How To Hoop Dance With A Sport Hoop

Many hoopers use handmade hoops made from polyethylene piping (1" or 3/4" diameter) and wrapped with colorful tape. It's cheaper, but a pain to do. These modern hoops are different from the water-filled cheap plastic toys designed for children. The heavier weight of larger hoops allows for more controlled movement from a slower rotation. And it's easier to learn moves such as 'portal' tricks, where the hooper dances through the hoop while it is still rotating.

Usually an adult will begin with a hoop that is 40-44" in diameter. These hoops may seem big compared to children's hoops, but they are needed for adults to be successful at hoop dance. A lot of people eventually decrease their hoop size. A lighter hoop allows for faster rotation and advanced tricks, but it's for a more skilled performer. Professional hoopers generally use a hoop of around 36" in diameter. Although some still like to use a 40" (or larger) because they can dance differently than with a smaller hoop.

In recent years, hooping has been recognized by heath and fitness experts as being a great form of exercise. Hooping works almost every muscle in your body. It also increases coordination, improves cardiovascular health, and burns calories because it's a type of aerobic exercise. The American Council on Exercise found that a thirty minute hooping workout burns about 200 calories. Plus blood flow to the brain is increased, helping you to feel revitalized and more energetic. Many people have said that it also helps with their depression.

The earliest known hooping was in 1000 BC in ancient Egypt. Children used large hoops made of grape vines, which they rolled along the ground moved by sticks, or swung around their waists.

In the 14th century hooping swept across England. Doctors of the time ascribed many dislocated backs and heart attacks to hooping. The word 'hula' became linked with the hoop in the early 19th century when British sailors visited the Hawaiian Islands and observed the resemblance between hooping and their traditional hula dancing.

Native Americans independently created their own traditions with the Hoop Dance. Native American Hoop dance focuses on very rapid moves. Up to 30 small hoops may be used in their storytelling rites. The Native American Hoop Dance has been recognized as part of their cultural heritage. The biggest Native Hoop Dance competition occurs every year at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona.

In 1957, an Australian company manufactured bamboo hoops for retail stores. It caught the attention of a new California toy company named Wham-O. In 1958, the owners started to travel to playgrounds across Southern California. They gave away free hula hoops and performed hooping demos for the children. They sold over 25 million hula hoops in a four-month period. Since then, hula hoop contests were organized across the U.S., and millions of hoops were sold.

In the 1990s, the jam band The String Cheese Incident tossed hoops from the stage into the audience and encouraged fans to hoop to the music. It brought about the modern hooping movement. The annual Burning Man festival has also been a great place for hoopers from all around the world to share their tricks, and techniques. These kinds of hoop jams happen almost every month throughout the world and are the cornerstones of the underground hooping subculture.