Frequently Asked Questions
What is hoop dance, and why do I want to learn it?
Hoop dance invites creative expression through the use of a hoop. It starts from within, and takes you on a journey. Practicing hoop dance allows a person to step outside of the daily routine into a circle to find balance and creativity and a joyous experience. It’s great to be open to all of the possibilities that life has to offer, and I believe that hoop dance can be a teacher in this regard.
So what is the difference between a Hula Hoop and a hoop?
A Hula Hoop is the plastic toy made by Wham-O that you are probably familiar growing up with as a child. The tubing is generally very light and the diameter is small. However, a hoop is usually made of heavier tubing and the diameter is usually better suited to an adult. Hoops are usually handmade, and can be decorated with a variety of beautiful tapes.
How did you learn all of those crazy tricks?
Through a lot of different ways. One way I learned was by watching others and trying my best to mimic their moves. Hooping in a group inspires trick creativity in my experience. Also, practice really does make perfect. One great resource full of videos and photos is Hooping.org Magazine. Friends of mine have gained experience through hoop exercise/dance videos and classes. I have gained an enormous amount of inspiration from Baxter and the Hoop Path through his workshops, as well as from the glowing light inside of Christabel Zamor from Hoop Girl through her teacher training. In the past couple of years, hooping retreats have brought hoopers together from all over the world.
What's the history of hooping? Why do people hoop?
Wikipedia has a great section on hula hoops and hooping, which you can read about here.
How do I get a hoop in Madison?
The best way to get a hoop is to make your own! It’s inexpensive and a fun project. As for getting the needed tubing and connectors, I’ve had the best luck ordered tubing and connectors in from Ace Hardware on Williamson Street (which comes within a week). I order all of my tape through Identi-Tape, which actually has a “hula hula” discount code if you order over $100. You can also use duct tape or electrical tape, but taping might be more time consuming with duct tape, and the tape job won’t be as durable with electric tape.
As for buying a hoop, head over to the Buy A Hoop page for details!
How should I take care of my hoop?
Always use your hoop in a grassy or soft area to avoid scratches to the tape. Try to stay away from harsh environments like asphalt and cement if at all possible. Hot temperatures can lead to hoop deformation, so keep your hoop in a cooler environment (AKA not the inside of your car on a hot day). With collapsible hoops, always store in the hoop form rather than the collapsed form.
I care about the earth and am interested in not adding more junk to landfills. How can I reuse/dispose of my hoop when it has reached the end of its life?
If your problem is a scratched hoop, the old tape can be stripped off with an exacto knife. Then, your hoop is ready for some new decoration and some more life. Sometimes the failure comes with the internal connector. The failed connector can be cut out and a new one inserted. When you are finally finished with the hoop, the tubing can be recycled when the tape is stripped off and the internal connector removed. Call your recycling center and ask about the disposal of plastic tubing.