Re-Enter the Spiral
Contact Spiral Spiral Media Spiral Video Spiral Gallery Community Page Frequently Asked Questions Hoop Store Spiral Hoop Classes Spiral Performance Arts About Spiral Home Page

EXCITING NEWS! My latest instructional offering is available online, via direct download. I have created a video of my beginner workshop 'plus', a Foundational Intensive in the art of Hoop Dance. It's an hour of comprehensive exercises & instruction covering topics such as: Core Hooping, Stalling, Angle Hooping, Leg Hooping, Lifts, Horizontal Passing, the Vertical Weave and more. This is a great resource for those beginning their hoop journey, as well as those who teach beginner hoopers. Only $14

 Buy Now

~~Click link above to purchase~~

View the trailer below for a preview! More info on the content of this Online Instructional Offering, as well as the process of it's creation can be found here

a still from the flow section of my foundational instructional video

 

2010 is going to be an exciting year for instruction, with new projects and opportunities on the horizon. I am now residing in Berkeley, CA and have a beautiful studio where I'm teaching private lessons to individuals and small groups. NEW: Private lesson info here

In 2010 I'll be teaching specialty workshops at Hoop Covergence in Carrboro, NC May 21-25 and at Hoop Camp in Santa Cruz, dates TBA.

I'm also undertaking a national workshop tour for Hoop Technique, my new collaborative project with Rich Porter More details about our upcoming tour TBA. Next stop: Charlottesville, VA July 17-18

Sunday, May 2, Charlottesville, VA

TIME: 7- 8:30 pm

PRICE: $36 -please pre-register thru link below

LOCATION: Montessori Community School~305 Rolkin Rd. Charlottesville, VA

Spring is here and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to pass through Charlottesville once again. The community there continues to advance and grow and this time around I'd like to emphasize that progression and community by incorporating a short choreography into the workshop.
We'll first learn a few new moves (ie: ghosting isolation, framing, 2 point axial isolations) and experiment with 2 point technique as a means to explore 3- Dimensional space. Then we'll connect the moves in sequence and work with synching up as a group. We'll work slowly and manageably to bring ourselves into synch. I can't wait to see the group of you linked up with some sweet moves...come join us!

Hoops will be available for use and for sale, including some hi-performance Hoop Technique hoops ;)

Please pre-register here

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hoop Technique LA

Saturday & Sunday, March 27 & 28, Los Angeles, CA

TIME: Sat: 4-7 pm and Sun: 1-4 pm

PRICE: $140

LOCATION: The Groove Spot 1110 N. Beachwood Dr. 3rd Floor
Hollywood, CA 90038
(park under the building)

I've been hard at work the last 6 months with my new collabortive partner Rich Porter on Hoop Technique; a groundbreaking instructional approach. We've spent the last 6 months developing a modern theory of hoop dance that we'll be introducing in our upcoming DVD. We're excited to bring these ideas to the community through real-time instruction as well, so we're taking it on the road. Second stop on the tour is Los Angeles, CA- home of a thriving hoop community.

This workshop will introduce Hoop Technique Theory and will be aimed at advanced beginners through expert hoopers. Our only prerequisites are the capability to waist hoop and to do a lift from the core. It's recommended, but not required, that you are able to chest hoop and comfortably perform an off-body weave.

Details regarding workshop content, pricing and pre-registration can be found on our website:

http://hooptechnique.com/losangeles

The Hoop Technique workshop will happen over the course of 2 days. We'll devote 1.5 hours of instruction to each of our 4 primary movement concepts with an additional half hour of movement integration/ individualized instruction each day.

Please dress comfortably and bring water. As we're traveling, we'll have some Hoop Technique-style hoops for sale, but encourage you to bring your own, preferably smaller, hoop. If you'd like to pre-order one of our unique, high-performance hoops, please send us an email.

Pre-registration is required. If this is an absolute impossibility for you, please message us at info@hooptechnique.com and we'll do our best to work something out for you.

Please pre-register here

 

Hoop Technique Tour Kickoff!

