Dance Workshop Weekend

FYI Hoop Dance Workshop:
*Just Add Dance Props*
Mini Hoop Magic with Big ImpactHip The Hoopla part of the Dance Workshop Weekend at Red Elephant Workshop in Denver

When: Sat. Jan. 18, 2014, 9-11 am.
Part of the big “Support Your Local Dancers” Weekend 
Please Purchase Your Tickets here…
https://workshopsamplerweekend.eventbrite.com/

Workshop Sampler Weekend – New Ideas for Your Toolbox
6 Workshops-2 Days: January 18th & 19th, 2014

Red Elephant Workshop, 244 Sante Fe Drive, Denver
Mini Hoop Workshop Description: How can “spinning” things in small spaces expand your range of motion, dance combo variety, and body/mind neural connections? Mini hoops can cross enhance your dance practice greatly and have applications and similarities with fans, poi, cane, candles and other props. We’ll be focusing on “off-body” work and layering with dance. Planes, levels, directions, angles, shapes, patterns, terminology,  and other brain-popping cool nuggets will be covered. All abilities are welcome-humor and a positive attitude are highly encouraged!

Hip The Hoopla’s special “Convertible/Collapsible” hoops will be available for on-site sale (Twin mini hoops that can also connect to create a full size hoop–all easily collapsible for variety, travel and value.) You can pre-order your own custom hoop with your choice of colors, tapes & tubing at least 2 weeks in advance of class. Practice hoops will be available to use, or bring your own. Also bring water, note-taking apparatus & your smile!

About the Instructor: Che’ Rippinger runs Hip The Hoopla, teaching humorous hoop dance & fitness with Laughter Yoga, dance-adapted yoga and belly dance to increase health and happiness. Group classes, private sessions, performing and custom hoops are all available by connecting via www.HipTheHoopla.com,    www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla,  303-980-6295 and Che@HipTheHoopla.com. Che’ has motivated and taught a variety of people from all walks of life for over 20 years in dance, martial arts and cartooning. She specializes in motivating adults to cut loose, play, de-stress, learn and grow, in a safe energetic space, all while trying something contagiously fun and addicting.

This is part of a weekend lineup of outstanding of dance workshops and a hafla performance at Red Elephant Workshop.


More info on the WHOLE event…
https://www.facebook.com/events/181223728749355/
Purchase Tickets here…
https://workshopsamplerweekend.eventbrite.com/

****Mark your calendars and come on out!***
Hip The Hoopla participating in the Workshop Sampler Dance Class weekend

Workshop Sampler Weekend – New Ideas for Your Toolbox

6 Workshops- 2 Days: January 18th & 19th, 2014

Jan 18th and 19th, 2014
Red Elephant Workshop at 244 Santa Fe in Denver

**Also note that we have a show Saturday night at the Dnote**
https://www.facebook.com/events/659193344131716/

Saturday – January 18th:
9:00am-11:00am – Che with Mini Hoop Magic with Big Impact
11:30am – 1:30pm – Molly McClellan with Fusion Feet and Finger Cymbals!
1:45pm – 3:45pm – Mahisha with Rhythm Raks – The Beat is in the Heart (Drum Solo)

Sunday – January 19th:
10:00am – 12:00pm = Barb Van Hoy with Ragtime Tribal Fusion Combos
12:30pm – 2:30pm – Phoenix with Bring on the Layers!
2:45pm – 4:45pm – Julia Diverdi with Showgirl Academy

Workshop Descriptions:
SATURDAY
9:00am – 11:00am = Che with Mini Hoop Magic with Big Impact
How can “spinning” things in small spaces expand your range of motion, dance combo variety, and body/mind neural connections? Mini hoops can greatly enhance your dance flow practice with similarities to fans, poi, cane, candles and other dance props. We’ll focus on “off-body” hooping and layer with dance. Planes, levels, directions, angles, shapes, patterns, terminology, will be covered. All abilities welcome-bring hoops, humor and positive attitude!
Practice hoops available at workshop or order in advance through Ché.
This workshop is limited to 15 people due to space and hoops.
Che:
Ché Rippinger runs Hip The Hoopla, humorous hoop dance & fitness with Laughter Yoga, dance-adapted yoga and belly dance providing group classes, private sessions, performing and custom hoops. Che’ has motivated and taught people from all walks of life for 20+ years in dance, hooping, martial arts and cartooning. She encourages adults to increase their health and happiness through hooping and dance to de-stress, learn, and grow with contagious positivity.
www.HipTheHoopla.com

