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- Oh Snap! Attitude Is Everything by Che Rippinger of Hip The Hoopla
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- Che’ Rippinger of Hip The Hoopla’s “Corkscrew Hoop Dance Combination” video is one of the top 25 tutorials of the year! It’s like winning an Academy Award in the worldwide hooping community!
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- Get a pro dance (hula) Hoop with Hip the Hoopla!
Attitude Is EVERYTHING! 3 Tips to Pop Your Best Prop: YOU!
Oh Snap — Attitude Is Everything! (by Che’ Rippinger of Hip The Hoopla)
Ever see a boring drag queen? Heck no, Honey! Know why? Because “Attitude Is EVERYTHING!”
There’s something really awesome about dancing with flow props: we get to hide behind the moving distraction of an object. It can be mesmerizing. But even the best attention-capturing pretty moves are rather limp noodles of lifeless effort, unless you put your personality and individual stamp on it. How you ask?
3 Quick and Easy Tips
to Boost Your Awesome Attitude,
Increase Your Stage Presence, & De-Stress:
1. When you mess up, make it look like you MEANT to do that! This is one of my favorite “tricks.” Own it. The good news: If you drop the prop, the people watching may just realize how challenging this stuff is, and how much practice it takes to make something look easy and effortless. Ha! If they only knew!
2. Smiles make everything brighter and lighter. Understandably not every piece of music or dance requires a plastered on fake smile, but it sure beats squishing up your visage into what I call my husband’s guitar solo, “Constipation Face.” And I am not immune to this foible–I find myself having to make a conscious effort to stop my own “Muppet Face” (strangely wrapping my lips over my teeth with a concentrated knit brow look like a Jim Henson puppet). Luckily, I weened myself off of “Michael Jordan Face” quite a while back (that’s the one with the tongue hanging out in utter focused “in-the-zone” movement).
3. Have some “mess-up” recovery moves practiced. If you know some pick up tricks when you drop your hoop, or something unplanned happens, it really helps with those awkward, “Oh-Crap-Now-What” moments.
***Bonus Tip #4*** “Fake it, til you make it.” I remember the fear of dropping my hoop during a performance. Well it happened…in front of all of my peers while under the big lights. In my mind it was a slow-motion catastrophe that seemed to last for an eternally long minute. When I looked back at the video, it was a mere split second of real time. And somehow, I kept spinning and swooped my hoop up and got right back into the dance. It didn’t feel very smooth like that from the stage, but I faked it, and apparently, it worked! (See Video below.)
In another scenario, I was in a big variety show and was just as surprised as the rest of the audience, when a professional belly dance friend’s top came undone on stage. Without missing a beat, she gracefully grabbed her goodies before all popped out, and whisked herself off stage. Before we knew it, she danced back on stage and finished beautifully–with her quickly-fixed top, back in tact. After the last beat, she did a playful self boob-grab, hit a double “thumbs-up” sign, winked and curtsied. Now that’s how you do attitude right!
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Che Rippinger of Hip The Hoopla at the Hooping Life Film Premiere
Keep up with Hip the Hoopla with news, #Hoopspiration and special offers. Sign up now for our special e-mails member list.
Also, please follow us on Facebook. We’re even on YouTube (with our own channel), Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Yelp, and Instagram. To contact us for group classes, private coaching, premium service packages, VIP days, events, performances or custom professional dance hoops, please call 303-980-6295, visit www.HipTheHoopla.com or e-mail Che@HipTheHoopla.com. (Please do not add us to call/e-mail lists without permission.)
Buy A Hoop Now In Denver
Want a retail location that’s open 6 days a week to go get a great professional* hula hoop?
Check out Things That Glow in Denver, Colorado. They have a variety of hoops including: practice, performance, minis & twins, collapsible for travel and LED light up hoops, too! Many are wrapped with tapes that reflect & refract light and some have tapes that glow in the dark or under black light. Most of the specialty wrapped hoops are one of a kind original patterns–which means you can have your own one-of-a-kind piece of customized art!