Saturday & Sunday, March 6-7, Austin, TX

TIME: 12-3:30 pm both days

PRICE: $120

LOCATION: TBA

I've been hard at work the last 6 months with my new collabortive partner Rich Porter on Hoop Technique; a groundbreaking instructional approach. We've spent the last 6 months developing a modern theory of hoop dance that we'll be introducing in our upcoming DVD. We're excited to bring these ideas to the community through real-time instruction as well, so we're taking it on the road. When we threw out that we we're considering touring, we received an incredibly strong response from Austin (and Houston and San Antonio) region. So Austin, you asked, and here we come. Our first stop is Austin, TX.

This workshop will introduce Hoop Technique Theory and will be aimed at advanced beginners through expert hoopers. Our only prerequisites are the capability to waist hoop and to do a lift from the core. It's recommended, but not required, that you are able to chest hoop and comfortably perform an off-body weave.

Details regarding workshop content, pricing and pre-registration can be found on our website:

http://hooptechnique.com/blog/?p=244

The Hoop Technique workshop will happen over the course of 2 days. We'll devote 1.5 hours of instruction to each of our 4 primary movement concepts with an additional half hour of movement integration/ individualized instruction each day.

Please dress comfortably and bring water. As we're traveling, we'll have some Hoop Technique-style hoops for sale, but encourage you to bring your own, preferably smaller, hoop. If you'd like to pre-order one of our unique, high-performance hoops, please send us an email.

Pre-registration is required. If this is an absolute impossibility for you, please message us at info@hooptechnique.com and we'll do our best to work something out for you.

Please pre-register here

Join me in a hoop dance workshop to learn the fundamentals and beyond. Expand your repertoire of movement, meet new friends, and witness the possibilities of advanced practice. Whether breaking new ground or honing skills, you're sure to enjoy centering, empowering fun.

~Past Workshops~

Monday, Nov.30, Charlottesville, VA

Hoop Dance Foundational Intensive

TIME: 6:30-8 pm

PRICE: $30

LOCATION: Montessori Community School~305 Rolkin Rd. Charlottesville, VA

It's always nice to pass through Charlottesville. The hoop community there has been steadily growing, so I'm offering another beginner intensive workshop. We'll begin on the core with exercises to familiarize you with the rhythm and 'window of opportunity' of your hoop, stalling technique, angle hooping, and then move to methods for expanding our comfort zone up to the chest and down to the knees. We'll then learn 2 different ways to lift the hoop off the body, plus variations. Once off the body, we'll work on hooping in the horizontal and vertical planes, covering more material depending on the energy of the group.

Individual instruction on requested moves/techniques will be provided during the ending jam and is dependent on the time remaining. Hoops are provided for use and for sale.

This workshop is suitable for both beginner and more experienced hoopers, as more challenging variations will be suggested for those who are ready.

Pre-registration is required. Please pre-register here

Tuesday, Dec. 1, Charlottesville, VA

Hoop Dance Expansion

TIME: 6:30-8 pm

PRICE: $35

LOCATION: Montessori Community School~305 Rolkin Rd. Charlottesville, VA

The dedicated hoopers of Charlottesville are progressing by leaps and bounds, and I'm delighted to be bringing more advanced instruction to this lovely community. So, come join me for exercises and instruction to elevate and expand your hoop dance practice.
Topics addressed: Isolation variations, musicality in conjunction with different hoop techniques, Anti-spin, Plane Bending, Power Breaks, Wobbles, Foot Hooping (to free your body), Single Leg Hooping: entrances-poses-exits, and a short choreography.

This workshop is geared towards experienced hoopers, those who have a solid foundation in the basics. Those in doubt as to how solid their foundation is but still wish to take part should come prepared to push themselves, light-heartedly laugh, and be open to absorbing things mentally that their body may not yet be ready to do. All are welcome who are okay with this ;)

Pre-registration is required. Please pre-register here

Past workshops...

Saturday, August 15, SHOW Circus Studio, Easthampton, Mass.

Hoop Dance Foundational Intensive

TIME: 2-4 pm

PRICE: $40

LOCATION: SHOW 150 Pleasant St. Suite #350, Easthampton, MA 01027

I'm delighted to be sharing hooping at my friends' new circus studio in Masschusetts. Join me for an intensive workshop in the art of hoop dance. We'll begin on the core with exercises to familiarize you with the rhythm and 'window of opportunity' of your hoop, stalling technique, angle hooping, and then move to methods for expanding our comfort zone up to the chest and down to the knees. We'll then learn 2 different ways to lift the hoop off the body, plus variations. Once off the body, we'll work on hooping in the horizontal and vertical planes, covering breaks, reverses, basic jumps, and isolations.

