The Hooping Community

The Hoop Movement: When I think Hula Hoops, I think hopscotch, lemonade, and long, lazy summer days. But Hooping’s history is far more grown up. It began as a sort of "underground movement" in the late 1990s, in conjunction with music festivals, much the same way that daisy chains and corduroy prairie dresses moved from the Woodstock experience. Hula hoops are now a regular part of dance routines, a great form of exercise, and the basis of a vibrant community.

Chrisha Favors loves music. She’s also done her fair share of performing, as a clarinet player in her high school band; and a Drum Major at Valdosta State College in Georgia. Her two loves grew naturally into Hooping, which soon became a second career for Chrisha when she moved to Huntsville and began her First Saturday Hoop Classes at Lowe Mill Arts. 

"I moved here about 7 years ago and I had absolutely nothing to do. As soon as I found these people it was like I’d found my tribe."

Christina Coleman demonstrates some expert Hooping techniques.

You can make your own hoop out of “PVC” tubing (You Tube video here). Or, purchase a custom hoop. Prices range from $20 - $30. Christina Coleman (above) sets up shop on the second floor of Lowe Mill Arts every Saturday. Like all cool and simple things, the art of hooping is all about science - physics in this case. The larger the hoop, the slower it moves. A 40-inch hoop will take longer to spin around your hips than a standard 32-inch size. Use the tiny hoops (17 – 20 inches in diameter) for spinning around your arms, necks and ankles; reserve the jumbos for perfecting a new move, learning to change direction, or just starting out.

Marissa Bruscell entertains at a Music Festivals

Marissa Bruscell performs at Music Festivals. The Georgia native began hooping almost four years ago and was drawn to the art for its meditative qualities. 

Healthy You: The exercise benefits of Hooping are surprising. The day after my first hooping experience, I felt as if I’d been tormented by a personal trainer especially fond of crunches. According to the American Council of Exercise, 30 minutes of waist hooping burns 300 calories.

Hoop Jams in Big Spring Park: The Hooping Community (Flow Arts Community) gathers Sunday afternoons throughout the summer in Big Spring Park. In addition to Hoopers, you'll experience Drum Circles and Jugglers. Borrow a hoop and try it yourself. Look for dates here.