Two local companies supply these ever-changing hoops. Hip The Hoopla creates the decorative hoops and Colorado Hula Hoops makes the LED selections. Most of the LED hoops come “naked,” meaning “no tape.” If you are interested in having your LED hoop wrapped with some gaffer’s tape to make it more “grippy,” or want a gorgeous translucent tape wrap that will make your hoop shine night AND day…Hip The Hoopla can help you out.
Hip The Hoopla is well-known for custom hoops and a complimentary hoop consultation is included with all of their hoops, no matter where you buy one!
And if you want to learn how to hoop, learn new hoop dance methods and tricks, or prepare for an upcoming performance, Hip The Hoopla offers local group classes, private lessons, and online coaching. Please contact us now for more information. We’ll have you happily hooping quickly with glee, joy and childlike fun!
Hooping is not only great exercise and fabulous for your brain, Hoop Dance beats down stress and depression, and can be an excellent way to recover from injury and emotional down times. Come find out for yourself what all the Hoopla is about!
*Note: Professional hula hoops are made from better quality materials and far exceed the performance and ease of use much more than toy or “sport/weighted” hoops available at box retail stores.
Things That Glow
948 W 8th Ave, Denver, CO 80204
(303) 751-4569
Store Hours:
Monday 11:00 am — 6:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am — 6:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am — 6:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am — 6:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am — 8:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am — 8:00 pm
Sunday Closed
Keep up with Hip the Hoopla with news, #Hoopspiration and special offers. Sign up now for our e-mails.
Also, please follow us on Facebook. We’re even on YouTube (with our own channel), Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Yelp. To contact us for group classes, private coaching, premium service packages, VIP days, events, performances or custom professional dance hoops, please call 303-980-6295, visit www.HipTheHoopla.com or e-mail Che@HipTheHoopla.com. (Please do not add us to call/e-mail lists without permission.)
Circle The Drain…up, Up, UP!
Most people “circle the drain” with negative thoughts where one leads to another until you are in a downward spiral of funk. You can turn reverse it in the other direction. Many call it the law of attraction. Put your attention and focus on one positive thing, no matter how little, and then feel the joy. This will encourage the next positive thought, and so on, until you have stirred and magnetized with your focus, a better perspective and place of “action & happen.” Have fun being a vortex of good! “up, Up, UP!”
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We highly encourage and practice a variety of positive techniques, tricks and tips with Hip The Hoopla. Come join us in a variety of formats: group classes, private sessions, premium packages and working together virtually. We’d love to help you step up to the best you can be in each moment. Welcome to your opportunity you’ve been given to breathe and be great!
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Keep up with Hip the Hoopla with news, #Hoopspiration and special offers. Sign up now for our e-mails.
Also, please follow us on Facebook. We’re even on YouTube (with our own channel), Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Yelp. To contact us for group classes, private coaching, premium service packages, VIP days, events, performances or custom professional dance hoops, please call 303-980-6295, visit www.HipTheHoopla.com or e-mail Che@HipTheHoopla.com. (Please do not add us to call/e-mail lists without permission.)
Guest Instructor and Spin Summit This week
News You Can Use
Please join us for two special Hip The Hoopla classes this week Tues. 6:30pm & Sat. 10am) with Guest Instructor Extraordinaire Felicia Heyn. She’ll be doing Q&A, Injury Prevention, and Mastery Move Tweaks.
Pre-registration discount: www.HipTheHoopla.com or MindBody Connect app.
*ALL Levels Welcome*
And come visit us down at The Spin Summit April 30-May 3 (day passes, camping, weekend, shows, and an array of flow, fire & fabulous world wide instructors!) (Hip The Hoopla Laughter Yoga celebration on Sunday 5/3)
Keep up with Hip the Hoopla with news, #Hoopspiration and special offers. Sign up now for our e-mails.
