Hoopdance: Is the Hooping Life for You?

From Cecile Oreste at danceDC

Is the hooping life for you? If you’re not familiar with the latest fitness trend, hoopdance incorporates classic dance moves and hula hooping. In some versions of hoopdance, students use the hoop like a partner, dancing while the hoop circles various body parts. Local instructor Granetta Coleman also focuses on trick hooping which involves moving the hoop on or off the body.

Coleman of HooperNATURAL™ is bringing hoopdance classes to Dupont Circle Thursdays in September and October from 6:30 to 7:30pm–yes, right inside the Circle. According to Coleman–who used hoopdance to get in shape after her pregnancy–hoopdance is appealing because of the skill involved.

“I like that you need to practice in order to master moves,” Coleman said. “You can figure out how to do some things by watching YouTube videos, but it’s an endless challenge.” You can also go at your own pace. “People enjoy finding their own groove or flow,” she added.

In addition to increasing your strength and improving your balance, this total body workout has some less obvious benefits.

“There is a relaxation benefit to hoopdance because you need to focus on the moves. Creativity is also sparked by hooping. You start thinking about all the different moves you can learn,” said Coleman.

Coleman, a Silver Spring native, has been teaching group exercise classes in DC for years. Prior to founding HooperNATURAL, she taught urban funk, pilates and toning classes at several Results Gym locations in DC. She was also an instructor for D.A.R.E. Dance at local elementary schools in DC and northern Virginia.

Coleman is also a member of the DC Hoop Collective, which is a group of local hooping instructors and hoopers. The DC Hoop Collective will host the screening of the feature-length documentary film, The Hooping Life, on World Hoop Day, which is on 10-10-10. In addition to the screening, the DC Hoop Collective is planning more hoopdance workshops with celebrity teachers, performances and a family hoop jam to celebrate World Hoop Day.