Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kristen Cochran on May 19, 2011 at 6:07am

Hi Miranda,

I don't have any first hand experience to share, but I just wanted to encourage you and say it all sounds GREAT! I don't know where you are located, but in NY, I know yoga studios will charge $15/class, so by offering the 5th class free, you're essentially in the same price range. As for timing, I guess it depends largely on if people mostly work in your area - b/c they'll need to be in the evening. Kids - definitely after school and on Saturdays. I want to do the same thing as you but I'm just learning to hoop. So I have a question for YOU - how long did it take from when you first started hooping to have the confidence to teach it to others?? Thanks so much - best of luck to you! You'll do great.

Permalink Reply by Miranda on May 19, 2011 at 10:09am

I've been hooping since 2005.  I started hooping b/c I wanted to perform. I've been in a few very small cirkus n vaudeville troops here in salt lake city.  those shows are circus tricks style hooping.  I've hoopdanced at burningman parties, bars, parks, etc...  I practice yoga but I've only taken a few classes.  Before hooping I was a lindy hop swing dancer and took classes....  Last summer I sold hula hoops and did quite well at it.  That was great experience talking to people about hooping and informally teaching.   I went through all that past because I still don't exactly feel ready to teach... I'm trying to start slow.  My first 2 classes had one women attend; wanted dance/tricks.  She returned 2 more times and once brought a friend (she would have loved a fitness class)! I was fine with the tiny class because it was paid practice for me.  My last class was rained out but a little girl showed up who wanted to learn dance/tricks.  I arranged with her mother to do a free kids class next wed.  (Generally I don't know I can do something till I've done it.) I have some clowning experience and I hope it shows through. I'm still reading forums, watching videos, collecting music and taking notes.

why do I want to teach?  Because I have skills and I need to use them. Sure my skills aren't "normal"  but  they're mine! I haven't been performing as much lately and I guess teaching is where I'm flowing.  I do want to teach to make money; I am pro artists making a living doing what they love. 

I am scared of this new venture but all I can do is my best and either my best is good enough or it's not.  I do feel like detailed planning is essential for me.  maybe I'll even video tape a practice class to watch myself... 

 

I'd love to hear YOUR stories about how you got into teaching.  Your history, how you organized your classes and why you teach!!!

Permalink Reply by Kristen Cochran on May 19, 2011 at 1:05pm

I'm sorry - I'm not a teacher, so I don't have any insight in that area.  My goal is to GET good enough to teach, though,  b/c I've recently had some sort of epiphany that has led me here.  Now, I can't stop thinking about hooping and how the whole world would be better off if everybody just spent a little time each day hooping.  I'm starting to make hoops to sell this summer just like you and I really truly believe in my heart that sales will be good because I really and truly believe in my heart that everyone should have a hoop.  I can't help but think that my sincere enthusiasm will shine through.  So I wish you luck; you seem to love what you're doing, so it's SURE to work!  I will give you this quote that just came to me today and I instantly put it on my refrigerator - maybe you will like it too:

 

"Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you." - Norman Vincent Peale

Permalink Reply by JEN on May 20, 2011 at 9:06pm

sounds like an awesome space! for me, i think having a curriculum to follow is so important. it makes it really helpful to mainstream things so hoopers can learn uniformly, ie go to other classes, if they move, are out of town, whatever, and are on the same page. makes it so much easier as a teacher too imo. i'm a certified hoopnotica instructor, and in the process of becoming a Hoopnotica Master Trainer (meaning i will hold certifications and teach others to teach the hoopnotica curriculum), which i will be one of only 5 in the country, it's a huge honor. i believe so deeply in their curriculum, it's amazing. i teach classes 7 days week, around 16+ classes a week, my husband teaches hoop as well, and we perform. lmk if you have any other specific questions. 

 

JEN