Also, please follow us on Facebook. We’re even on YouTube (with our own channel), Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Yelp.
Three Keys to Tosses: Warning–Flying Objects!
Tossing is a magical thing. The excitement of throwing something up in the air and seeing if you can catch it. That split second of hang time, to be so in awe of time, space, and distance, is a thrill rush of anticipation. These are some easy tips that can help with your tosses–with hoops and other flow props, as well.
The 3 simple keys to help pretty-up your tosses are:
1. Start small. If you start with wild, crazy big throws, you may spend extra time running after your hoop (or other flow prop), than tossing and catching it. Start with little releases, then when you have the technique and hang of it, go bigger.
2. The big key is in the release. I like a little “down up” motion: a little press down before your “up and release.” I also find it helpful to think of this with a little exhale (down movement) and inhale (on your up throw), and your catch as the next exhalation.
3. Keep trying! The cool thing about it is sometimes you don’t catch your flying object. Time to tweak, and make those adjustments to try it again. Try variations, as well. Use your other arm. Toss in both directions, AND on both sides. And then expand on that even further! Who said your “sides” had to be left and right…they could be front to back, or other imaginative pathways.
Keep up with Hip the Hoopla with news, #Hoopspiration and special offers. Sign up now for our e-mails.
Also, please follow us on Facebook. We’re even on YouTube (with our own channel), Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Yelp.
Spring Hip The Hoopla Schedule, Workshop, News & Tutorial
Oooh Spring coming on!
Let’s getcha lucky in the hoop with friends & laughter, shall we?!!
And please enjoy some Fabulous Foot hooping tips and tricks in this short tutorial!
Hip The Hoopla Group Hooping classes this Spring!
March 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 & 31.
April 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 & 28.
May 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 & 30.
Classes are Tuesdays at 6:30pm and Saturdays at 10am
$15 Fast Check-In Preregistration
$18 Walk-In
New Monthly Package
www.HipTheHoopla.com
www.Facebook.com/HipTheHoopla
303-980-6295 for more info on classes, private coaching, performances and custom hand-crafted professional dance hula hoops.
Oooh the internationally renowned Hooping Idol is on! And one of the awesome judges is Miss Katie Sunshine smile emoticon Come see her in person & learn some really fun hoop dance skills Sunday 4/19, 2-4pm in Denver! Get your spot* before it sells out!
Click here for *Preregistration Discount*
Also at Red Elephant Workshop in Denver… Tuesday April 14th is “Spintastic” night at Hip The Hoopla.
Saturday April 18th is “Roll-A-Rama” morning at Hip The Hoopla 10am-Pre-reg discount: www.HipTheHoopla.com or MindBody Connect app ♥.
Hip The Hoopla Happy JANUARY-Classes, Coaching, Custom Hoops
♥ Welcome New Student Yelp Mobile App “Check In Deal”-save 20% on first class 🙂
♥ Private Coaching Sessions (in Lakewood)-1hour $50
Blast on your progress and goals. Bring your hoop and dance skills to your next best level-Fast-with Hip The Hoopla…Personalized Attention and Performance Preparation.
♥ **New Private Coaching Plan**–ask about your personal invite–amazing progress with your commitment. Limited client slots upon approval–custom tailored, personalized, in-depth dramatic results!
♥ Order your new personalized custom dance hoop(s)* now. Choose from a variety of options in sizes, tapes, tubing and some are collapsible for travel. We even offer some Colorado-made LED hoops, too!
*A complimentary hoop consultation is included with custom orders. You’ll acquire some invaluable advice gained from years of experience! Ready made hoops are also available at class times, by appointment during the week, and some weekend times, too!
+Custom Hoops, Classes, Private lessons, Coaching, Performing, Accessories, Gift Certificates, all available–just ask! 🙂
♥ Check online calendar for performances, classes and hoop jams! www.HipTheHoopla.com
♥ Please RSVP your classes online at www.HipTheHoopla.com or use the MindBody Connect mobile app to guarantee your class space. Drop-in’s welcome with space available.
