I am circling around God, around the ancient tower,
And I have been circling for a thousand years,
And I still don’t know if I am a falcon, or a storm,
Or a great song.


~Rainer Maria Rilke

To turn, turn will be our delight
Till by turning and turning we come 'round right

"Simple Gifts" A Shaker Hymn

www.foodandwine.com/recipes/jula-hoop

If you would like to order a hoop, please write me with your color & size preferences. Right now, I do not have a select & pay site, but I do make lots of hoops locally, ship hoops across the country & make bulk orders for schools & wellness centers.

GROOVE or CORE HOOP (40" - 44" diameter ~ great for beginner hoopers)
$25 for 3 color matte hoop (base color + 2 accent colors)
$35 for one sparkle, one grip & one vinyl tape

OFF THE BODY or ADVANCED HOOP (34-36" diameter with light tubing for workin' the hoop off the body with ease. This hoop is also great for ages 7 - 12.)
$25 for 3 color matte hoop
$35 for one sparkle, one grip & one vinyl
$40 for 2 sparkle tapes with two accent grip tapes

KIDS HOOPS (for ages 3-6)
$15 for simple 2 color 1/2" hoop
$20 for sparkle hoop (one sparkle tape, one vinyl, one grip tape)

~COLORS~
Grip/Gaffer's Tape
Red, Yellow, UV Green, Teal, Blue, Purple, Black, Hot pink, UV Orange, Neon Yellow, White, Grey

Vinyl Tape
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Lt Blue, Teal, Dk Blue, Purple, Black, White, Grey, Lt pink

Accent Tapes
Red, UV Orange, Yellow, Neon Yellow, UV Green, Dk Green, Med Blue, Purple, Hot Pink, White, Grey, Teal

Sparkle Tapes
Red, Orange, Gold, Lime Green, Lt Blue, Purple, Plum, Silver, Holographic (FUN!), Copper, Hot Pink, Lt Pink

Write me directly info@hoopbliss.com

With this ring, I do dance
My mind is clear, my soul in trance

Breathe. Spin. My thoughts do cease
Turn. Move. Find inner peace.

This handmade hoop is beyond a toy
It strengthens my body as it gives me joy.

A meditational tool with power to wield
I learn to guide and learn to yield.

The rhythm takes over and my mind can let go
I find myself moving in continuous flow.

This circulation moves my breath, blood and chi
My chakras are opened, my third eye can see.

The spiraling energy connects me with love
To the earth beneath me and the heavens above

The hoop’s magic transcends both language and tribe
The simple movement & smiles bring us to life.

So come try a hoop you too may see
The bliss from creating hoop flowetry.

Lame deer, a Sioux medicine man, writes about the wider hoop
From Chris Hoffman's book, The Hoop and the Tree

To our way of thinking the Indian's symbol is the circle, the hoop. Nature wants things to be round. The bodies of human beings and animals have no corners. With us the circle stands for the togetherness of people who sit with one another around the campfire, relatives and friends united in peace while the pipe passes from hand to hand. The camp in which every tipi had its place was also a ring. The tipi was a ring in which people sat in a circle and all the families in the village were in turn circles within a larger circle, part of the larger hoop which was the seven campfires of the Sioux, representing one nation. The nation was only part of the universe, in itself circular and made of the earth, which is round, of the sun, which is round, of the stars, which are round. The moon, the horizon, the rainbow - circles within circles within circles, with no beginning and no end.

To us this is beautiful and fitting, symbol and reality at the same time, expressing the harmony of life and nature. Our circle is timeless, flowing; it is new life emerging from death - life winning out over death.

FLOW
to rinse, wash, sail
graceful unimpeded movement
to move with a continual change of place
to become liquid, fuse, melt, to fill to overflowing
move or proceed smoothly and without harshness
to deform under stress without cracking, breaking, or rupturing
flow suggests movement of a fluid, gentle or rapid, copious or meager, showing unbroken continuity
to have a contour as to suggest a graceful unimpeded uninterrupted movement
of water; to move in and out as if in a stream
a continuous transfer of energy
to be in abundance

When in Continuous flow
Movements blend together
each one enhancing the preceding
and preparing for the next

SEAMLESSNESS

POETRY
a quality of spontaneity and grace
a quality that stirs the imagination or gives a sense of heightened and more meaningful existence

FLOWETRY
poetry in motion
the art and practice of fluidly moving with grace
to be washed or cleansed through expression (of movement or word)
a purifying dance that connects the dancer with the rhthym of the music, other dancers and, of course, the hoop

BLISS
a state of complete or ecstatic happiness
paradise

PEACE
mental or spiritual condition marked by freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
calmness of mind and heart
serenity of spirit
eternal repose

I asked her what she planned to do with her life & she said she was beyond that point already.
I'm just happy I remember to be there when it happens, she said.

