Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joan Warburton on November 7, 2010 at 6:59pm

Get the fitness director's name and find out if he/she has an email address. Put together a short resume and email it with maybe a short video, some photos, and the promise that you come with a following. They'll get back to you and set up a demo.
I emailed two clubs and was successful both times. I referenced recent newspaper and magazine articles that featured hooping, too.

The other option would be to contact someone who has a room you can rent like your local ambulance or fire dept, VFW, churches or synagogues.

If you're going into a dance club or gym setting ask around what the going instructor rate is so you know ahead of time what you can ask for.

Consider the local night schools also. Towns out by me run classes at night inside the schools' gymnasiums and there's a wide variety to choose from ranging from fitness, mind/body, "how to..." and technical training.

Permalink Reply by spin gypsy of Centric Hoops* on November 7, 2010 at 7:03pm

Thank you, Joan. And what should one have in a resume for something like this? I haven't had any previous teaching or performing jobs, so as far as hooping goes, I'm pretty bare bones...

Permalink Reply by Joan Warburton on November 7, 2010 at 7:32pm

Then don't include a resume but include a small blurb about the class you want to teach, what it will encompass (dance, fitness, coordination, balance, etc). Don't mention the other person teaching and let them know they can be the first in the area to have hoop classes which are the latest dance/fitness craze in the nation. Mention celebrity names and recent hoopers in the news. Sell your uniqueness and how much fun hooping is and have a definite plan for your class but don't be rigid as far as sticking to it. Every group is different.
Hope all this helps.

edit: first thing you'll have to convince them is it doesn't matter if they could or could not hoop as a kid. This is different, LOL.

StudentPermalink Reply by Amanda of Hip Flick Hoops* on November 8, 2010 at 2:39pm

I think you are very well prepared. All I did was send an e-mail to the facility I was interested in teaching at, included a youtube link to one of my videos so they could see what hooping was all about, and they wanted me to teach there as long as I had group fitness certification.

Good luck, you'll definitely be teaching in your city soon! :)

Permalink Reply by Maria/HoopME! on November 15, 2010 at 10:41am

It sounds like you are being very professional! Website, business cards, and you are demo/interview ready! All those things show you're treating this as a business and not just a side line. (even if it is) That is reassuring to potential clients and customers.

I have found calling to set up a time to get together with the potential studio/gym really helps. They hear the enthusiasm over the phone and this gets them excited and curious. That way on the follow up interview or visit they have a voice of enthusiasm already connected with you in particular, and hooping in general.

I always try to bring extra hoops to get the interviewer hooping. This brings smiles, warmth and often others will join in. This hands on demo helps them understand how a good basic foundation in hooping can really be beneficial for mind and body. Very often I will also leave a complimentary hoop. I've had interviewers tell me that they've shown the hoop to others in the studio/gym and people have got curious and excited about it. All positive for your business! (leaving extra business cards helps too!)

Liability insurance is probably a good idea. This covers YOU. (you can find some great threads here on hoopcity re: liability insurance) Waivers for those in your class may be a good idea, too. Sometimes the studio/gym will already have these available, but it might be something you want to have at the ready just in case. If I understand correctly, a waiver is kind of useless if push comes to shove, but I think it makes people think twice about their health and their activity. It puts the onus on THEM to not go beyond their limits.

I am not certified and have only taught three 6 week sessions. I was testing the waters locally, and that sounds like what you are doing too. You may find that you can dip your toe in the water w/out needing certifications. No one actually even asked me. People who are new to hooping have no idea you can even get certified. I was once asked about having Group Exercise Cert. I said not yet, but I was working on it and would have it by spring. I still got the gig! (I've found, in my area, that it will be worth it to get further certifications and experience. Thus my winter is devoted to that goal, and I've got classes lined up for Spring.)

You must exude confidence. THAT is what makes people feel assured you can do the job. You are bringing something new to the table in terms of fitness, dance and fun. People are usually intrigued by that. Be professional, and confidant yet approachable and warm.

HTH!

Permalink Reply by Maria/HoopME! on November 15, 2010 at 10:45am

You asked also (sorry I'm long winded) about payment plans and class plans.

I had one person ask me about a class plan and I just explained that the class would be one hour, warm up, core work, cool down...they didn't really want any more info than that. In terms of payment I told them that I could work with whatever the studio is usually comfortable with. Often they don't want to deal with the money aspect (at least around here) and let me handle it. Then again, there are some studios that want to collect payment. I ask them what they usually find works for them and that I am more than happy to accommodate that arrangement.

Permalink Reply by spin gypsy of Centric Hoops* on November 15, 2010 at 1:49pm

Thank you so much for your input. you have such great suggestions. I appreciate it soooo much. And I like that you had a very indepth reply; definately not long winded :). I will be sure to follow some of your advice. And yes, it was very helpful.

Permalink Reply by JEN on November 29, 2010 at 9:05pm

I've been teaching since February and can't keep up with the demand (currently 15 classes at all different places!) I am happy to email you all my stuff-my brochure, my class proposal, and a few other things I email to people that are pretty, if I might say so, awesome :) I wish I had them when I started out but they've sort of evolved and I'm more than happy to share them and help new hoopteachers get off the ground. You can email me at RocCityHoopdance @ gmail .com if you want them :)

JEN

StudentPermalink Reply by Shannon MsDeliciousBliss* Wall on December 19, 2010 at 6:16am

Wow, that is so generous of you Jen!

I am in the exact same situation as Spin Gypsy and would love to have a look at what you've done if you don't mind sharing with me as well.

 

Permalink Reply by JEN on December 20, 2010 at 8:52am

go ahead and email me, at above email addy :)

StudentPermalink Reply by Sarah Maccarelli Jordan on February 17, 2011 at 10:39am

I just found this thread and sent you and email :)

Permalink Reply by spin gypsy of Centric Hoops* on February 17, 2011 at 11:37am

Update on this:  I emailed about seven fitness studios around and, I guess there is no interest in starting hoop dance classes, because no one got back to me.  I am going to call and follow up this weekend.  Good news is, though, my bosses are letting me rent the facility I work at on Sundays and are allowing me to teach classes there.  I am now in the process of trying to get some people together!!  Yay.