I always thought hooping, otherwise known as hula-hooping, was just a thing that kids did in their driveways or on the play ground at school. I thought all it was, was moving a plastic tubed circle around and around on your hips in circular motion - but that's not all it is. Only about two years ago did I realize it can be more then that.
I was introduced to a new art form of hooping by my friend, Jaynie. She had just started hooping, and she has come such a long way since she started. This kind of hooping is something else - it combines both the childhood pastime of hula-hooping with dance. There are so many different tricks and moves that I have seen done with hoops and they require a lot of hand-eye coordination. Each "hooper" I've met is absolutely talented.
Jaynie told me that when she is hooping, she feels free. She's looks so graceful dancing with her hoop and you can see it when you watch her in her zone: it's her letting go and feeling free.
"I used to dream of being a ballerina - graceful and strong." She said. "Inside my hoop, this dream comes true."
"I used to dream of being a ballerina - graceful and strong." Jaynie said. "Inside my hoop, this dream comes true."
Ali, another "hooper," told me that hooping makes her feel happy and weightless. She watched Jaynie hoop and picked up the art herself.
"I feel that I can express myself through hooping because it's easier then using words." Tamara said. When she's hooping she feels graceful and she doesn't have to overthink like she does with most things. She loves to learn new things and there are always new tricks with hooping for her to learn.
I'm in awe when I watch these ladies pick up a hoop. It's more then just spinning a circle around on your hips, it's an art. It's freeing, and it's beautiful.
Feminism Redefined