-Brian Andreas from Trusting Soul

“The hoop has to do with hearing the beat, getting with the rhythm, feeling the music of what is, and skillfully entering in with just the right amount of effort…All of us yearn to feel related and accepted, to be in harmony, to feel ourselves at home in the universe and with each other. And this is our birthright, for we are all part of the Hoop. We have only to stop, perceive, and be. If you allow yourself to connect with the Hoop, you are home.”

~Christ Hoffman
The Hoop and the Tree

Welcome!
I am a hoop dancer, teacher, crafter and fire dancer living in the Chapel Hill area of North Carolina who has been sharing this passion for hoop dance for over six years. I teach weekly classes at UNC Wellness Center and Carolina Preserve for adults; offer classes, workshops and lessons for individuals of all ages; .integrate hooping and social outreach; organize community hoop events; and perform with homemade sparkly and fire hoops.

Please scroll down to find:
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS, PERFORMANCES and CLASSES (not too far down!)
VIDEOS
HOOPS FOR HAITI info and pics
MY BLOG (at the bottom)
CUSTOMIZED HOOPS (on left)

I am currently planning a NATIONAL HOOP CONVERGENCE, the first National Hoop Conference to happen April 11 - 16, 2008.
Come check it out! tribes.tribe.net/hoopconvergence

Thank you for visiting my page.

In gratitude and revolving joy~
Jewels
of Hoop Bliss

Weaver St Market Brunch begins Sun, April 13! This will be a special Sunday as we will be amidst the Hoop Convergence. Hoopers from around the country (& Canada!) will be joining us for the first brunch of the season!

Community Hoop Jam
Carrboro Town Commons
Saturday, April 12 6 pm - dark
Some hoops provided. FREE (donations for musicians always welcome:-)

Knoxville Workshops & Fire Performances
May 2 - 4
Daytime hoop workshops & Fire hoop performances each evening
Check back for exact times & prices.

Shakori Hills Music Festival
April 17 - 20
Kids' hoop workshops & Earth Day 'hoop jam'
www.shakorihills.org

Hoop Workshop & Hooping with Dirty 5 Thirty
Greenville
April 26
Details TBA.
www.dirty5thirty.com

HipAHA
Hoop Classes at Weekend Wellness Retreat in Outer Banks
Fire Performance with live percussion: Thursday, May 15
2 hour Hoop Workshop: Friday, May 16
Performance and workshop open to anyone whether they are enrolled in weekend retreat or not.
Write me for prices and times.

NEW!!! Weekly Hoop Class at Pickards Mountain Eco-Institute
Hoop with a View! For women only please.
$10 drop in
This is a new class hosted on land that is very precious to me. I have communed, lived, walked, learned, gardened, fallen in love, practiced sustainable living and building techniques, played, built relationships, provided child care and taken care of animals here. It is a beautiful space with a lot of magic dedicated to facilitating a communing with the natural world. This class is for women only and is very intimate. This is a great opportunity to explore deeply and receive personal attention. In this class, we are setting intention to heal our relationship with the natural world starting with our relationship with our own bodies.
Wednesday mornings
9:30 am stretch, 10 circle up and hoop!
11 ~ light lunch (potluck style)
As the weather, we will indulge in post hoop swims or saunas!

Tiny Dancers' hoop performance
May 17
Carrboro Century Center
I have been working with a group of four year olds this year who will share their hoop skills in a dance recital. I've been impressed with the moves they have learned. They are adorable!

UNC Wellness Event
Saturday, June 7
12:30 - 2:30
hoop demonstrations and jam with Big Fat Gap

Carolina Friends' School
www.cfsnc.org
BodyMind Camp for girls 8- 11 (Formerly known as Princess of the Forest)
June 16 - 20
Hoop Flow Camps
July 21 - 25 & July 28 - Aug 1

American Dance Festival
June/July 2008
Details coming soon

National Wellness Conference 2009
Hoop Workshops!
July 12 - 17
Stevens Point, WI
www.nationalwellness.org
(Maybe more Wisconsin Workshops TBA!)

Hoop Convergence
April 11 - 16
www.hoopconvergence.com
This is the first ever National hoop event!
5 day & Weekend rates. Individual class passes Jams open to public.
Come converge with us! It will be REVOLUTIONARY!

