Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Renae of (R)evolved Hoops* on March 29, 2010 at 4:49pm

Amy,

I teach a class that I advertise as all levels. I run through a progressive outline starting with waist hooping, moving to different levels of on body hooping, transitions between levels and off body moves. I try to go at a medium pace so that more advanced students can get to more "tricks", but I contantly come back to hooping at the waist offering advice and pointers when I see someone struggling, but talking to everybody so that no one feels singled out. I also strongly encourage everyone to work on BOTH directions. So while someone might be a great hooper in their primary direction they may have never put any real effort into the second side. Mastering both sides opens up lots of new possibilities!

When I move say from waist hooping to gaps I say something like, "if your feeling comfortable with waist hooping you can work on finding your gaps... If not feel free to stay where you are and keep counting everytime the hoop rolls over your belly." That way noobs don't feel too much pressure to move on if they're not ready.

I've also noticed that with this method people who understand the basic move often take the time to play with it at their level. Sometimes I will personally do some more "advanced" tricks without breaking them down in explanation. If someone sees and asks I'll explain it, if everyone's focused on what they are currently doing I don't bother.

My class also tends to be about an hour and a half. Some people hoop the entire time. Some stop and take breaks, sit for a while and then jump back in. I keep my classes really casual and have no problem with that. These are community classes by donation.

Something that I've been thinking about but haven't tried yet was spending half the time on "basics" and a few "intermediate" tricks then breaking everyone into groups - like newbies, intermediate, advanced and have them work together on a routine. Let everyone choose their own level and bounce back and forth offering tips and suggestions to flow between moves. The advanced can share their own knowledge within the group and then you could spend some time teaching something specific/new for them to incorporate.

Hope that gives you some ideas that are helpful!

Permalink Reply by amy on March 30, 2010 at 12:23pm

thank you!

Permalink Reply by GroovinMeGzz on March 30, 2010 at 12:04pm

Hi Amy!!

I teach 3 weekly drop in mixed level classes , and I do find it challenging at times! Some people have never hooped in their lives as well as others have hooped for 5-6 months... I do break my class into groups and lead the beginners in the basics, and the others we build ontop of that, adding more elements or making it more dramatic with dance... I also do a lot of conceptual exercises...I give them an idea or a concept and turn up the music and watch them figure it out while dancing with their hoop. Its perfect for mixed levels! Hope this helps! <3
*m

Permalink Reply by amy on March 30, 2010 at 12:24pm

ty:)

Permalink Reply by Aurora of Elemental Hoops on May 4, 2011 at 9:46am

i also break up my classes. i have three beginner students and one thats slightly more advanced. so the three beginners, i teach them the same tricks and have them practice it while i teach the other student a more advanced trick. from there, i go back and forth to help out with their problems and offer tips on how to make it better or help them catch on to it. sometimes, it gets difficult when i get drop ins because that makes the levels more varied but its not impossible. my students seem to like me since they keep coming and have complimented me :) good luck!