Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jessica Torus* Wagstrom on November 2, 2010 at 2:37pm

Here is a video I did a few months ago. I went back and added annotations talking about which aspects of my dance are inspired by which hoopers.

Permalink Reply by elizabeth molino on November 3, 2010 at 3:36pm

you are an amazing hooper. you have just inspired me to get off my couch and go outside and dance, thankyou!

Permalink Reply by Jessica Torus* Wagstrom on November 14, 2010 at 9:37pm

Haha, yay!! That sounds like something I should do, too!

Permalink Reply by Agillustration on November 12, 2010 at 6:55pm

wow u are inspiring!

Permalink Reply by Jessica Torus* Wagstrom on November 14, 2010 at 9:37pm

Thank you!

Permalink Reply by Scunshine on November 27, 2010 at 4:02pm

the part where you're playing with outer space ala ann humphreys looks like you're a figure skater! So beautiful!!!

Permalink Reply by spider baby on December 14, 2010 at 10:51pm

that is a great video..the music fit it so well also

Permalink Reply by Omwoods on December 15, 2010 at 3:46pm

This video is AWESOME! If I made an annotated video it would have many of your influences as well. Specifically, whenever I do sustained spinning I think of Mona/Shpongled Hoops and stick my butt out a little bit and feel all womanly :D

Permalink Reply by Shannon "Inertia" Sealey on December 15, 2010 at 8:31pm

mad talent. while it is an assemblage of several styles, the way you bring it together will always be your own.

Permalink Reply by Traci "CircularPraise" Bonney on November 8, 2010 at 7:18am

Great challenge, Jessica! I like that you gave us one that doesn't necessarily require videotaping. ;)

In a general way, almost every video I watch inspires me. Either there's something I like (the song, a move or transition) and want to find a way to make my own, or something I'm not fond of (usually a song or editing choice) and want to avoid doing/using.

In particular, though, I'd have to say my style has been influenced by SaFire and Caroleeena's tutorials, Khaanee's curvy girl fierceness, Brecken's unabashed joy in the hoop, and Baxter's approach to hooping as meditation more than performance. It's not often I consciously connect what I'm doing to a particular hooper, but sometimes I'll find myself thinking, "That was kind of Brecken" or "I wonder what Caroleeena would think of my variation on the across the chest roll?"

There are times when I do want to perform, with semi-choreographed moves and the tricks I've learned, and other times I just want to express the mood of the song or the mood I'm in, so I concentrate more on flow than tricks. Many times, I want to worship God, so I put on some praise music and let it take me into the heavenlies with my hoop. :)

Permalink Reply by Jessica Torus* Wagstrom on November 14, 2010 at 9:40pm

I think it's interesting the different ways people approach hooping. I have different religious views, but hooping is definitely a spiritual thing for me as well!

Definitely love Caroleeena as well. Her tutorials helped me a lot when I first started hooping.

Permalink Reply by Kristiana Hoopstar Floyd on November 23, 2010 at 11:10am

As silly as this may sound, my inspiration is myself. Never before in my life have I picked up an inanimate object and felt so connected to it.
Ive tried to learn guitar, and skateboarding, and poi, and play sports, and despite however much fun I managed to have, it never felt like it was for me.
I just couldnt really get the hang of it, I even kind of suck at Wii haha.
But when I was at All Good this summer, I met a girl that let me play with her hoop (it was one of the really big ones with crazy cloth stuff tied to it, perfect for a beginner) and the whole time that giant hoop magically orbited around my body, she was cheering me on and telling me I was natural, and I actually believed her(I really wish I got her name, she really is the reason my life has taken this awesome turn. THANK YOU random All Good girl!!!!).
So a few weeks later, I hit up Lowes, make my hoop, and the progress that I have made has given me courage to try other things I wouldve assumed I couldnt do.
And the confidence to know that I will most likely succed, or at least learn a whole lot.
Ive always been very grounded on the outside when it came to people around me, but its been a life long stuggle to feel comfortable in my own skin.
That circle of plastic tubing has given me more than I would ask of any person, it has brought me closer to myself, and that has made every other aspect of my life so much better!
Sorry for the Oprah story! But its truth!!! :) <3

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