Hoop Camp
Santa Cruz
Sept 26 - 28
www.hoopcampretreats.com/Site/...E.html

Hoop Liberation Jam
Sunday, Jan 20, 2008
7-9 pm
Location: Carrboro Century Center
100 N Greensboro St
Carrboro, NC 27510
More Info: www.carrboro.com/centurycenter.html
Bring your favorite hoop! Some hoops and music provided!
Suggested $5 donation to cover space rental;)

Hoop Crafting Play Date at my place beforehand on Jan 20.
Directions and details available. Write me at hoopflow@gmail.com!

Look for workshops and jam Jan 19 & 20, 2008.
Carolina Fitness ongoing - Wednesday 10:45 am
UNC Wellness Center ongoing - Wednesday 5:30 pm adult hoop dance (scroll down for more details.)

First Night Raleigh
Afternoon hooping with kids
Fire show with A Full Circle ~ Fire Dance Troupe at 8 & 10 pm
www.firstnightraleigh.com

Dirty5Thirty with Urban Sophisticates and Blount Harvey!
SoapBox in Wilmington, NC
www.myspace.com/dirty5thirty

Carolina Rollergirls
Roller Derby in Raleigh
Intermission show Dec. 2, 6 pm
www.carolinarollergirls.com

Fort Lewis College
Durango, Colorado
Oct 22 & 23
I will be teaching hoop dance workshops and sharing my personal hoop stories of traveling to Haiti and promoting Global Healing through joy & hooping!

Family Vaudeville Extravaganza
September 01, 2007 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Sunday Matinee, 2 pm
Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College
Cost: $5 general admission
www3.davidson.edu/cms/x26161.xml


Shakori Hills Music Festival
October 11 - 14, 2007
I will co - lead HOOPDRUM workshop for kids with my partner Scott in the children's village.
Also teaching adult workshops on Friday at noon (dance tent) and Sunday afternoon (meadow stage).
A full circle ~ fire & light troupe~ will be performing on Saturday night at the meadow (Caroleena, Alicat, Neidra, Burke & me.)
Hoops available for sale. Look for hoop bliss!!!

Adult hoop class begins Wed, September 12
10:45 - 11:45 am
Carolina Fitness, Carrboro, NC
Sept 12, 19, 26 FREE to public
Then $12 per class, $40 for 4 class pass.

Weaver St Market - All summer!
Sunday Brunch, 11am - 1pm
Thursday Afterhours, 6 - 8pm, ends August 30.
Bring the family and blanket and come listen to live music while you enjoy dinner, beverage of your choice & community. There are almost always hoops and hoopers aplenty!

UNC Wellness Center
Wednesdays 4:00 - mother/daughter hooping class
Wednesdays 5:30 - beginning adult hoopdance

Carolina Fitness in Carrboro
Intro to hoopdance workshops
Sat, June 16, 2 - 3:30
Sat, June 30, 2 - 3:30 (for mothers and daughters!)
Sat, Aug 4, 2 - 3:30
Register with me for these.
julahoop@fmgirl.com

Carolina Friends' School
Hoop Flow Camp!
Ages 9-12
June 25 - 29 (9am - 3 pm)
July 30 - August 3 (9am - 3pm)
Princess of the Forest Camp
July 9 - 14
Register with Friends' School
www.cfsnc.org

June 23, 10 - 5
"All Things Festive"
Old Tobacco District in Durham, NC
This is an event to support WUNC radio. I will be giving hoop demonstrations at 12:30 and 1:45. Hoops will be available for use and sale.

July 27 - 29
Floydfest
www.floydfest.com

July 7
WORLD HOOP DAY! (Well I'm celebrating ALL WEEK!)

National Wellness Conference
Stevens Point, WI
July 15 - 19
I will be presenting "hooping as a healing art" at this conference on Monday morning!

Join Hoop Dance Tribe ~ tribes.tribe.net/hoopdance

Throughout time, various cultures have developed disciplines, or practices, that train the mind, strengthen the body, provide opportunity for greater understanding or revelation, facilitate communion (with others and the divine) and create meaning for individuals and collective humanity. Hooping has become a discipline for many, similar to a yoga, dance, meditation, music or martial arts practice. The combination of exploring rhythm and symbolism, focusing the mind, developing core strength, sustaining circular and spiraling movements, spinning, reaching out to the community and expressing oneself artistically have made hooping an inspiring and transforming practice or discipline for many (certainly for me.)