Contact us for your own hand-crafted custom hoop, too! ♥
+Hip The Hoopla GIFT CERTIFICATES Available year round for classes, class packs, custom made hoops, private lessons, etc.
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~~~Hip the Hoopla Class LOCATION: *Red Elephant Workshop*
244 Sante Fe Drive, Denver CO 80223 (Between 2nd & 3rd on Sante Fe Drive– free on-street parking 🙂
Please allow a few extra minutes to park, sign in, and prepare to hoop
♥ Self Investment ♥:
Regularly Scheduled Classes-In Studio
☺$18 for Drop-In Attendees
☺ $15 for online pre-registration
☺ Class pass & unlimited session packages available-
+3 Class Sampler Pack $40 (save $13)
+5 Class Pack-$70 (One+ free class / $20 savings! Good for 3 months)
+10 Class Pack $120 (3+free classes / $60 savings! Good for 6 months)
+ 30 day Monthly Class Pack $75 (Save $33! Good for up to 6 classes 30 days from purchase)
+Diamond Membership Monthly Package-Unlimited local class attendance (OR one private hour online), one live online class a week, plus membership in our Private Facebook group of tutorials, lessons, hoop challenges, one choreography combo/month, one Live monthly Q & A, an interactive communication hoop tribe in our intimate safe space full of positive camaraderie, and Unique Hip The Hoopla motivation & “Hoopspiration”.” Please call for your initial discounted pricing for 3, 6 or 12 month exclusive package membership.
(Pricing effective 1/20/15, subject to change)
Please contact for group discounts and check monthly special offers on Facebook!CLICK HERE TO REGISTER/RSVP/PAY FOR CLASSES
∞ Schedule a Group, Party, Event…or Special Sessions, Semi & Private Lessons* & Out of studio classes or Online Classes
Why Book a Private Session?
Hip The Hoopla Private Lessons and coaching are great for focusing on individual needs, hoop skills, flexibility, choreography, performance preparation, critique, improvement, esteem building, motivation & reaching health goals. Price discounts are available with more people for special group sessions, workshops, meetings, events and team building.
1 person $60 per hour*
2-3 People $50.00/person, per hour*
4-10 People $40.00/person, per hour**Plus studio rental fee, if applicable. Travel and other expenses may apply. Please contact Hip The Hoopla for other location and pricing options.*
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 at www.HipTheHoopla.com.
Please Note: A 24-hour courtesy cancellation required for the limited space class spot. You will be charged if within 24 hours of class.
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
Also find us on Yelp! http://www.yelp.com/biz/hip-the-hoopla-denver
…and LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/hip-the-hoopla
…and YouTube http://www.youtube.com/HipTheHoopla
…and another YouTube channel with Hip The Hoopla http://www.youtube.com/ToucheToon
…and Pinterest http://pinterest.com/hipthehoopla/
…and Twitter http://twitter.com/hipthehoopla
Recommendations & testimonials are very appreciated. ~Thank You 🙂
We appreciate your interaction and connectivity!
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2015 is such a great year to Get Your Hoop On!!!
♥ http://hipthehoopla.com/classes/ ♥
***♥ Upcoming PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE & Jams! ♥***
Check online calendar for performances, classes and hoop jams! www.HipTheHoopla.com
Some past performances at:
South Park Music Festival
The D-Note 2014 Winter Hafla Show
Live LiveWell Colorado Fitness Performance Event
Mercury Cafe Denver
With Blue Soul at Boulder Beer Company
Boulder IPA Festival with blues band Blue Soul and The Goonies
One Gathering with rock band Trickshot
Bellies on Fire! Show at Casseleman’s
Boulder Creek Festival after the Boulder Boulder
Lanie’s Clock Tower Cabaret’s “Mythic Summer Circus” with Bella Diva Dance.
