Hoop workshop with Rebecca Halls, Mar. 11, 1-4pm

Rebecca Halls is returning to Ottawa for a hoop workshop, "Floorwork & Choreographic Techniques", on Sunday March 11, 1-4pm at Dovercourt Recreation Centre. Rebecca has been living in Berlin, and performing, choreographing and teaching in Europe for the past year; we're excited that she could visit Ottawa during her winter tour.

Workshop Description: Play with Elevation Changes and Floor Work. Roll, bounce, slide, lunge and then throw your head back and giggle! Diversify your hooping style through the integration of level changes and floor work into your flow. Floor work is exciting and dynamic! It increases balance, strength, co-ordination and flexibility. In this workshop we will explore level changes, transitions from standing into the floor, entry-level acrobatics, and the importance of weight transfer. In the final portion of this workshop we will look at how to make choreographic choices with the hoop and learn different choreographic practices adopted from contemporary dance choreography.

This workshop is suitable for all levels. Course code 76920, $50 + tax. Spaces are limited. Registration is available now through Dovercourt Recreation Centre, online, in person or by phone (613-798-8950 ext. 0). To register online using Dovercourt's online registration website,  click here >>

Choreographer and dancer Rebecca Halls trained from a young age in classical and contemporary dance and is a graduate of the BFA dance program at Concordia University. She is internationally recognized as one of the leaders in hoop dance, a budding art form that is surfacing around the world. Learn more about Rebecca at www.rebecca-halls.com

Next hoop jam: Fri. Feb. 3, 7-8:30pm at Dovercourt

We had a great Hawaiian jam on Jan. 20, with tropical garb (grass skirts, flowers, leis) and a sun-soaked playlist from Jenny. Hoop play, solo and group, poi, acroyoga…it all flowed like…lava. :-) Thanks to everyone for warming up a chilly winter evening!

Next jam is Fri. Feb. 3, 7-8:30pm. Brigitte will host with hoops & tunes. I'll be thinking about each and every one of you (no, really) during my time at the Pulse of the Radiant Feminine Heart hoop/ yoga/ drum retreat in Hawaii :-)

Some upcoming events: Sophie & Brigitte will be doing fire shows at Winterlude. Look out on Facebook (Ottawa/ Gatineau Hoopers or Sophie Latreille or mini cirque) for dates & times. Their fire show is dazzling and the ladies will appreciate your support on a crisp winter night. 

Canadian hooper Rebecca Halls (now living in Berlin) will be returning to Ottawa on Sunday March 11 for a workshop (I'll post the details as soon as they are finalized, but save the date). Here's her amazing demo video; check out the high heels!

Intro to Contact/ Acro Yoga workshop this Sunday!

Acro yoga is becoming a consistent component of many hoop retreats around the world, but don't have to leave Ottawa to check it out for yourself! Presented by two multi-talented hoopers, Intro to Contact/ Acro Yoga workshop, this Sunday Nov. 27, 2-4pm with Jenny Anderson & Sophie Latreille, will introduce partner yoga, progressive postures & safe-spotting techniques. You don't need a partner, but body awareness & core strength are encouraged as a prerequisite. $30, register by contacting Jen at rainedance@hotmail.com. Location: Saroughi Martial Arts, 2016 10th Line Road (at Innes) in Orleans. For more info see www.rainedanceyoga.blogspot.com

Ann Humphreys workshops Oct. 7 & 8, 2011

Ann Humphreys came to Ottawa on Oct 7 & 8, 2011 to share HoopPath Fundamentals and Off-body techniques with Ottawa area hoopers. Day one focused on core hooping techniques, with an emphasis on our axis, turning patterns and smoothing out weight transfer and motions, and applying arms and hand techniques, from flying, sweeping, contacting, paddling and breaking (with both lead & following hands), at the waist and chest. We explored outer space and inner space in both currents. We also looked at layering each concept on top of our root movement and extending it to leg hooping, lift offs, drop ins etc. Day two expanded the repertoire to off body techniques including swings and tracing, paying attention to hands that grip, fly, contact and slide, in our weaves and isolations. The hoop was our guide as we opened ourselves up to its contact, rhythm and lessons. We ended our class with a free hoop outside, basking in glorious sunshine.

We've been waiting for Ann since last April, and we were able to welcome her with summery temperatures and a great turnout of local hoopers. Thank you to all who participated, and we look forward to Ann's next visit. 

 Friday workshop, partial group shot.

Check out the slideshow:  

Ann Humphreys Workshop & Master Class at Dovercourt!

FINALLY!! Ann Humphreys of the HoopPath has the green light to come to Canada! Her workshops will be Fri. Oct 7 & Sat. 8, 2011 in Ottawa at Dovercourt Recreation Centre. 

We know it's Thanksgiving weekend, but let's give Ann a big Ottawa welcome and hoop it up before turkey day! Here's some info from Ann about what she will be covering:

In the HoopPath Fundamentals class, we will review the HoopPath Core basics around which you build your dance with the hoop. Our focus will be primarily on the physical building blocks which are necessary to contain our hoop meditation. Course # 74018, $60, Fri. Oct. 7, 6:30-9:30pm. Assembly Hall, Dovercourt. 

In the HoopPath Master Class, we will take the opportunity to harness the meditative state on a deeper level. Using both Core and Off-Body techniques, we will create new dances together, sharing this sacred space in meditation. We will also access more nuanced and subtle levels of technique.  If you have taken the Fundamentals class, you will be fully prepared for the Master class. Join us! Course # 74019, $60, Sat. Oct. 8, 1-4pm. Assembly Hall, Dovercourt.

Register at Dovercourt Recreation Centre, online (click, then enter the course code number), by phone (613-798-8950 ext. 0) or in person. See the Workshops page for some video clips of Ann in action. If you have any questions, please email Trish at tstolte@sympatico.ca