Question 1

I'm brand new to hooping. Where do I start?

Accepted Answer

In short, you need three things: (1) a hoop or a few hoops of different sizes and weights, (2) a teacher or resources to teach yourself, and (3) some sense of what you want to learn or your hooping goals.

The Hoopsie Dizzy website has a guide on choosing a hoop and a page with tips for hooping in Far North Queensland, for those who live in the region.

You can get hooping advice from MANY helpful places. Lots of hoopers' Instagram accounts offer free tutorials and tips. The Hoop Sparx website by Donna Sparx (Naarm) is full of information: https://hoopsparx.com/tutorials/

If you live in Far North Queensland, local hoopers and teachers you can learn from include Laura Aszman (https://beautyinmovement.com/) and Instagram's @silkencircles (https://www.instagram.com/silkencircles/?hl=en).

It can help to spend some time browsing the internet and finding people who hoop in ways that inspire you. This can direct your focus, because the infinite possibilities of hooping can feel overwhelming! You can start anywhere you want.

There are all kinds of different styles and approaches to hooping, from circus and gymnastics to dance to tech. Certain skills cross over with the other flow arts such as poi, fans and staff. Ammo of Hoopsie Dizzy likes a combination of everything but draws heavily from hoop dance. In fact, Ammo is learning how to dance through hooping!

People have different goals with hooping. You may want to perform, teach, connect with others, or do it purely for yourself. Hooping is a deeply personal experience and all reasons for hooping are valid.

Reach out via the contact form on our website if you'd like to chat through your questions about starting out in more detail.

Question 2

Are Hoopsie Dizzy hoop and play classes a form of therapy?

Accepted Answer

The classes we facilitate can be therapeutic, but no, Hoopsie Dizzy's offerings are not a form of "therapy".

Question 3

Are Hoopsie Dizzy hoop and play classes "fitness" classes?

Accepted Answer

No, our hoop and play sessions are not fitness classes, but they can draw on your fitness! Please seek fitness advice from qualified professionals.

Question 4

Do I need to be coordinated to hoop?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Hooping is a form of juggling, and it will gently ease you into whole-body coordination. The coordination you gain from hooping can benefit your brain and balance.

Question 5

Do I need to be experienced at theatre, improv, or group play to attend play sessions?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Hoopsie Dizzy play sessions are incremental and aim to ease you in. We don't want to throw you into the deep end without support. Whether you've been playing for years or this is your very first time trying it out, you're welcome to join. Even if you're deeply skeptical, come along and play with that!

Question 6

Do I need to sign a liability waiver to participate in lessons/classes/workshops?

Accepted Answer

Nope! These days they are not necessary. Hoopsie Dizzy's insurer has confirmed this. However, it is good to bear in mind that hooping and group play carry inherent risks.

Question 7

Is hooping a "women's" or "feminine" pursuit?

Accepted Answer

Hooping is for all genders and expressions! Whether you use the hoop to tap into your masculine or feminine sides (or both, or neither) is entirely up to you. If you heard it from someone that hooping is for women or is about accessing/expressing femininity, that's their opinion--not hooping dogma. In Hoopsie Dizzy philosophy, we ask with curiosity, "why put gender-based limits on the endless possibilities of hooping?"

Contemporary hoop culture is dominated by women and femmes, but that's changing. There are many incredible male, masc, AMAB and gender nonconforming hoopers. Check out Lee Jeffries (@photographlee), Josh Philippi (@techswan), Will G (@flow_prince), for example.

Question 8

Why does Hoopsie Dizzy avoid the term "hula hoop"?

Accepted Answer

Hoopsie Dizzy prefers to say "hoop" rather than "hula hoop" because plastic hoops have no connection to Hawaiian hula dance (other than a superficial association). The American toy company Wham-O thought up the term "hula hoop" in the 1950s because they thought waist hooping mimicked the movements of Hawaiian hula dance. Wham-O's decision to market a mass-produced plastic "hula hoop" did not involve consultation with native Hawaiians.

The widespread popularity of Wham-O's "hula hoop" influenced its integration into circus and the flow arts in the ways hooping and hoop dance are practiced and performed today. Understanding this history is important so as not to conflate so-called "hula hooping" (or as Hoopsie Dizzy prefers, simply "hooping") with Native American hoop dance.

Question 9

What is Native American Hoop Dance and how does it relate to the hooping of Hoopsie Dizzy?

Accepted Answer

Native American Hoop Dance was practiced by various Great Lakes tribes centuries ago, and later spread to the American Southwest. A modern form of Native American Hoop Dance was developed in the 20th century. Native American Hoop Dance is its own sacred storytelling practice and is not the same as hooping in circus and the flow arts. This distinction does not absolve contemporary hoop culture of any past or ongoing harm through misappropriation, cultural erasure, fetishization or other disrespectful acts--even when these behaviours are unwitting.

Hoopsie Dizzy believes that as hoopers, it's our responsibility to have ongoing conversations about how we pay respect to Native American Hoop Dance traditions and practitioners. One way we can show respect is by never claiming to reproduce or teach Native American Hoop Dance (or any principles or elements thereof), which can only be practiced within the cultural context of Native groups. Hoopsie Dizzy believes we need to talk openly about misappropriation of Native American hoop dance forms, particularly as smaller hoops (more similar in size to Native American hoops) and the use of multiple hoops simultaneously have become more popular in circus and flow arts, and among casual hobby hoopers.

Hoopsie Dizzy is not an authority on Native American Hoop Dance and strongly encourages you to look for Native American-owned sources of information.

