I have been hooping for almost one year now and ever since I have been hoping that finnish hoopers would become more known in the world. We have AMAZING hoopers in this tiny country and we are getting more and more new ones all the time. Our hoop community is growing, more great events are being held. I am very excited to see where the finnish hoopdance is next year. We are definitely making our way to the map so to speak.

Last year (November) we had two amazing and umm.. I guess they're a bit famous too? Some guy named Baxter and a girl named Brecken? ;) To come to our little country to do TWO great workshops in Helsinki and in Oulu. That was a big deal. Seriously. So much inspiration for Finlands hoopers, thank you B&B! <3

This year in Hoopie awards Finland was included in both the actual awards and in the honorable mentions.

Kati Köykkä aka Hoop-a-Trix was mentioned in the Event-section like this:

In Shanghai, China, hoopers from Finland were hooping it up at the Finland Pavilion at the World Expo and were featured in the news. Hooping.org salutes our friends from Finland.

Bhakti Omwoods, who is a finnish lady living in the US made a bird-inspired video last year, which was highlighted in Youtube and got a lot of attention. She was also in the honorable mentions:

Then, in another direction entirely, we throw ourselves to the birds and imagine ourselves in flight, a hooping bird dance if you will, and the more you watch Bhakti Omwoods’ Bird Dance the more you begin to appreciate her big bird brilliance.

And finally I, myself was nominated in the category of Newbie Hooper of the Year. This is an exceptionally big deal for me. I have never been this honored in my entire life. I don't care about winning and I'm not going to ask anyone to vote for me. Winning is not important to me in any way. The nomination alone is a HUGE win for me, because I am a shy girl who has always had trouble in believing in myself. Hooping has changed that. I have never been this confident and brave (even though the shy part is still strong in me, but I'll get it out, I promise ;)) in my life and this amazing honor that has been given me has made me believe that maybe I am on the right path.

Whoever has suggested me in that category, I am forever grateful, you have made a me a stronger person. Thank you <3

I hope that Nick or Ria will win the Hoopie, they really deserve it. :) I am honored to be nominated along with two of my idols. Nick or Ria to the Victory! Yay! :D

Ok I guess I have to go to work now.. :D But anyways, I hope that Finlands hoop community continues to grow without problems or any kind of competition, but with understanding, honor and friendship. Finnish hoopers are coming and you don't know what hit you! Mwahah! ;)

Bye now! <3

- Noora