Individual instruction on requested moves/techniques will be provided during the ending jam and is dependent on the time remaining. Hoops are provided for use and for sale.

This workshop is suitable for both beginner and more experienced hoopers, as more challenging variations will be suggested for those who are ready.

Pre-registration is required. Please pre-register here

more info on their website is here

Sunday, August 16, Lusscroft Farm, NJ

Hoop Dance Expansion

TIME: 4-6 pm

PRICE: $40

LOCATION: Lusscroft Farm 15 Neilson rd. Wantage, NJ 07461

I'm honored to be teaching the first workshop at this incredible space, a large barn on the property of a 500+ acre farm in northern NJ. Folks have been diligently working to save this beautiful land from development. A medicine wheel garden was recently established on the property, which we will honor by spinning our own medicine wheels around our bodies.

So, come join me for 2 jam-packed hours of exercises and instruction to elevate and expand your hoop dance practice.
Topics addressed: Isolation variations, musicality in conjunction with different hoop techniques, Anti-spin, Plane Bending, Power Breaks, Wobbles, Foot Hooping (to free your body), Single Leg Hooping: entrances-poses-exits, and a short choreography.
If we have time, I will be happy to entertain requested moves during the ending 'jam' portion.
This workshop is geared towards experienced hoopers, those who have a solid foundation in the basics. Those in doubt as to how solid their foundation is but still wish to take part should come prepared to push themselves, light-heartedly laugh, and be open to absorbing things mentally that their body may not yet be ready to do. All are welcome who are okay with this ;)

Pre-registration is required. Please pre-register here

Tuesday, July 8, Charlottesville, VA

Hoop Dance Expansion: Off-Body, Rolls & Tosses

TIME: 6:30-8 pm

PRICE: $30

LOCATION: The lovely Anne's yard

2425 Gobblers Ridge (off of Route 53)
Cville, VA 22902

Rain location: Charlottesville Pavillion, Downtown

I'm passing through Charlottesville once again and, this time, we're hoping to get our hoop on outdoors. As such, I want to share moves with y'all that we're usually too tightly packed to practice safely.

We'll go over horizontal off-body passing, breaks at waist and chest, and whirlpool. Some of this will be a review for those who took the last C'ville workshop, but it'll be lovely to really have the outdoor space to work on these techniques without spatial constraint.
We'll then move on to vertical passing, plane exploration, weaving, tosses with flair and rolling the hoop across the chest and shoulders. I'll also give instruction in the orbit and portal step-through with a hefty chunk of jam time at the end to circulate and give individual tips and help.
You'll leave with lots to energize and elevate your hoop practice for the summertime.

~Pre-registration here~

Wednesday, July 22, Floyd, Virginia Pre-Floydfest workshop!

TIME: 6:00-7:30 pm

PRICE: $25

~Pre-register and secure your spot here~

LOCATION: Floyd County Recreation Park

Rain location: The Sun Music Hall

Sponsored by Floyd Fitness, 540-745-PUMP (7867)

I've shared hoop dance at Floydfest for several years now, through performance and teaching and I'm honored to offer a formal workshop to this lovely community of folks. This year I'm arriving in Floyd early to rehearse my aerial acts and will have time to share a big download of foundational hoopgnosis just in time to hone/show off your new skills at the festival.

This hoopshop will cater to beginners while also giving variations and suggestions to challenge experienced hoopers. We'll be starting with the basics of hoopdance: core hooping, pacing, freeing the feet, stalling and moving up and down the core, moving through exercises to promote ease and grace. I'll introduce two types of lifts to take the hoop from the core off the body. A 'jam' portion at the end will allow me to circulate through and give individual attention according to skill level while also demo-ing more advanced moves.

Hoops will be provided for use and will also be available for sale.