♥ Your Personal Hooping Story Invitation ♥
How has hooping inspiring you to be a better person?? It could be laughter, weight, happiness, personal development, health improvement…what ever YOUR personal WIN(s) is (are). Tell us in one easy to type up/ text paragraph.
Please send it in now for your chance to be featured, celebrated and help INSPIRE OTHERS.
♥ ***”Your Personal Hoop Story” Participants will receive a special Hip The Hoopla gift and a discount for classes or hoops! ♥
Hip The HooplaCracking the Whip: 3 Keys to Whippy Fast Moves!
How do you get that cool “whooshing” sound with a hoop?
I’d say “Fear Not,” but alas, cannot, as ‘Whipping The Hoop’ about the cabin can be…well, fun, funny, injury-inducing, and sometimes object-destructive. I really wanna emphasize the “fun” part though, especially because it is awe-inspiring to see when done well!
Here are 3 tips though to help ya out as you learn some Whippy Hoopy Thangs.* (And, as always, these ideas are kind of a metaphor for life!)
1. Make your life easier with the right tool for the right job…Use a lighter hoop. Yes, size matters boys and girls–especially for this stuff. It stands to reason that if your hoop is smaller AND lighter, that whipping it around quickly will be less taxing on your hands, arms, bendy body parts and nearby furniture. Recommended: Polypro or HDPE tubing. Not recommended: Toy hoops. Yes they will whip, but can be easily bent, kinked and warped much quicker than a professionally made hoop by a reputable hoop maker. (There are many qualified local hoop artisans you can support. Check your community. Hip The Hoopla covers the Colorado area and can ship, if you like).
2. Learn Good Technique–with a qualified teacher is best–in person, if possible. But you can also have an online coach (like Hip The Hoopla or many others world wide), or check out some video tutorials on YouTube. Get it slowwwwwwly. If you start just jamming on stuff right off the bat, you may need an injury lawyer–and no one wants to sue themselves.
3. You’ve got to PRACTICE! You knew that one was coming, right?! Whippy moves don’t come about by spontaneous combustion, or via fairy godmother. They take the time and energy of good ‘ole diligent practice. Technique is the main component. When you have that down, then confidence comes into play. Then there’s one more thing that you want to add to your practice…
One more little *Bonus Tip*:
****Facial Expression.**** Yep. Practice getting that scared, “oh crap” look off your face, and try smiling with confidence and ease. Yeah your brain chatter will be racing saying, “But that hoop is whipping near my face — I must close my eyes!” Don’t do that. Keep ’em open so you know which way to duck if you need to. Plus it’s way more enjoyable to watch someone with a pleasant expression…less cortisol for the viewer to stress about you. And, the fake it til you make it grin will bring more of your happy endorphins bubbling your confidence up, too!
P.S. Bonus, bonus tip: If you are new to the hoop whipping concept, start with grip moves before advancing to hand release moves for more control and less bonking of nearby valuables.
Hope these 3 tips and bonuses help increase your personal level of hoop dance. Happy Hooping!
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*Whippy Thangs can be described as very fast movements, sometimes moving so quickly that they make a whooshy sound. They can create a breeze from the hoop movement, and even more of a wind current from onlookers gasping, “Ahhhhh!” They can be moves like escalators, folds, flips, breaks, etc. Even schmears can be done at lightning speed in a whippy motion!
~Lovingly written, tongue-in-cheeky by CHO (Chief Hooping Officer) Che’ Rippinger, who’s been hooping since 2008, running Hip The Hoopla since 2011 – while teaching, performing and making pro custom hoops.
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Hey, in case you want to learn more in person, please come join us at…
“Whip It, Whip It Good: Wicked Fast Moves Made Fun & EASY!” Saturday’s 10am Hip The Hoopla theme. Jump on the Crazy Train with us: www.HipTheHoopla.com or MindBody Connect mobile app to RSVP (all levels welcome + drop-in’s too, if space available!)
