Wandering Star

photos by Jenn Alderman Photography

                    I love, love, love this song. Grateful to have been able to share it with these people.
song is by POLICA.

Four years of hoopin'!

Four years ago, I brought home my first coil of dusty tubing from Lowe's. I slowly crafted my first hoop out of it and had about 80 feet left over. So I made more hoops. And more, and more. And I learned to hoop with those pieces of plastic, and I am still learning. I love it just as much now as I did then, and it's been a wild ride. I wasn't even 'Cachet Hoops' then, or 'Sparrow Spinfire'. I didn't know about polypro, or HDPE, or even the skinny black PE tubing that can be bought at Lowe's too. Who knew you could make skinny hoops and use those too? I didn't. I didn't know about LED hoops, or fire hoops, or that people could spin twins, triplets, or multi, multi hoops at once. I didn't know about mini twins, or poi, or that hoop teachers went around teaching hoop workshops. I had no clue.

I so appreciate all the support I've gotten over the years, and have been so encouraged by those who seek me out and ask me to make them a special hoop, teach them lessons, or perform. 

I've learned so much.

And now I have a new size tubing so offer for my hoops...see above and below! You can check out more info on my fb page, 'Cachet Hoops'.

spinning

After many months of on-and-off practice with the three beat weave, I pretty much have it. I can see my right arm is still a little wonky though. I'll keep chipping away.

I acquire moves very slowly. I (unfortunately) am not one of those that 'get it' right away. But maybe that's also a good thing. It teaches patience...persistence...and when I finally get it, it's such a sweet victory. Maybe this also makes me a better teacher. I have patience with my students...I was where they are once, and still am on some level, just with harder tricks.

On another note, I will be beginning a hoop series in January at the studio where I teach, yay! And I also am officially an IU employee, as I filled out paperwork this week to begin teaching a hoopdance elective there in January too. I wonder if this is a first for Indy, maybe all of Indiana, to teach hoop dance on a college campus?! :D

Hoop Dance to 'Shoulda'

Not many tricks or anything fancy...I just love to spin. This is my 'song obsession du jour.'

Teaching

I performed at our studio showcase recently, which was magical and fun. I love to see others routines, which always inspire and entertain. 

 I feel like such a novice teacher and performer sometimes. I still have SO much to learn, both in my own personal practice and in the realm of imparting knowledge to others. I receive so many encouraging words from my students, whether a heartfelt 'thanks' or sweet note, as I got last week after a lesson, when I could see my student was dancing IN the music. Out of her head. Moving, flowing...like liquid. It was mesmerizing. I experienced this same thing a few weeks ago, too. Both times, students were dancing to their own music they chose, which is SO key. I was moved to tears at the emotion of the human body in movement...in DANCE. It was gorgeous. I feel amazed to be able to have a small part in that tapping in to the River, the endless river of creativity and spark and life.

As of tonight, I've taught 133 lessons, classes, workshops, open studios, and parties in the dances that I love so far this year. I am so lucky. 

Hooping on the Weather segment

There was some hoopy weather in the rotation last week, as Sparrow swooped in and hooped during the weather segment. Oh, I crack myself up. This isn't the best vid, I taped it off my sister's DVR and there's background noise (kids), but you get the idea. Everything kinda fell apart after the initial segment, lots going on. 'Don't do two right away--my gosh!' Funny.

The initial segment about the event we were promoting is here.

Hoop Making Workshop at Homespun

      Two dates to choose from! Visit the Homespun workshop page here to get details on how to sign up. Hope to see you there!