The Fabric of Flow

TIME/EVENT: Northwest Hoop Gathering, April 10-12, workshop time TBD

PRICE: $195 for weekend, see website for details

LOCATION: Bend, OR

Summit High School: 2855 NW Clearwater Dr. Bend, OR 97701

Effort, intention, shape, weight, space, time, Flow. Using ideas of
movement theory combined with hoop-specific exercises, we'll explore
beyond the idea of Flow as simply continuous movement and seamless
transitions and look at different facets of initiating movement that
imbue hoop Flow with emotional depth and stylistic range.


In keeping with the theme of Flow, part of this 2 hour workshop will focus specifically on sustained spinning techniques, as developing that signature, spiraling aspect of hoop dance has yeilded my most transcendant, powerful and grace-full experiences of Flow. I can only hope it does the same for you!

Rhythm, Form, and Flow

TIME: Friday, February 27, 2009 from 6:00-8:00pm

PRICE: $40

LOCATION: Canopy Studio

160 Tracy St.
Athens, Georgia 30604

Rhythm, Form, and Flow: Techniques and exercises to deepen the
expression of rhythm with your hoop and enhance Flow. Polish your
skills, punctuate beat and bring attention to your form as ways to bring
more embodied power to your hoop dance. Starting on the core, we'll work
through various on-body techniques for tempo control. Moving off the
body; Reverses, Isolations, Dynamic Stalling and Sustained Spinning will
be demonstrated and explained as ways to refine and empower your hoop
dance. The final portion of the workshop will be a group Flow where I'll
circulate to give individual attention. Hoops will be provided for use
and for sale.

I'm eager to share hooping with the movement arts community in Athens, GA. Thanks so much to Susan, Dana and Allison for reaching out to make this happen.

Beyond the Core: Jumps, Isolations & Reverses

TIME: Sunday, March 1, 2009 from 6:00-7:30pm

PRICE: $30

Space is limited, so please register through my hoop store to reserve your spot.

LOCATION: Chef Ted's Shimmy

606 Rivanna Avenue
Charlottesville, VA 22903

The Charlottesville hoop community is steadily growing and, in an effort to keep the hoop-spiration high through the colder months, I'm swinging back through town- on my birthday no less- to share some off-body moves to spice up your practice. Many of you who attended my New Year's day workshop were relative beginners so, with that in mind, I'll be reviewing lifts and sharing some jumps, step-outs, step-thrus, isolations and reverses to broaden your repertoire. Come springtime, you'll be ready to hoop proudly in the sunshine! I'll have smaller hoops on hand for the off-body work and, of course, hoops for sale.

Individual instruction on requested moves will be provided during the ending jam. Hoops are provided and for sale.

Foundation of Hoop Dance

TIME: January 1, 2009 from 6:30-8:00pm

PRICE: $30

Space is limited, so please register through my hoop store to reserve your spot.

LOCATION: Chef Ted's Shimmy

606 Rivanna Avenue
Charlottesville, VA 22903

Start 2009 off right! Come join me for techniques and exercises to enhance Flow and deepen the expression of rhythm with your hoop. Polish your skills, punctuate beat and bring attention to your form as ways to bring more embodied power to your hoop dance. Reverses, isolations, turning and tempo changes will be demonstrated and emphasized as ways to refine and empower your hoop Flow. Individual instruction on requested moves will be provided during the ending jam. Hoops are provided and for sale.

HOOP CAMP Sept. 26-28, 2008 Santa Cruz, CA

TIME: Saturday afternoon, 3- 50 minute sessions

PRICE: $480.00 per person/shared occupancy (2-3 per cabin) for the three day/2 night weekend including accommodations, all meals and workshops.

LOCATION: Santa Cruz, CA

MORE INFO: www.hoopcampreatreats.com

This is going to be an amazing weekend of hoop expansion, with top-level hoopdancers, performers and teacehrs from all over the globe gathering to share their skills and commune together. Not to be missed!

WORKSHOP: Rhythm, Form, and Flow: Techniques and exercises to enhance Flow and deepen the expression of rhythm with your hoop. Polish your skills, punctuate beat and bring attention to your form as ways to bring more embodied power to your hoop dance. Reverses, turning and tempo changes will be demonstrated and emphasized as ways to refine and empower your hoop Flow.

Movement Play Campout July 11-13, 2008

TIME: Friday at 5pm

PRICE: $249-289 for full weekend of movement, dance, hottubbing and more!