11:30am – 1:30pm = McClellan with Fusion Feet and Finger Cymbals!
In this workshop we will be exploring new and fun zill patterns to
liven up your dancing, no matter what the style. Focusing on new patterns we will combine our zilling with some fun tribal fusion combinations (complete with footwork!) that you can incorporate into your own dancing. This workshop is best for people who have some previous finger cymbal (zilling) experience. Please bring your finger cymbals (we will have a couple of loaners), a notebook for notes (if desired), and a water bottle.
Molly:
Molly McClellan is a Tribal Fusion and Tribal Improv teacher and
dancer that been in the Colorado area performing solo, with
TribalTique, and now with the Vespertina Dance Project for over 9 years. She is a sought-after instructor who has taught sold out
workshops locally and at national events such as Tribal Fest, and is a Registered Yoga Teacher and is certified in Certified Rachel Brice’s 8 ElementsTM Phase 1: Initiation and Phase 2: Cultivation.
www.MollyMcClellan.net

1:45pm – 3:45pm = Mahisha with Rhythm Raks – The Beat is in the Heart
Explore the lively rhythms of the classic style of bellydance and learn a short drum solo with Mahisha. Her foundations in this dance and her style of teaching of over 40 yrs., enhances that ‘Rhythm Raks’ in everyone and” that we are ‘it’ when we let the music dance us.” Bring hip scarves of course.
Mahisha:
Mahisha has been teaching for 38 + yrs. and has been performing for over 50 yrs. Her creative style is based in Classical Egyptian. Over the years she has become widely known for multi-veil, double veil, Cabaret style, energetic drum solos, tribal fusion and concept pieces such as the series Messages From The Grandmothers. She has also studied ballet, jazz, salsa and African dance. Dance is in her Soul.
www.facebook.com/mahisha.doss

SUNDAY
10:00am – 12:00pm = Barb Van Hoy with Ragtime Tribal Fusion Combos
The Ragtime Tribal Fusion Combos complete with Crazy Layers, Fast Turns and ATS Posture.
Participants will learn & practice some foundations of fast, fun and challenging Tribal Fusion belly dance movements (very Mardi Love-inspired!), and put them together into dynamic combinations. Beginners to experienced dancers will get some goodies to advance their dance and have fun. Barb teaches with humor and kindness.
Barb Van Hoy:
Barb Van Hoy began teaching belly dance in Colorado Springs in 2001 and teaches Classic, American Tribal Style®, and Tribal Fusion styles through her company Springs Oasis Belly Dance. She produces community belly dance shows in Colorado Springs and dances with Mizmar Madness. She currently teaches at UCCS and the Movement Arts Community Studio in Colorado Springs.
www.SpringsOasisBellyDance.com

12:30pm – 2:30pm = Phoenix with Bring on the Layers!
Have a little fun with layering! In this workshop, we will work with ideas to layer your basic and advanced moves for a more dimension. Movements will include: sharp, shimmy, smooth, upper and lower body along with traveling. Phoenix will have a couple of fun building combinations to utilize with your layers! This workshop is geared for those with bellydance experience but beginners can enjoy working on the single layered movements and combinations. Bring a water bottle, notebook and you ready to layer it up!
Phoenix:
Phoenix of Denver is a Colorado instructor, performer and event sponsor. Phoenix has been bellydancing since 1997 and began teaching in 2002. Along with local classes and workshops, Phoenix has been sponsored at the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive, Hawaii Bellydance Convention, Boise-Idaho, Wilmington-North Carolina and currently working on her 2014 dates. Phoenix is most known for her fluid and creative performances which are most often improv but always from the heart. For more info:
www.phoenix-dancing.com

2:45pm – 4:45pm = Julia Diverdi with Showgirl Academy
What better way to add polish to your belly dance style than with the poise, posture, and exquisite strut of a Vegas showgirl? This workshop will feature graceful arms, snappy turns, sky-high kicks and plenty of classic walks and struts to show off those gams! We’ll put everything together in a fun and easy showgirl-style routine with plenty of sassy belly dance flavor. Perfect for all levels and styles of dancers, feathers, and heels optional!
Julia DiVerdi
Without a doubt one of the region’s premier belly dance entrepreneurs, Julia DiVerdi has developed a dance style and stage persona distinctly her own. Currently directing Northern Colorado’s newest dance project, Sumatra Belly Dance, Julia also directs The Cupcake Cabaret Burlesque Review as well as performing as a solo belly dance and striptease artist. She has taught workshops and performed across the nation at some of the leading festivals
including multiple appearances at Tribal Fest in California and the Colorado Burlesque Festival right here in the Rockies! Seamlessly blending together a vast array of influences, Julia maintains a commitment to artful creativity and elegant sensuality in all of her endeavors.
www.juliadiverdi.com

How to register?
Early bird (by Jan 4th) $25 each, $65 for one day, $120 full weekend
After Jan 4th $35 each, $90 for one day, $160 full weekend
Pay via Event Brite (fees do apply) or mail a check
To mail a check payment – contact Phoenix at phoenix_dancing@hotmail.com for address
Space is very limited and we sold all workshops out last year!

