Thread: Hula Hooping!

Hi everyone, I don't know if this is technically off topic, there may be a hooping burlesquer out there somewhere!
I dont perform myself, I just love burlesque and vintage junk in general - I know there are lots of talented and creative lovely people round these parts (lots of whom seem to have tricks up their sleeves) so I wondered if anyone can advise me on where to start with hula-hooping?
I saw a really exciting video which just made me want to do it - I used to hoop as a kid but I wondered if anyone does it in the performing /dancing sense?
I need to buy a hoop and get practicing but I don't know whats what or what I should be buying.

I may freak out my neighbours practicing in the back garden!!

Saz x

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Hello I love hoops! I first ever hooped outside a fetish cafe in London and could only make it go round twice but did get lovely attention and went on to hoop with my friends where the buskers perform in covent garden in the middle of the night with four girls inside the hoop with me (its quite big) and a homeless man called Stephen trying to teach me! Thus my love of hoops was born. I got it on a whim while on a night out in London and had to carry it everywhere all night like an awkard child so it was named Big Baby Hoop.

I'm not very good only beginner level and doing a few things with 2, stopped all year due to back probs but I recommend getting one and going for it.

Where are you based as there are quite a few classes around London. And try facebook groups that where I found some of the classes I did.

Here are some vids for ya of great hoopers

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut0HmQhvkl0]YouTube - Hula hoops by Pippa the Ripper [/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59bEw0UYY30]YouTube - Hoop La La - www.circusperformers.com[/ame]

You need to talk to Dahlia Duroe (who has an account here) - a lovely gal, and she makes hoops that are the right size for performers (bigger hoop, moves more slowly, also means that you have room to get limbs in and out) and they are lovely.

I've just started a pub hula team with some of the lovely ladies from my local, we're called The Jean Genies! We're having loads of fun, not been doing it too long but we've picked up a few tricks already. There are loads of videos on Youtube, these are particularly good:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdJgTx0iFeE]YouTube - Hula Hoop Basics: Vol 1 : How to Hula Hoop Better[/ame]

xx

I forgot to say I got my hoops from Oddballs in Camden, they let you try them in the shop and www.firetoys.com for my aluminium hoop but they also stock the big plastic ones. Get one that comes to about your waist/sturnum when you hold it vertical. As you progress you'll find lighter/smaller hoops easier.

Hello!

I'm mostly self taught. The set of videos Joanie has linked you too are really good, I've used a few of those. youtude is a great help! pain is you have to keep popping outside to try things out!
if you can find anyone in your area that hoops it'd help alot. seeing a real person doing the tricks makes it alot easier and they can slow the move down for you and explain the finer details.

As for hoops ... size depends on your height and what you want to do. Its down to personal choice. I use a 38" for learning new tricks (its slower/ gives you more time to get in and out) and a 34" one that I have more control over for dancing (very fast and zips through trick). Most of mine are light weight ones. I've used the ones for Firetoys.com they are a good weight, but I find them a bit chunky to get my hands round.
If you get in to it you'll end up with stacks of different hoops! and I warn you though you'll end up with killer bruises! but its all worth it!

My best advice would be to get a hoop and your ipod (music helps alot) and dance around the park/garden whenever you can and have no shame!! you'll get strange looks as you're spinning around and flinging hoops in the air, but it does wonders for your confidence.

If you'd like a hoop making PM me and I'll sort one out. I've a couple ready to go.

hope all that helps! x

While hooping is on topic....

Can any hula hoopers recommend dance classes that may complement hoop dancing?
I'm already developing my own style, I just want to push it on a little bit.
Belly dancing seems to be the obvious choice, but I'm thinking ballet/contemporary may give a nice slant to it.

if anyone knows of any inspirational hoop dancers/burlesquers please pop them up! x

Where abouts are you based - there are various hula classes popping up - this is my local one:

Seduced By Circus? - Hula Hoop Home

Hi everyone! Wow thank you for all the advice, it's great!
I am based in Leeds - I learnt that Pete Lawless (the suitcase circus) actually does a class in Leeds so have contacted him - figured that would be a good starting point!

I recall being a pretty good standard hooper when I was younger, I had a gianormous neon pink hoop that was very light, however I have no idea whether I will still be able to do it.

I am 5'10, not in the best of fitness (although I started swimming regularly a few months ago so slightly better) so I'm thinking a class and some prancing about in the back garden may be a good place to start, I just need to figure out what kind of hoop I need!

I've not watched all the vids yet as I'm just about to crawl into bed but will have a good look around tomorrow.

Any further advice would be appreciated!

Saz x

I love Hot Vintage . Two very lovely ladies!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEdWE4yQRB0"]YouTube - Hot Vintage - Ticktoxic Showreel[/ame]

yeah those two are fab!