I received a call for a young “very advanced” hooper who might want some instruction, “if” it fit her high level of talent. I found myself vulnerably defending my skill level as advanced enough to teach this person–who, from the description, might possibly know everything from YouTube. (Link for my video proof-trying a completely new combination of sword and hoop dance below.)

If we have YouTube, then WHY would we want to pay to train with Live people, on an on-going basis??

1.) The top teachers, instructors, dance companies and various experts who just I have studied dance (30++ years) and many other fields with, have literally, thousands of years of training and experience–combined. And surprisingly, some of of them are not even on YouTube. (What?!)

2.) Next, ALL of the tremendously talented dancers I know–ESPECIALLY my teachers, keep learning, taking workshops, master classes, training, studying (plus reading, watching, observing), etc. I see them there, so I know!

Masaaki Imai wrote about the Japanese way of “Kaizen,” or continuous improvement that is known worldwide in business. A lot of time, money and energy is funneled into whatever expertise we chose to focus on, as we continue to grow, develop and learn new styles, techniques, methodologies and earn certifications. I see belly dance extraordinaire Rachel Brice (and many other brilliant luminary talents out there) at the top of her game–training with others. She has something new to bring to the table every time we come to her workshops. Each time I study with someone, I also get different things out of it, as I am at a new point in my journey as well, on any given day. Take yoga and you will quickly and mindfully “get” this concept. Teachers have teachers. Coaches have coaches. Mentors have mentors.

We all learn from others. Along the way we develop our own styles and ways of doing things that are completely unique to us. You can see me personally in someone’s beginner class (of anything), and I will STILL get something out of it. I call it a “golden nugget,” a good bit of info that I can add to my repertoire of knowledge. It could be an innovative technique of teaching, a warm up stretch, or a way of explaining something so easily, or in a different way than I do, that totally clicks. There are many “Ah-Ha!” moments in all of our paths. And the really cool thing is they can come from completely unrelated fields, and connect with us, too!

3.) Another major point of continual training, is that we do NOT know everything there is to know. No one is a perfect dancer, or perfect anything for that matter. One reason is that “perfect” is a moving target. There can also be extreme variations on what constitutes perfection, depending on who you talk to.

When I trained in martial arts, around the 3 month mark I was feeling a little bit cocky about my skills. When I earned my first black belt, I learned, as any humbled black belt achiever does, we are on the mere precipice of the enormous learning cliff out there! Centuries, cultures, styles–it would be impossible for one human to take the vastness of it all in. Every teacher doesn’t know everything, nor does every student. Hence why we share knowledge, and very often, learn from each other.

Also, even with any expert in whatever field, as the football saying goes, “On any given Sunday…” Meaning that anything can happen, even when you think you know exactly how it will go. Hoopers drop the hoop. Dancers stumble. Pro football athletes mess up their plays. Martial artists can be defeated. Business people can botch a presentation. Donald Trump can go bankrupt, more than once, and still be extremely successful, respected, and very very rich.

4.) Why train with others, instead of in our own little “Box ‘o Comfort?” Learning is Multidimensional. YouTube is a great resource and entertaining rabbit hole of (mostly free) information. It is also an internet “taste” of what many offer professionally. And though there are a multitude of dynamic educational tutorial videos available at your fingertips, is not a real face to face person, with personal two-way dialog communication and feedback, pin-pointing everything you personally want. Plus people absorb and pick up on things can be in so many ways: kinesthetic, auditory, visual, experiential, etc. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” learning, especially when trying to grasp different skills. Each of us can even bounce between styles, depending on the circumstances.

I personally took one hoop class and got hooked. For a year, I practiced on my own and watched some dvds and videos. Then, I went to a workshop with Jonathan Baxter of Hoop Path–and met other real people in the community! That’s when I got serious on my hoop journey. And as with other interests I’ve pursued, I became a sponge for great stuff from every possible source I could afford with time and money.

To be clear: That doesn’t mean that everything I am is from something else. But I combine bits and pieces of my extensive path and experience, molding them into and with my own very unique approach and style. Because I offer what I do, people come to me to help them reach their goals. I listen and do my best to tailor what they want and need, with what I have and bring.  This leads to one of the last reasons to work and train with others…

5.) By supporting others, we all help that field (whatever it is!) grow and develop overall. Since we all have bills to pay (shocking, I know!), our professional lives provide our service/product for income, which helps us continue our expertise, with honor and dignity. I understand that when I register for a workshop or take a class, I help that person get to do what they do best. Without enough warm bodies in the room to complete a minimum to keep them afloat, things get cancelled. As a result, their lives, and ours, are at a loss.

…And on one last, very important bonus note: I take classes with other people, because I want to energetically create a flowing cycle where others in turn, come out and support my classes and professional path. I know I have helped many achieve new avenues of happiness, health and breakthroughs in learning. It’s not for the money that I continue with my Hip The Hoopla business (though I really like being in financial integrity to pay my bills and honor my commitments as best as possible).  The main reason I continue this passionate, and sometimes very challenging work, is because it makes my heart tremendously happy–knowing that I can help others laugh, learn and always…always try something new!

P.S. To that young lady, and everyone else…If I can’t personally help you, I’ll bet I know of, or can get you in touch with someone who can!
♥ Where ever you are on your path, I wish you love, light and educational goodness ♥

~Che’ Rippinger is the business owner, instructor, performer, hoop maker, motivational life & business coach, personal trainer, speaker and CHO (Chief Hooping Officer) of Hip The Hoopla in Denver, Colorado, USA. She is a trained hooper, dancer, belly dancer, fire spinner, 4th degree black belt martial artist (Jeet Kune Do), Laughter Yoga Leader, professionally published magazine cartoonist & national newspaper columnist, social media marketing consultant, jewelry & costume maker. And although she holds degrees, certifications, training, and various honors…there is always room to get personally and professionally better each day!
Book something now with Che’ of Hip The Hoopla. Best way: Call 303-980-6295/303-919-9280 cell, email Che@HipTheHoopla.com or visit www.HipTheHoopla.com
She’s also on many social media platforms: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+, Yelp, etc.
☻Do It! Connect–You could be very happy you did ♥

Link for my video proof-trying a completely new combination of sword and hoop dance on World Hoop Day 2014, as promised:
http://youtu.be/0uGHTNQq8X4