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StudentPermalink Reply by Kacie Knight on June 10, 2012 at 11:13am

There are definitely lots of hoop performers who have no formal dance training. I know several in my city, and there are ton of others I'm sure. Breken, off the top of my head... But dance classes and all dance experience certainly helps!

Dance school and classes aren't the only way to learn though. There are tons of online resources. You can learn lots from watching videos of dancers (both hoop and non hoop). I have seen so many incredible self taught dancers. 

You could also maybe trade some hoop classes for some dance classes. You could approach some local studios, or anyone you know that teaches dance or has lots of dance experience.

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ModPermalink Reply by Martika* of MartikasMysticDesign on June 10, 2012 at 11:54am

Also you don't need dance classes but movement classes are also helpful. Like Tai Chi, yoga, inter-play, tumbling class etc. that can open your mind to new ways of moving your body without your hoop. Look around your local community center, dance studios, gym etc. These places will sometimes have open workshops that are free or at a cheaper price than normal during the summer to promote their center.

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Permalink Reply by Andrea Shplee on June 10, 2012 at 2:38pm

True I have learned everything I know from watching other hoopers and messing around and I am pretty confident in myself that if anyone can teach themselves to hoop dance beautifully then I can :) its really good to know that I'm not the only one out there! 

I've taken yoga classes and it has definitely influenced my hooping.. I bet Tai Chi and tumbling would be awesome too! I feel that where I can always learn new tricks and the movements that flow the best between them... there are always places where some body parts are not doing anything and I need to figure out how to incorporate more dancing to fill some of those spots. 

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ModPermalink Reply by Martika* of MartikasMysticDesign on June 25, 2012 at 2:42pm

Best way to start is just moving without your hoop, you could even try hoop tricks but without your hoop to really get to know how you are moving and how you can move without your hoop. I like to video myself and then see ways I could of moved/danced or things I can do to keep my body moving.

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Permalink Reply by MayaAya on June 10, 2012 at 10:24pm

I have a background in dance, but my hooping is not all that impressive. But I do it for fun rather than for performance. Anyway, it doesn't always guarantee great hooping.

I'm sure you can perform without it. There was a girl who I used to hoop with--she was amazing--and she definitely didn't have a background in dance. A natural ability to move the body will come out either way. But dance classes can definitely help you figure out what to do with your feet and different body parts that aren't being used in the hoop.

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StudentPermalink Reply by jyen on August 22, 2012 at 2:41pm

Most of the amazing hoopers I've seen don't have a dance background (that I know of).  I have a background in professional ballet and modern dance and frankly don't feel it gives me that much of an advantage.  I don't perform (although I would like to given the opportunity) and I'm certainly not the best hooper in the room whenever there is a class or workshop.  If you are a dynamic, fun hooper, people will want to watch you.

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