LOCATION: Willits, CA

A summer camp out for grown-ups who love to play! The weekend is full of amazing teachers presenting performances and workshops in all kinds of movement arts: Acroyoga, NIA, hoopdance, Thai Massage and more. I will be teaching an Advanced Hoopdance class on Friday night. Organized and hosted by the lovely Miss Rosie of Hooliehoop Check out Movement Play Website for more info.

Floydfest 7 July 24-27, 2008

TIME: TBA

PRICE: Free with price of admission!

LOCATION: Floyd, Virginia

I will be teaching at least one beginner workshop, demo-ing and performing throughout Floydfest, this is a great festival of world and folk music in a beautiful setting. Come join me in Floyd!

Moving on Up Hoopshop in Charlotte - May 17, 2008

TIME: May 17, 2008 2-3:30 p.m.

PRICE: $30

LOCATION: 1311 Studios in Charlotte, NC 1311 Central Avenue, 28205: turn into the parking lot by the pawn shop and follow the edge of the building towards the end. I'll have a hoop out front and there's plenty of parking.

There's a growing hoop community in Charlotte and I look forward to sharing some techniques and tips to take y'alls hooping to the next level. We'll be warming up on the core- both directions- and getting comfortable changing our center of gravity...then into the skills! I'll be showing ways to get more comfortable on legs/knees, working isolations off the body, jumps, chest and shoulders, chest stalls, body rolls and whatever else folks are ready for. Basically a large download of hoop-info to charge up your practice for the summer. Come join me to add new moves, awareness and prowess to your hoop repertoire. While I will go over some basics in the beginning and will have time to work with folks individually at the end, this will mostly cater to those who have some hoop experience already. That said, most of the off-body work we'll do is fun & accessible for absolute beginners. Hoops will be provided for use and for sale. Please bring water and wear comfortable yoga-type clothing.

 

Hoop Convergence- April 11-16, 2008

TIME: April 11-16, 2008 Schedule of workshops on webite

PRICE: Varies: Single, Three-day and All-Access Passes, see website for more info

LOCATION: Carrboro, NC. Lodging and Activities will take place primarily at Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center with trips into town for music events and some workshops

The Hoop Convergence is the bringing together of a wide variety of hoopers from across the nation to create a synergistic learning environment where we'll exchange ideas, technique, and energy. We've put together a full schedule of workshops , panel discussions, crafting sessions and community jams with live music. The Convergence will be held in the beautiful Hooper Haven of Carrboro , North Carolina, an area rich with experienced hoopers, grassroots communities and natural resources. We'll be bringing together the skills of talented teachers , performers and crafters from North Carolina and across the United States.

I will be co-teaching Advanced level workshops in Sustained Spinning and Twin Hooping with the lovely Jewels, times and more info on the Hoop Convergence website

Shakori Hills Grassroots Music Festival

TIME: April 17-20 All weekend; Hoop Workshops Friday @ 1pm, Saturday @ 2:25 pm by the Meadow Stage

PRICE: $75 for weekend, Day passes also available see website for details

LOCATION: Shakori Hills 20 minutes outside Chapel Hill in Silk Hope, NC

Hoopshops at Shakori will cater to beginner hoopers while also giving variations and suggestions to challenge experienced hoopers. We'll be starting with the basics of hoopdance: core hooping, pacing, freeing the feet, stalling and moving up and down the core, moving through exercises to promote ease and grace. A 'jam' portion at the end will allow me to circulate through and give individual attention according to skill level while also demo-ing more advanced moves. These playshops will be co-taught with Jewels.

Saturday, February 23, Open Door Studios, Charlotte, NC

TIME: 1:30 pm- 3:00 pm

PRICE: $20

LOCATION: Open Door Studios 1221-B The Plaza, Plaza Midwood area Charlotte, more specific info can be found through the link above.

This hoopshop will cater to beginner hoopers while also giving variations and suggestions to challenge experienced hoopers. We'll be starting with the basics of hoopdance: core hooping, pacing, freeing the feet, stalling and moving up and down the core, moving through exercises to promote ease and grace. I'll introduce two types of lifts to take the hoop from the core off the body. A 'jam' portion at the end will allow me to circulate through and give individual attention according to skill level while also demo-ing more advanced moves.

Hoops will be provided for use and will also be available for sale.