I made my first hoop in Oct 2001 and have been hooping 'religiously' ever since. My hoop size has evolved tremendously over the years ~ from 5' to 35" in diameter. The various stages in between have taught me a variety of movements and opened up new worlds for my body/mind. I never intended to be a 'professional' hooper of any kind. In fact, I never conceived of such a thing back then. However, taking my beloved handmade hoops out to play made me a hoop crafter out of public demand. Hooping at live shows has transformed me ~ from a girl who was painfully shy dancing in front of others into a 'performer' who spins her sparkly and fire hoops at a variety of events. Spreading joy through demonstrations and providing hoops for others lead me to become a teacher of individuals of all ages (see my "teaching experience.) Realizing the joy that is shared through hoop dance, I have traveled to various parts of the country, Canada, Mexico and Haiti to connect with others. I have learned that the language of smiles, play and movement transcend language, political and cultural boundaries. It's been a beautiful experience that has forced me to push myself through fears and discomfort; enticed me to be disciplined; allowed me to explore a variety of creative mediums (including hoop crafting, dancing, sewing, choreography & fire;) and most importantly, has taught me how to play and accept the joyful grace of this dance.

After visiting an orphanage in Haiti in April 2007, I was asked to join the Board of Directors of "World Hoop Day." This was my third trip abroad taking hoops to children (Mexico 2003, Haiti 2004, Haiti 2007.) For more information about this Hoop holi-day, visit worldhoopday.com or worldhoopday.tribe.net. For more details on my hoop adventures, look further on my profile page. There are pictures from each of these trips and a few reflections. (Check back for more to come, including video footage from Haiti!)

I am very grateful for the blessings that have come my way on this hoop path. In July, I will be traveling to teach hoop classes at a National Wellness Conference (www.nationalwellness.org.) With the help of many beautiful hoopers who have shared their touching stories, I will be presenting hooping as a healing art. It seems to me that hooping is one of the most fun and inexpensive ways to promote happiness and exercise the entire body. As depression and obesity are two of the biggest health issues in our country, the more people hooping the better!

As I just started teaching regular classes at UNC Wellness Center, I started the 'hoopdance' tribe to discuss various dimensions of the hoop movement including the dance, therapeutic & healing applications, philosophical & spiritual theories, community building and outreach. I hope that we can share inspiring stories, prose, flowetry, ideas, insights and reflections to progress this movement. I also hope this may be a home for those of us who are trying to positively affect the world through hope, smiles, fun, joy & bliss. This tribe is based in the Carrboro/Chapel Hill area and will hopefully become a place to connect my students and fellow hoopers. Whether you enjoy hooping for fitness, play or a spiritual practice in NC or abroad, feel free to join in discussions or come dance with us...

in joy, health and peace~
Julah Hoop Flow*er
as in 'the hoop flow'

Dancing to remember
that every moment has the potential
of beautiful and expansive blossoming…

I have been fortunate enough to share the fun, beauty and health benefits of hooping with folks of all ages over the past 6 years. Hundred of kids have made their own hoops in my workshops at schools, camps and afterschool programs.

Following is a list of places I have taught.

*denotes kids classes
! denotes both kids and adults

Hoop Convergence 2008 Organizer & Teacher Carrboro, NC
Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO
Elon College, Elon, NC
National Wellness Conference ! Stevens Point, WI
UNC Wellness Center (ongoing)
Pickards Mountain Eco Institute
NC School of the Arts Winston Salem, NC
Prescott College Arizona
Outer Banks Yoga Kill Devil HIlls, NC
Triangle Day School * (middle school) Durham, NC
SALSA (taught classes in Spanish) Burlington, NC
UNC Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
UNC-Greensboro Dance Department Greensboro, NC
Triangle Yoga Chapel Hill, NC
Yoga Bliss (yoga teacher training) Raleigh, NC
Spence’s Farm * (elementary & middle school) Chapel Hill, NC
Carrboro Artscenter ! Carrboro, NC
Carolina Friends’ School * (dance class-high school) Chapel Hill, NC
Durham Arts Council ! Durham, NC
Clapping Hands Farm * Pittsboro, NC
Sunny Ridge Artschool * Bynum, NC
NC School of Holistic Herbalism Asheville, NC
Camp for children with Autism * Chapel Hill, NC
Montessori Morning Program * Durham, NC
St. Thomas More * Chapel Hill, NC
Weaver St. Market ! Carrboro, NC
AC Fitness Carrboro, NC
Orange County Recreation Center Hillsborough, NC
Stanback Middle School (hoop group) Hillsborough, NC

Music and arts festivals in NC, Virginia and Nova Scotia