Here is a presentation and performance by renowned Native American Hoop Dancer Patrick Willie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUnKA0K4nTo

This interview with Tony Whitecloud comes from a Native-owned and operated archive: https://www.nativeoralhistory.org/digital-heritage/interview-tony-whitecloud

More information and links here (written for teachers, but relevant to everyone): https://advancingartsleadership.com/blog/why-hula-hoop-different-native-american-hoop

Question 10

Are hooping, Hawaiian hula dance, and Native American Hoop Dance related?

Accepted Answer

No! This is important.

In 1957, Wham-O executives saw Australian schoolchildren using bamboo hoops as fitness equipment. Wham-O then mass-produced a plastic version in 1958 and marketed the heck out of it across America. They called it a "hula hoop" because they thought waist hooping resembled the traditional Hawaiian hula dance. It was a superficial and inaccurate comparison.

In the past, several mainland Native American cultures traditionally performed hoop dance as a form of storytelling and sacred practice. Unfortunately, due to the genocidal project that was American colonization, those traditions were lost and then revived in the 1900s. It just so happens that Native American Hoop Dance grew in popularity in the mid-twentieth century, around the same time "hula hooping" became a craze in American culture. The two are not related. Native American hoop dance is a cultural practice that can only be understood and practiced by those trained in it; non-Native people cannot self-teach or authentically practice it.

Let's recap: Hawaiian hula dance has no connection to hooping other than the misappropriated name. Native American Hoop Dance has no connection to so-called "hula hooping" (what Hoopsie Dizzy calls "hooping") except that, coincidentally, both practices exploded in popularity in the 1900s. Present-day hooping is not neutral, because its history is not neutral. It's important we acknowledge this and reflect on our own relative positioning. If you hoop with others, are you talking about these issues? If not, can you start a critical conversation?

Question 11

Are plastic hoops bad for the environment?

Accepted Answer

Polypro and HDPE, the main plastics in hoops, are fossil-fuel derived. So yes, they are bad for the environment. It's not all bad news, though: both are recyclable! A lot of facilities won't accept polypro, but if you live in Cairns, Australia, both polypro and HDPE are accepted for collection in your household recycling bin.

Question 12

What is your cancellation policy for prepaid sessions?

Accepted Answer

If you've prepaid, that amount is nonrefundable, but it is transferrable--either to a nominated person or to a future class, lesson or workshop. Please contact us to arrange. As a courtesy to other hoopers and players, we ask that you please notify us as soon as you know you're not attending. We cap sessions to keep them intimate, so when you cancel we can open up the spot to someone who's waiting.

Question 13

Can I return or exchange a hoop or commissioned goods?

Accepted Answer

Of course! If it's faulty, unsafe, not fit for purpose or doesn't match the agreed description, then you're entitled to a repair, replacement or refund. For minor issues, Hoopsie Dizzy has the right to repair it within a reasonable timeframe rather than issue a refund or replacement. If you've simply changed your mind or no longer want the item, you are not entitled to a refund.

Question 14

What are the flow arts?

Accepted Answer

A broad set of practices that involve object manipulation and physical movement, so-called because you can enter a flow state while doing them--particularly after you've established the neural pathways to access movements and combinations intuitively. The flow arts sit adjacent to circus. Common props include poi, staff, hoop, silk fans, and juggling clubs, but there are many more toys out there to flow with!

Question 15

Can I hoop without knowing how to waist hoop?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Waist hooping (where the hoop is parallel to the ground and rotates around the waist) is a foundation skill for a selection of skills. Many hoopers don't do any waist hooping at all.

Hoopsie
Dizzy

HOOP & PLAY
GImuy (Cairns)

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

I'm brand new to hooping. Where do I start?

Are Hoopsie Dizzy hoop and play classes a form of therapy?

Are Hoopsie Dizzy hoop and play classes "fitness" classes?

Do I need to be coordinated to hoop?

Do I need to be experienced at theatre, improv, or group play to attend play sessions?

Do I need to sign a liability waiver to participate in lessons/classes/workshops?

Is hooping a "women's" or "feminine" pursuit?

Why does Hoopsie Dizzy avoid the term "hula hoop"?

What is Native American Hoop Dance and how does it relate to the hooping of Hoopsie Dizzy?

Are hooping, Hawaiian hula dance, and Native American Hoop Dance related?

Are plastic hoops bad for the environment?

What is your cancellation policy for prepaid sessions?

Can I return or exchange a hoop or commissioned goods?

What are the flow arts?

Can I hoop without knowing how to waist hoop?

Hoopsie Dizzy

Hoopsie Dizzy

HOOP & PLAY GImuy (Cairns)

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

I'm brand new to hooping. Where do I start?

Are Hoopsie Dizzy hoop and play classes a form of therapy?

Are Hoopsie Dizzy hoop and play classes "fitness" classes?

Do I need to be coordinated to hoop?

Do I need to be experienced at theatre, improv, or group play to attend play sessions?

Do I need to sign a liability waiver to participate in lessons/classes/workshops?

Is hooping a "women's" or "feminine" pursuit?

Why does Hoopsie Dizzy avoid the term "hula hoop"?

What is Native American Hoop Dance and how does it relate to the hooping of Hoopsie Dizzy?

Are hooping, Hawaiian hula dance, and Native American Hoop Dance related?

Are plastic hoops bad for the environment?

What is your cancellation policy for prepaid sessions?

Can I return or exchange a hoop or commissioned goods?

What are the flow arts?

Can I hoop without knowing how to waist hoop?

Hoopsie Dizzy

Hoopsie
Dizzy

HOOP & PLAY
GImuy (Cairns)