Pre-registration is *highly* encouraged! If you plan on coming, please send me an email at: spiral@spiralhoopdance.com OR pre-pay through my hoopstore, the Hooping Fundamentals Playshop is listed at the top left.

Sunday, February 24, Zabor Dance Studio, Charlottesville, VA

TIME: 2:30 pm- 4:00 pm

PRICE: $20

LOCATION: Zabor Dance 109 2nd St. SE Suite 2, Go in the doorway of the old Atomic Burrito behind Live Arts and walk straight and up the stairs, door on the left opens directly to studio.

I am not going to be around as much this spring, so I wanted to have a session with those of you that have attended before (as well as new friends you might want to bring) that- along with some review- would focus heavily on introducing new skills in working off of the core that will move you towards proficiency with two hoops. In that spirit, I've decided to focus this hoopshop on lots of off-body vertical work, isolations, passing in front and behind the body, weaving and working toward those poi moves that just look so cool ;-). We will go through exercises and specific instruction to facilitate smooth planes and crisp reverses off-body that allow for a greater range of hoop motion and more possibilities for punctuation the beat of the music to give your hoop flow a more dynamic look and feel.

Hoops will be provided for use and will also be available for sale. I am teaching this class with a new smaller, lighter style of hoop I've been using (yes, even smaller and lighter than before) and will have that style available for use and sale.

Pre-registration is *highly* encouraged! If you plan on coming, please send me an email at: spiral@spiralhoopdance.com OR please pre-pay through my hoopstore, Hoopshop is in the top left corner.

Friday, December 21, 2008 Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, Seattle, WA

TIME: 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm

PRICE: $20

LOCATION: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center 4408 Delridge Way SW, Seattle ,WA 98106

This hoopshop will cater to beginner hoopers while also giving variations and suggestions to challenge experienced hoopers. We'll be starting with the basics of hoopdance: core hooping, pacing, freeing the feet, stalling and moving up and down the core, moving through exercises to promote ease and grace. I'll introduce two types of lifts to take the hoop from the core off the body. A 'jam' portion at the end will allow me to circulate through and give individual attention according to skill level while also demo-ing more advanced moves.

Hoops will be provided for use and will also be available for sale. If you have a hoop, please do bring it, as my workshop stock is a bit low, being that I left my the bulk of my hoops back east.

Pre-registration is *highly* encouraged! If you plan on coming, please send me an email at: spiral@spiralhoopdance.com

some past classes below...

Monday, August 6, 2007 Biscuit Run,Charlottesville, VA

TIME: 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm

PRICE: $15

LOCATION: Biscuit Run, 981 Old Lynchburg Rd. Charlottesville, VA 22903 --For more specific directions to Biscuit Run, click here

Once again, this session will be all about hoop DANCE, this time focusing on smoothing of lifts and transitions from lifts to off-body work. We have been learning a lot of different ways of moving with the hoop, now I'll be encouraging repetition and dance as gateways to Flow, with more jamming together and specific assistance as we move forward at different rates. Expect breakthroughs and sweat! This will also be an intro to the basics of hooping, suitable for those just starting out or who have some hoop experience already. Come join us for hooping to the setting sun on this beautiful land!

July 26-29, 2007 Floydfest in Floyd, VA

Hoopshop Sunday 11-11:45 am at Village Stage

I will be performing throughout the fest, with fire hoop sets on the Main Stage Friday and Saturday nights. I'll have hoops available for play and for sale at my booth near the Main Stage. A hoopshop will be held on Sunday from 11-11:45 at the Village Stage.

June 30, 2007 in Richmond, VA

TIME: 2 pm – 4:00pm

PRICE: $30

LOCATION: ArtWorks 320 Hull Street Richmond, VA 23224

This hoopshop will cater to both beginner and intermediate hoopers: starting with the basics of hoopdance, going through tips and exercises to promote ease and grace, then progressing into more challenging moves/techniques for experienced hoopers. A 'jam' portion at the end will allow me to circulate through and give individual attention while also demo-ing more advanced moves. Jam may run long, so be prepared for hoop bliss!

More TBA...stay tuned!

To schedule a Hoop Dance playshop in your area please contact Spiral.

©2006-2010 Spiral Hoop Dance