Or if you prefer to work one on-one, or a private group, we can schedule an in-person or virtual meeting!
For more information, Please visit www.HipTheHoopla.com , www.Facebook.com/HipTheHoopla , or call 303-919-9280, or e-mail Che@HipTheHoopla.com and subscribe to our e-mail (no spamming–just juicy hoop goodness).
We are also on YouTube, Pinterest, Yelp, LinkedIn & Twitter #hipthehoopla.
How to Get Great Layering And Coordination
Want to get a smooth combination of dance flowing WITH your hoop moves?
Here’s what I recommend at my Hip The Hoopla classes: practice and “get” the thing you want, BEFORE you put the hoop on. Each element may be easy…but when you try putting it all TOGETHER, perhaps a different story. It’s the magical practice of layering (I learned from belly dance). Video* Link Example is below.
Here’s the thing: when you try it all together, one thing will come and one–or several–things may go. Focus on getting just one element in moment. Add another in the combo, then another, then one more (try feet, then hoop, then facial expression, etc.) It’s perfectly o.k. to take a hoop move you have on “auto-pilot,” and add your new thing (footwork, arm movements, turns).
The real secret was already given away: Practice. It’s amazing how quickly we can make something look effortless, with a lot of…EFFORT! Most pros put in many hours…drilling, bonking, dropping and laughing in frustration at themselves while learning new material and making it look easy. You’re not alone.
Watch anyone’s progress. You didn’t start out with a coordinated walk out of the womb. You had to get strength to keep your head wobble up, then roll over on your belly, crawl, get some hand-holding help, then try waddling walking on your own, run into a few table corners, fall down, cry and try it again…all before you could think of hitting the dance floor. And what makes you think hoop dance would be easier than that?! LOL. You got this. I know you can!
I’ve watched some pretty remarkable progress advance with these steps:
1.) Decide you want to do it.
2.) Break down the foundational steps and work on each individually.
3.) Put it together.
4.) Practice and DO it.
5.) Enjoy it when you GET it!
And here’s 4 bonus hints to make leaps in progress:
1.) You can also help your progression along with perfectly visualizing what you want to get.
2.) Video is helpful to see what’s going on (what you ARE doing and what you THINK you are doing, may be two different things).
3.) Writing things down, also helps. (I like adding stick figures and directional arrows with my notes–my personal hieroglyphics!).
4.) Get feedback from a real person. If you can get to a class or a private lesson–in person–great! If not, we can help virtually with an online session. We’re just a click away ♥
P.S. Sanity is over-rated. Enjoy the process. When you nail the thing that’s driving you nuts, you will be so overjoyed. Then you’ll forget all about that, and be on to the next self-challenge.
P.S.S. Hooping is a metaphor for life. You’ll find the things you learn “in the circle” apply to the rest of your issues–really. Funny, but true! ♥
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Connect with Us! Hip The Hoopla offers humorous hoop dancing classes, private lessons and coaching–both in person, and virtually–for whatever level you are starting at… or want to get to!
Check calendar for Hip The Hoopla class details. www.HipTheHoopla.com/classes
*If you are interested in getting hoops: ready made, custom, twins, multis, collapsible convertibles, polypro, HDPE, or PE (black tubing)…please connect with us for a complimentary hoop consultation (by phone or in person).
Contact us: online at www.HipTheHoopla.com, Che@HipTheHoopla.com, 303-980-6295 / 303-919-9280 cell Latest info, updates, tutorials, events and “Hoopspiration” posted regularly on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/HipTheHoopla
We’re also on Twitter #hipthehoopla, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Yelp and Google+
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*Here’s that Video (as promised above) from a practice session working on getting layering and belly dance into my hoop dancing. ~Che’ Rippinger
Link: http://youtu.be/Ur_LcQgxK1o