Posts by Che Rippinger
Men Of Hooping: Nick Guzzardo
Hoopspiration:
*Hoop Man Nick Guzzardo*
He’s a talent and a friend. In-Joy!
~ Ché Rippinger of Hip The Hoopla
www.HipTheHoopla.com
www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla
Che@HipTheHoopla.com 303-980-6295 for Hip The Hoopla humorous hoop dance classes, private lessons/coaching, performing and custom hoop info.
So You Want To Perform-Tips To Know
Performing-“What do I Charge?”
by Ché Rippinger
Congratulations…You just got asked to perform at your first gig. Now What?!
We had this discussion in our belly dance group. Here’s a direct bit, that may be a little hard to hear, from one of my belly dance teachers: she recommended not performing, until you have the chops (professional know how) to charge the professional going rate. One of the reasons for this, is that often the client doesn’t know your skills, and just thinks they got you for a way better price than someone else. My seasoned teacher makes her living from this and was undercut, and subsequently cancelled for a gig, by a newbie. It set off a hailstorm of information on how to prevent this.
Here are some nutshell tips to consider for “going pro.”
There is a going rate that is generally the industry standard. It’s good to know so you can charge that, when you are ready. It’s also important so that our community continues to back itself with the actions of all who are in it.
That said, we all have to start somewhere. There are a lot of showcases/charitable events where we can begin to lend our skills and perform for free while we get better. The pros even do these, too! It’s a great place to work on new material, or try different styles.
You may want to take into account:
~The size of the event, who is putting it on (big corporate or small mom & pop shop), are they charging for the event (ticket sales=covering costs+profit).
~Are they budgeting for other normal things (i.e. you should get paid then too!).
~What you need to do to prep for it (travel, time, choreographed staging with costume, or “ambient” performing — some call this “noodling”, fyi).
~Are you teaching and talking?
~Are you promoting their stuff?
If budget is an issue with a potential client, you may get the “It’s great exposure for your business,” and “we really can’t pay you” , “we don’t have a budget for this,” lines/aka “excuses” a lot. Excellent advice I got, if not “paid” with money: Make sure there is an exchange of energy…what do they have to offer you: a gift certificate, lots of advertising of you on their social media, merchandise, or at the very least being able to bring your biz cards and sell your ware too (merchandise & services you have: hoops, clothes, jewelry, lessons, etc.).
And finally, you’ve heard it in other businesses, and it’s true here: get a contract! This is so important and many of us are initially uncomfortable with doing this. That is, until you get burned once or twice. Look at it this way: With a contract, expectations are met with a happy experience for both parties. Another recommendation from a pro: get 1/2 of your money up front as a “cancellation fee”-as you don’t take other gigs when booked.
There are other groups with contracts out there for the various performing available. A great resource helpful for all types of performers is Tim Marston’s “How To Sell Your Act”.
If you do regularly perform, a great sign of professionalism is having insurance. It’s also a great selling point, too! And if you dance with fire, it’s a necessity–along with an experienced fire “safety”(a knowledgeable person who is trained to help observe, prevent and deal with any threatening mishaps).
Whatever you do, even if it’s just amongst friends, keep it professional, upbeat and positive. Everyone has a camera and a computer. And it’s great to recommend others in the performance community, too. Courtesy has a way of coming back around. Whether you are well-seasoned or just getting your feet wet, good luck out there!
~Ché Rippinger is a professional performer, instructor, and hoop maker with Hip The Hoopla www.HipTheHoopla.com. She is also a social media marketing and P.R. trainer and business consultant with Elevated Color www.elevatedcolor/marketing. Call or e-mail for more info and to book a class, appointment or private consultation. 303-980-6295 Che@HipTheHoopla.com. Please check out more information and “like” us: www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla .
Hooping To Find Your Happy Place
Hooping From And For The Heart:
How I Found My “Happy Place”
By Ché Rippinger
I have a saying, “Nothing bad can happen when I am inside the hoop.” Hoop dance came to me right around the time when my mom started getting sick and I had to run, then close, our business to help take care of her before she passed. It was rough. But even bringing my bright hoops to work brought me and others joy to see them, even when I couldn’t use them there in a small space. It’s my happy place. I can incorporate anything and everything into it. And from all my dance and teaching experience over the years, I have had a successful building hoop business Hip The Hoopla. It’s a lot of hard work, but I love it and I love the wonderful community of friends it has brought me to. I am a changed person because of it. ~Che’
If you ever want to find your happy place, in the hoop-give it a try!
Hip The Hoopla has regular humorous hoop dance fitness classes (with Laughter Yoga and a sprinkle of belly dance) (RSVP’s recommended www.HipTheHoopla.com), private lessons & coaching, plus custom made professional hoops! Or contact us by phone or e-mail: 303-980-6295, Che@HipTheHoopla.com.
