I started hooping on my own in 2009. It was during a very rainy summer, and I needed an activity I could do inside. There were a couple people I knew that had gotten into hooping through practicing belly dancing. After walking around with others that proudly carried their hoop in public, I became aware of the welcoming community and enthusiasm that existed. I am thankful for the bold encouragement from other performers and practitioners that helped me step further out of my comfort zone. My hope is that I have inspired others to be active, creative, fun, and be amongst friends.

Since moving to Illinois from New England, I have been closed and cautious. I am not yet ready to be walking outdoors with a hoop. Perhaps in time. But for now, I've missed hooping and the camaraderie. I will be receiving a travel hoop very soon, which will propel me back into practice. 

For about the past six years I've practiced capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian dance-based martial art. Recently, I started taking a break from capoeira. I just started learning flamenco, which will eventually be tied into belly dancing, once I am finally ready to acquire a new lifestyle. I have known about this community for a while, but wasn't sure if I would be able to stick to hooping for the long run. Now I am ready.

And here we are in the beginning of 2012.