Note that we only have 15 full weekend and Saturday passes available so do not wait to purchase!

https://workshopsamplerweekend.eventbrite.com/


Humorous Video from 1944

Humorous inspiration for Hip The Hoopla class 10am Saturday at Red Elephant Workshop! In-Joy!

Hip The Hoopla recommends a vintage dance video from 1944
Video Link: http://www.superstarmagazine.com/ross-sisters-crazy-breakdance-from-1944-will-leave-you-speechless/#_

***Specials Deals***

♥ Regular students: bring 1 new person and your class is FREE!
♥ New students: Use the “YELP Check In Deal” (phone app) for your $10 intro class (save $5–1/3 off!)

Please RSVP your spot via phone, text, e-mail or personal message.

www.Facebook.com/HipTheHoopla
Che@HipTheHoopla.com
303-919-9280 cell
www.HipTheHoopla.com

♥ Thanks! ♥

January Schedule, Events & Specials

Hip The Hoopla humorous hoop dance fitness classes, performances & custom made hula hoopsHappy New Year & New You!

JANUARY 2014 Hip The Hoopla Classes:
1/4, 7, 11, 14, 21, 25, 28
**NOTE 1/18 is the Mini Hoop Workshop 9-11am**

♥ More Hip The Hoopla info at www.HipTheHoopla.com ♥ and www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla (please “like” 🙂
♥ ***January LOYALTY Deal for my Hip The Hoopla class regulars: Bring in a new friend and your class is FREE!!! Please connect with me directly.***
Come laugh with us Saturday 10am at Red Elephant Workshop-2nd & Sante Fe, Denver. “Toolbox for Laughter (and hooping)” is the theme. RSVP your spot at www.HipTheHoopla.com.
$5 off a custom hoop, and $10 off a ready made hoop.
Private Sessions -Book 3…get 1 FREE!– Get a jump start on your progress. Bring your hoop skills to the next level-Fast-with Hip The Hoopla Personalized Attention!
Mini Hoop- Dance prop workshop (9-11am on 1/18/14) as part of the” Workshop Sampler Weekend – New Ideas for Your Toolbox”-register NOW on Eventbrite before it’s sold out! https://workshopsamplerweekend.eventbrite.com/ (***NO regular 10am class 1/18/14)
♥ New Year/New You Class Packs:
$60/5 class card (=$12/class, Save $15!) (good for 3 months from purchase)
$100/10 class card (=$10/class!, Save $50!!) (good for 6 months from purchase)

♥ RSVP your classes online at www.HipTheHoopla.com
Contact us for your own hand-crafted custom hoop, too! ♥

~~~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 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

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!♥ ♥ ♥

♥http://hipthehoopla.com/classes/♥

***♥ Upcoming PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE! ♥***

2014 Winter Gala Show and Hafla at the D-Note in Arvada, Saturday, January 18, 2014
http://www.facebook.com/events/659193344131716/

**Join Hip The Hoopla for a Mini Hoop Dance Prop Workshop (9-11am on 1/18/14) as part of the “Workshop Sampler Weekend – New Ideas for Your Toolbox” at Red Elephant Workshop on January 18th. Buy now at , class spaces will sell out!
https://www.facebook.com/events/181223728749355/ **

Recent performances at:
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.

♥ 2014 Personal Hooping Inspiration Challenge Is ON!!♥
How has hooping inspiring you to be better?? It could be laughter, weight, happiness, personal development, health improvement…what ever YOUR personal WIN is. Tell us in one quick paragraph…send it in now for your chance to be featured, celebrated and help INSPIRE OTHERS. Participants will win a special Hip The Hoopla gift or discount for classes or hoops!

December Classes/Performances/Hoops & Holiday Deals

Happy Holidays from Hip The Hoopla!

Happy Holidays Everyone!
DECEMBER 2013 Hip The Hoopla Classes: 12/3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21 & 28

**NO class 24th or 31st**

♥ December Special: Free Gift with any class pack, gift card or hoop purchase!
♥ Mini Hoop- Dance prop workshop (9-11am on 1/18/14) as part of the” Workshop Sampler Weekend – New Ideas for Your Toolbox“-register NOW on Eventbrite before it’s sold out! https://workshopsamplerweekend.eventbrite.com/ (no 10am class 1/18/14)
♥ Mini Personal Coaching Special: *10 Minute 1 on 1 Coaching Session~only $15 (phone or in person)
♥ Holiday Class Packs:
$60/5 class card (=$12/class, Save $15!) (good for 3 months from purchase)
$100/10 class card (=$10/class!, Save $50!!) (good for 6 months from purchase)
♥ Private Lessons/Sessions Available — De-stress your holidays!
Bring your hoop skills to the next level-Fast-with Hip The Hoopla Personalized Attention!

+CELEBRATE!! Custom Hoops, Classes, Private lessons, Coaching, Performing, Accessories, Gift Certificates, etc.

♥ RSVP your classes online at www.HipTheHoopla.com
Contact us for your own hand-crafted custom hoop, too! ♥

+Hip The Hoopla GIFT CERTIFICATES Available for classes, class packs, custom made hoops, private lessons, Hip The Hoopla Hoop-O-Grams, and more!
♥ More Hip The Hoopla info at www.HipTheHoopla.com ♥ and www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla (please “like” 🙂
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

