Replies to This Discussion

StudentPermalink Reply by Lulu Hoop* of Spiraling Within* on November 11, 2010 at 9:58am

Hatha is really just a broad term for non-trademarked yoga. It can mean very different things. Usually there is a mix of movement, breath work and meditation. But how that plays out can very from teacher to teacher. You could find a teacher who leans more towards the vinyasa flow style, or more towards a gentle meditative side. If you shop around you should be able to find a teacher that fits your style.

Ballet will give your hooping more dance inspiration, turns, arms, leg work, etc. And yoga will give you a deeper inner connection to the hoop, helping with flow and transitions. Both would give you strength and flexibility. So it really depends on which draws you in more. As a yoga teacher myself... I can't say enough about what else yoga will bring to your life, but it really comes down to the reason you want to take a class. <3

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mailee on November 12, 2010 at 11:17pm

Interesting, I had no idea Hatha meant that. I was always wondering why I could never get a straight answer as to what type of yoga it was...

I've never really tried yoga. Perhaps now is the time! Thank you for your insights. I hear from a lot of people that it changes their lives; I wonder if it will change mine too? :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by spin gypsy of Centric Hoops* on November 11, 2010 at 10:44am

If you are taking a yoga course in college, most likely it will be a mix of basic poses, flow, and savasana/meditation. When I took my first yoga classes as a physical education credit in college, that was pretty much the set-up. I am totally glad that I did!! It has totally changed my life.

Now, I would recommend taking the yoga class since you just got done taking ballet, especially if the yoga course is a 3x a week class. That is how mine was and it is a totally awesome deal, monetarily, for the price of most college courses for a 3x a week class.

You can always find out the teacher's email address and contact them directly to see what kind of class they will be doing. That way you know if they are going to present it more vinyasa style vs a yin or meditative style, it will be something you will enjoy.

I agree with what Lulu said two about what each practice will bring to your hoop dancing. Hope that helps.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mailee on November 12, 2010 at 11:18pm

Thank you so much! Those are all really good points. Sadly it's only 2 days a week, but it's for two hours per session, so maybe it evens out? I think I will contact the teacher and ask...thanks again!!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by spin gypsy of Centric Hoops* on November 13, 2010 at 11:33am

2 hrs 2x a week is still a deal!!

• ▶ Reply

ModPermalink Reply by SaFire* on November 12, 2010 at 12:43pm

0o0o0o This is a tough call.

Well... one nice thing about taking the ballet is that you also have the option of doing a few drop-in yoga classes. I don't know how common drop-in ballet classes are, if they exist at all.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mailee on November 12, 2010 at 11:19pm

Whoa. I hadn't thought of that. Hmmmm man I was leaning toward yoga and now I'm not so sure!

• ▶ Reply

StudentPermalink Reply by Sarah Maccarelli Jordan on November 12, 2010 at 12:47pm

I would say keep going to ballet classes and order some Rodney Yee Yoga DVDs for the best of both worlds! :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mailee on November 12, 2010 at 11:20pm

Oh man that's two votes for yoga and two votes for ballet. And you all have amazing points!!

Although I was talking to my boss, and I think I may not be able to take either at all if I want a promotion. :C Maybe I'll just have to practice what I've learned in ballet on my own and self-teach yoga...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by spin gypsy of Centric Hoops* on November 13, 2010 at 11:40am

There are a TON of podcasts online and even websites that you can sign up for and pay like $20 a month with unlimited free yoga classes.

I would recommend taking a few yoga classes prior to studying on your own so that you can get comfortable with the alignment. That is how a lot of injuries occur in yoga is practicing without good alignment. After a couple classes with a good teacher, you'll be fine.

Some great podcasts: yoga download, Sofi Dillof's Jivamukti Yoga (hardcore workout and I love Jivamukti!! Her voice is a very soothing guide, too), yoga today, yoga journal, grace yoga, yoga to the people (power yoga).
Online classes: yogaglo.com, yoga journal's live mag (yogajournal.com/livemag), yogadownload.com (for extended classes from the above podcast), gaiam has some online classes

Good luck (on your promotion) and enjoy!!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Alexa Nicole on November 13, 2010 at 11:51am

Ballet! Ballet will give you everything Hatha yoga can and more. If you want a better connection with your body, mind, and hoop, I'd go with ballet. I have been taking ballet on and off since I could stand. Ballet will give you a fabulous work out. There are drop-in classes everywhere, you just need to look around. If you choose to go with ballet, make sure you choose a reputable studio. There are many out there that have no business teaching ballet at all. Ballet will give you structure and make you think about every single inch of your body. You can do yoga on your own where ballet is really something that you should have an education person teaching you and correcting every movement and position. It really is the only way to learn it properly and get everything out of it. hope this helps!

• ▶ Reply