That's why they call it practice.
SHiNE On!
The Warrior Path

On Sunday, I had the extreme pleasure of attending a
workshop with Jonathon Baxter. He is a hooper who has
taken his teaching to a place that far transcends the
medium. I am so drawn to the work he calls
The Hoop
Path as it reaches in and
touches the warrior within my body and soul.
Attending this event illuminated something within my
heart and mind. I have been feeling a sense of
ambivalence towards my teaching in the hoop recently.
There is so much that I love about sharing the joy of
the hoop with others; yet, I have felt a hunger inside
of me to approach the work from a more conscious place.
To truly begin to share how hoopdance can be about so
much more than hoop tricks and self-expression. The
hoop is a messenger of so much wisdom. It teaches me
about what it is to be in relationship, how yin and
yang merge to create harmony, and the rare of gifts of
truth and humility found each time the hoop falls.
Hooping is a practice. I know this... and Baxter helped
me to remember that it is possible to share this work
from a deeper place.
And so, I am ever-more inspired to co-create and
develop HoopSHiNE BODY with the community of hoopers in
Portland. So much is unknown about this class series,
coming up July 9th. Nevertheless, I am committed to
creating a space where each hooper walks away a
visceral experience of the harmony and wisdom that the
hoop imparts... in the body, and in relationship to
self.
More on this as the vision develops...