Gabrielle Soulhooper Lott's Profile

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME!!!
How old are you?
30

When did you first start hooping?
March/April 2007(not sure of the exact timing)

Would you call yourself a beginner, intermediate or advanced hooper?
Advanced/Stealth Ninja

How often do you hoop?
1 to 3 hours a day on average

Do you have an indoor hoop space?
Yes! I have arranged my living room to give me enough room, complete with a rug that has circles on it!

Is there a hoop group where you live?
I had a hoop partner in crime but she moved away. There are others that hula hoop in my town, but I am the only true hooper!

Did you start it?
What buzz there is in my town, my friend and I did generate it.

Would you say that you are obsessed with or addicted to hooping?
My dog is named Hoola Mae, I make and sell hoops at my job,(which is not hoop related,I might add) I take hoop breaks throughout my day, every song I hear I wonder how I would hoop to it, I carry hoops with me everywhere I go, I call my psi hoop "my lover", and the examples of my obsession/addiction could go on and on!

Have you posted hooping videos? How many?
Maybe 10 or so, but they add up after almost 3 years of hooping

Do you have friends nearby to hoop with?
I had a partner in hoop crime but she got a grown up job and moved, much to my dismay! I do have a few friends who will indulge me and join in.

Do you teach hooping? If so, how many people have you taught?
I started teaching a hoop class not to long ago and was amazed to have 8 students on my first go round. The class is growing and I may have to expand my schedule.

What kind of songs do you listen to while hooping?
Bonobo, Bassnectar, Booka Shade, Chromeo, Imogen Heap, anything with a killer bass beat, Zoogma, the list could go on and on and on

Do you buy hoops or make your own?
I have made all my hoops with tender loving care, all except "My Lover". I can thank Patrick of Psi hoops for that amazing piece of art and light!

Have you lost weight since starting to hoop?
Being naturally tall and thin, I have not noticed a change in weight, but my body has never looked so good! Not to brag, but I have gained so much muscle tone that I have to be careful not to get arrested for carrying concealed weapons up my sleeves! :-)

What size is your favorite hoop?
1/2 120 psi 38" diameter taped with purple hearts, teal, and pink gaffers tape or my psi hoop of pretty much the same measurements only 35" diameter.

Are you comfortable hooping by yourself in a public place?
Absolutely, or otherwise I would never hoop!

How did you learn the majority of the tricks you know today?
I watched the greats like Anah, Spiral, Jewels, Baxter, Ann, Beth, Shakti, Heather Crosby, Brecken, and of course Safire along with so many others. I then put in hours of flight time, went to a HoopPath workshop, went to HoopConvergence this year, kicking myself for not making the HoopPath retreat, and now plan on attending as many hoop related events that my job will allow to further my hoop path.

Who is your favorite hoop teacher?
Every teacher from every class that I took at HoopConvergence 09. No joke. Every class was so amazing and inspirational in it's own way, there is no way to narrow it down.

What advice would you give to to beginner hoopers?
Don't take yourself to seriously. No one hoops the same, so relax and enjoy yourself. Be patient with yourself and you too can achieve grace and flow!

Do you fire hoop? If not, do you want to?
Lone Hooper=No Spotter=No Fire Hoop
I do plan on taking a road trip to burn with some hoopers in another city. Gotta make it happen.

Do own an LED hoop? Where did you get it?
As a 30th birthday present to myself, I finally took the plunge and bought a Psi hoop from Patrick. It has 3ds, dragonflys, and stationary lights. So beautiful!

How much time do you spend on safiredance.ning?
I've been signed up for some time now, but until now have yet to spend much time on here. That is about to change!

What was the first trick you learned (besides waist hooping)?
The vortex

What is the last trick you mastered?
Isopops and pinch tree break reverses in both directions

What trick so far was the hardest for you to learn?
Hmmm...I'll have to think on that one...

Which one are you finding is almost impossible to get?
Sustained spins. I just can't get over the dizziness

How many hoopers would you say live in your town/city?
There are others, but they don't make many appearances.

Have you performed hooping in front of an audience?
Yes. I have hooped on stage with Zoogma, Big Wooly Mammoth, and a Dj from Atlanta, but sadly I can not remember his name.

Has anyone told you you were too old to be playing with a hula hoop?
No

What’s the worst injury you’ve acquired from the hoop?
Some seriously sore muscles, big nasty bruises, and a broken toe. Warning: Hooping while running can be hazardous to your little piggies! :-)

Have you ever hooped naked?
But of course!

Have you been to a hoop camp/retreat? Which one?
I attended a HoopPath workshop in Knoxville and HoopConvergence this year and would recommend it to any hooper!