Find up to the minute info: www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla.com
~Ché Rippinger is a professional hoop dancer, instructor, performer, belly dancer, and even dances with fire and swords, too. She has a longtime dance background, as well as a humorous one as a: 20+ year professional cartoonist (with appearances in The Denver Post & Playgirl Magazine), relationship humor writer/columnist (Dating And Hand Grenades column for The Denver Post), and a certified Laughter Yoga leader. She is honored to have the privilege of sharing hoops, positivity and dance with beginners to experts from all walks of life with Hip The Hoopla.
October Hoop Schedule
Boo! Happy Hoop-Tober!
Hoop it up with crunchy leaves underfoot.
♥ ~with hoop love from Ché of Hip The Hoopla ♥
♥ More Hip The Hoopla info at www.HipTheHoopla.com ♥ and www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla (please “like” 🙂
OCTOBER 2013 Hip The Hoopla Classes: 10/1, 3, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 & 29
♥ **HOOP LOVE UNLIMITED Special!** 30 days for YOU for only $75-UNLIMITED ($135 value-save $65! Good for 30 days from purchase date)
♥ $70 for a 2 HOUR Private Hoop Session! (Please add $10 for Studio rental or travel fees–Save $10+)
♥ Mini Coaching Special: *10 minute personal coaching session~only $10 (phone or in person)
MORE Class info: https://www.facebook.com/events/170237506515392/
RSVP now to guarantee your Hip The Hoopla class spot (limited spaces) www.HipTheHoopla.com
Various class treats & themes include: World Hoop Day 2013 (10/5), Footsies Tootsies (10/8), Tracers & Trances (10/12)…and more!!
Hip The Hoopla provides humorous hoop dance fitness classes, private lessons, custom hand-crafted professional hula hoops, performances and coaching. Contact us for more info: www.HipTheHoopla.com, 303-980-6295 or Che@HipTheHoopla.com.
Please “like” us: www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla
Hip The Hoopla Hoop Class New Online Scheduling!
Hip The Hoopla Online Scheduling Available!
Woohoop!
You Can Now Sign Up Online for Hoop Classes! To make it even easier to get started or increase your hoop dance skills, please …
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER/RSVP/PAY FOR Hip The Hoopla CLASSES
Travel Purse Sized Hula Hoop
Compact Fitness Equipment+Big Sized Happiness=Hoop!
What? You don’t have 5 ‘ of travel space for a fitness apparatus? Then you might want to try something that condenses into something more easily portable.
This is my regular sized “hula” hoop…it is one of my new “”Convertible / Collapsible” hoops. It can be one full size hoop, two mini twin hoops, or just compacted for ease in travel. This one pictured is a 32″ polypro with slide connectors that converts into two 16″ mini twin hoops. It’s a little small for most hoopers.
I make a 38″ HDPE (sturdier material) hoop that comes apart to form 20″ twins that seems to be a great choice for many hoopers!
Custom orders are available!
Che’ Rippinger, Hip The Hoopla, Che@HipTheHoopla.com
www.Facebook.com/HipTheHoopla
Hoop Info: www.HipTheHoopla.com/hoops
303-980-6295 for info
August Hip The Hoopla Schedule/Info/Deals
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♥ More Hip The Hoopla info at www.HipTheHoopla.com ♥ and www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla (please “like” 🙂
AUGUST 2013 Hip The Hoopla Classes: 8/3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20*, 24, 27, 31**Classes Tues. 6:30pm & Sat. 10am.** ♥”BRING A New FRIEND and they can try class for $10″ (RSVP encouraged!)♥ ♥ **HOOP LOVE UNLIMITED SUMMER SALE!** 30 days for YOU for only $60-UNLIMITED ($135 value-save $75! Good for 30 days from purchase date) ♥$60 for a 2 HOUR Private Hoop Session! (Please add $10 for Studio rental or travel fees–Save $20+) +CELEBRATE SUMMER!! Custom Hoops, Classes, Private lessons, Coaching, Performing, Merch, Gift Certificates, etc. +Personal coaching sessions available (phone or in person!) ♥ 2013 Personal Hooping Inspiration Challenge ♥ Drop in prices are $15 — Save big with your class packs, now!! +Class Pack Cards: great $Savings 5 Pack ($50) & 10 Pack ($90) classes, too! Hip Shakin’ Deal: 30 day-unlimited classes $75 (Save $45-$60!) +PRIVATE Hoop Sessions: Bring your hoop skills to the next level–Fast! Hip The Hoopla Private Hoop Tutoring $40/hour or $60 for 2 hour block ($20 off/regularly $80)–(Please add $5/hour for in-studio rental fee (regularly $10). +Hip The Hoopla GIFT CERTIFICATES Available for classes, class packs, custom made hoops, private lessons, Hip The Hoopla Hoop-O-Grams, and more! ######################### ~~~Hip the Hoopla Class LOCATION: *Red Elephant Workshop* Please allow a few extra minutes to park, sign in, and