Kick off your long weekend with a spin of hoop, poi, staff, wand or whatever. There'll be hoops and tunes (a new mix from DJ FM, picked up at Hoop Convergence in North Carolina last weekend). Since the temperatures are still a little frosty, enjoy the indoor space, smooth floors, big mirrors and rocking sound.
Next jam will be Fri. May 31, and DJ'd by DJ Warren Monkey, visiting from Montreal with his wife Cheryl Summach (Cher Sum Love), organizer of the Thrive Festival in Port Dover, Ontario, June 29, 2013.
The amazing and inspiring Beth Lavinder is coming to Ottawa on Sat. June 1, 2013, 5:30-8:30pm at Dovercourt Recreation Centre! There are still a few spots left. She will also be at our hoop jam on Fri. May 31, which will be DJ'd by DJ Warren.
Beth is known for her graceful flow, exquisite body rolls, eclectic music choices, and long hair that becomes another partner in her dance with the hoop. A long time follower of the HoopPath, she brings years of hoop practice as well as experiences around the world to her workshops.
What Beth says:
Speaking softly is one of the most intimate and effective ways to communicate. We can assert and express ourselves in a subtle, nuanced voice at the same time that we speak with a quiet and certain authority. Beth's workshop will focus on new ways to interact with the hoop that will explore movement both familiar and unfamiliar, on-body and off-body. We will push the edge of what is possible when we soften our engagement, release our grip, and focus on the nuances of our connection with our hoop, blurring the line between ourselves and our prop. As we explore the techniques of Tracing, 2-point Manipulation, Core work, Lifts & Drops, Rolling, and Tossing, we will alternate between guiding and influencing the hoop's current and allowing the hoop's current to guide us and shape us. When we participate fully in intricacies of this exchange of energy, our conversations and connection with our hoop have the potential to go into deeper and more meaningful territory.
Details:
Sat. June 1, 5:30-8:30pm at Dovercourt Recreation Centre 411 Dovercourt Ave, Ottawa, ON
New hoopers often wonder if they will be experienced enough for a workshop, or wonder what size of hoop is best. For this workshop Beth says:
"I encourage people to bring the hoop they love and use the most, definitely something they can shoulder hoop with. And if they cannot shoulder hoop yet, I'll give them options on the waist and other parts of the core so that they can still participate and get a full experience. What I would ask is that folks who attend should be comfortable and confident on their waist. If they can shoulder hoop (even with a gigantic hoop) that is even better. If the hoop that they need for core work is exceptionally large, then bringing a smaller (i.e. 36" or so) hoop for weaves and vertical off body work is really great. I like to make sure that most of my material is accessible in some way to beginners, but also challenges folks who have more flight time. We will be going over a lot of fundamental hooping, but with some variations so that hopefully I will challenge everyone."
Beth started hooping on the Weaver Street Lawn in Carrboro, North Carolina nearly 10 years ago when she was first offered a hoop by the woman who would later become Spiral. Beth got to witness the evolution of the hoop movement both in Carrboro and across the country (and eventually, the world) by traveling as much as she could with her hoop, attending hoop gatherings in California, Japan, England, Colorado, Oregon, Tennessee, Florida and Maine. She has been a student with Jonathan Baxter of the HoopPath since he began classes in Carrboro 7 1/2 years ago.
Beth has a not-so-secret fetish with fabric and loves creating one of a kind garments that complement hoopdance including swirling circle skirts and flowing pants in beautiful fabrics. Beth will be bringing some of her designs to sell, and will hold an informal clothing deconstruction/ fabric love-in session during her visit to Ottawa (stay tuned for details).
Two great ladies of hooping will be in Ottawa on Jun 14, 15 & 16 to share their amazing knowledge and style. The workshops will be held at Table Tennis Canada's large gymnasium, 18 Louisa St. (near Gladstone & Booth St., not far from the very yummy Pressed Cafe.
Read all the details and register through Anah's Hoop Revolution website! I'm hoping we can have a great gathering of hoopers from Ottawa, Gatineau, Montreal, Cornwall, Kingston, Perth, Toronto & more to enjoy this wonderful opportunity.
It's been three weeks since we've had a hoop jam and in that time, we've skipped Spring and gone straight to Summer! Come celebrate in the hoop in our light-filled Assembly Hall. We'll have tunes & hoops.
We had a super-busy hoop jam last Fri. April 5, with lots of new hoopers as well as regulars.
Normally our next jam would be April 19th, but we have a special event that night, so I've decided to add one in this Friday Apr. 12. Next jam after that is Fri. May 3, 2013.
Hoops & tunes provided are always provided. There is an expected WINTER storm warning (in mid-April, crazy!), but I will be there.
I saw this today and thought it was pretty appropriate. Hopefully we'll be hooping outside soon.
Remember that spring hoop classes at Dovercourt get underway next week, April 15. All the details are on the Classes page.
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 2:10PM 