prepare to hoop Cost: $15 Per class *SUPER SUMMER SALE–See ABOVE! Please contact for other special offers & group discounts. Class prep-Bring/Do/Wear: ~Water ~yoga mat ~stretchy snug clothing-the hoop loves sticking to skin & stays up better! A notebook & pen are really handy to remember key moves, hints & tricks. Bring your own hoop, purchase one at class, or borrow one provided at class. FYI: you can order YOUR OWN cool custom color/personally sized hoops for your hooping style and needs–Even collapsible hoops for easy carry & traveling! Please RSVP your class spot. 24-hour courtesy cancellation required. $5 cancellation fee…goes to charity 🙂 It’s on the good karma honor system. RSVP/Questions/Info/Contact: Che@HipTheHoopla.com 303.980.6295 Hip The Hoopla is available for PERFORMING–special events, private/semi-private personally focused lessons & motivational meetings (way easier than walking on hot coals)… Plus bridal and bachelorette parties! And try out: Hip The Hoopla Hoop-O-Grams–better than a singing telegram–in person or virtual, and way more fun! More info: www.HipTheHoopla.com Please “Like,” visit often & recommend Hip The Hoopla on Facebook for schedule, updates, news and cool videos. http://www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla Recommendations & testimonials are very appreciated. ~Thank You 🙂 We appreciate your interaction and connectivity! ♥ AUGUST 2013 Hip The Hoopla ♥ ♥http://hipthehoopla.com/classes/♥ *AUGUST 20th, Tues. 6:30pm Special Guest Teacher Felicia Tatum Heyn. About Felicia: Felicia has been happily hooping for about 3 1/2 years and sees absolutely no sign of ever stopping! As a successful holistic bodywork therapist of 12 years she has enjoyed a variety of other fun physical explorations including body building, belly dance and pole dance. “I’ve always felt the need for deep healing through movement, and knew somehow dance was the answer. Hoop dancing, so intricately and gently integrates the body, mind and soul to express it’s energies in loving and creative ways!” She currently enjoys learning to perform and teach hooping with mentor Che Rippinger at Hip the Hoopla. ***♥ PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE! ♥*** Saturday, August 24, 5-9pm with Blue Soul at Boulder Beer Company Recent performances at: |
Free Fire Wear & Clothing Class
Fire Wear / Clothing:
Fashions for Creativity and Safety
Please join Hip The Hoopla leading a *Free* skill share class…
Denver Costume Collective invites you!
At The Fusion Factory, Denver, CO, 7:30pm, Thursday, 7/18/13
http://www.facebook.com/events/159139050939557
More info contact Che@HipTheHoopla.com 303-980-6295
or on Facebook www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla
www.HipTheHoopla.com
World Hoop Day WHD 2013 is October 5
World Hoop Day (WHD):
What, When And
… It’s up to all of us for Where!
World Hoop Day will be held on October 5, 2013. This year marks the 4th annual WHD Dance and the 7th celebration of World Hoop Day.
World Hoop Day is an annual, global charity event that aims to give hoops to children worldwide. The WHD Dance project allows hoopers around the planet to learn and perform a choreographed hoop dance that is later compiled into one dance video as part of the World Hoop Day celebrations.
More info can be found on www.WorldHoopDay.org and www.spinmatsuri.com/whddance/
For more information on hooping, hoops, lessons and hoop dance, please contact
www.HipTheHoopla.com and please “like” us on Facebook. Hip The Hoopla is humorous hoop dance fitness that includes classes, private sessions, custom made (hula) hoops and performances for events. Che@HipTheHoopla.com 303-980-6295.
JULY Hip The Hoopla Summer Classes/Hoops/SUPER Specials/Performances
JULY 2013 Hip The Hoopla Classes:
7/2, 6*, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, & 30
**Classes Tues. 6:30pm & Sat. 10am.**
(Saturday 7/6 class is 9:45am-10:45am)
♥SUPER Summer JULY Special: Hoop ALL OF JULY for just $60! (That’s less than $7 a class!!! Save up to $75!!!)
♥”BRING A New FRIEND and they can try class for $10″ (RSVP encouraged!)♥
♥ **HOOP LOVE UNLIMITED SUMMER SALE!** 30 days for YOU for only $60-UNLIMITED ($135 value-save $75! Good for 30 days from purchase date)
♥$60 for a 2 HOUR Private Hoop Session! (Please add $10 for Studio rental or travel fees–Save $20+)
+CELEBRATE SUMMER!! Custom Hoops, Classes, Private lessons, Coaching, Performing, Merch, Gift Certificates, etc.
+Personal coaching sessions available (phone or in person!)
…RSVP your classes AND order your custom hoops now 303-980-6295, Che@HipTheHoopla.com or on Facebook! ♥
♥ More Hip The Hoopla info at www.HipTheHoopla.com ♥ and www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla (please “like” 🙂