~~~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 🙂

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
***♥ Upcoming PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE! ♥***
Colorado Fire Tribe at Denver Parade of Lights-Saturday, Dec. 7th at 6pm in Downtown Denver

2014 Winter Gala Show and Hafla at the D-Note in Arvada, Saturday, January 18, 2014
http://www.facebook.com/events/659193344131716/

Also join Hip The Hoopla for a Mini Hoop Dance prop workshop (9-11am on 1/18/14) as part of the” Workshop Sampler Weekend – New Ideas for Your Toolbox” at Red Elephant Workshop on January 18th. Buy now at , class spaces will sell out!
https://www.facebook.com/events/181223728749355/

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!
♥ ♥ ♥
2013 has been such a great year to Get Your Hoop On!!!

http://hipthehoopla.com/classes/♥

7 Choreography Tips + 3 No-Nos and 6 Do-Dos

Che of Hip The Hoopla recommends tips on hoop and dance Choreography by Che’ Rippinger

Ever notice that not all performances can be a “Wing-It” type situation-especially non-solos? Sometimes you need to plan a performance with choreography. Here’s 7 cool tips and tricks to make that magic happen…plus 3 No-Nos and 6 Do-Dos.

1. Use what you’ve done
Perhaps you’ve (yes you should!) videotaped yourself and found some cool movement sequences from your dance and hoop flow. Watch, notate and capture those bits and pieces and add them in when creating a choreographed piece.

2. Utilize space
Usually the space you are performing on is more than the spot that you are standing on. Move around forward, back and side to side. And don’t get in a rectangular rut. Just because your stage may be shaped that way doesn’t mean you can’t come up with other geometric movements across it. Yes, math is involved in choreography…if nothing else, than for counting.

3. Change Levels
Operating on one level can become stagnate, no matter how many cool tricks you know. Vary it up. Go up on your toes, plié (knee bend) down, try movements to and from your knees (and protect your joints accordingly, too!). Don’t forget about the space above you-you can use it! And floor work can add a new dimension, too.  Do scope out your venue for this, first though. If everyone is sitting at the same level, only your front few rows will see what the heck you are doing down low. A friend of mine jumped off the short sage and was dancing on the audience level. She was eager to know how she did. I know she shimmied and danced very well below shoulder level, but all I could see was her cute mini-top hat!

4. Repeat Sections with Variations
Although repeating a choreography set over and over is not only boring, but downright lazy…there is a way to get away with this. Vary the sections with new elements. Change directions of the movement (side to side goes front to back, or right goes to left). Reverse the movement. If you did it going forward, try going backwards. Also if you think of the variety of planes, you can move things ALL over the place!

5. Transitions
You can have all the coolest moves, but if your hoop dance is trick to trick to trick (or dance movement to movement), even cool stuff isn’t interesting to watch. There’s an old saying: it’s the silence between the notes that makes the music…same is true of dance. Transitions can make the change from one movement to another surprising, flowing, humorous, or really build up the anticipation for your next “wow” move!

6. Strength in Numbers
It’s not always about the solo. With more people comes more possibilities of things to do. Patterns are really fun here. Everyone can go with the grain, opposite of one another, follow each other in a sequence.

7. Get Inspiration Without Copying
There are thousands of YouTube videos, movies and sources of motivational sparks for material and inspiration. Just make sure that you put your own spin on things with your unique style. There’s a fine line between “homage” and “plagerism.” Honor that without crossing it.

The No-Nos:

Don’t mouth the words or the counts! It looks amateurish and like you don’t know what you are doing. Even if you don’t think you know what you are doing, act like you do!

Don’t get the deer in the headlights look if you mess up! Smiling is one of the best defenses here. People know that this is live, and if they are expecting perfection, invite them up to join you. Seriously, brush off the hecklers. You are usually your own worst critic, and should really be your own best cheerleader instead.

Don’t try out your costume onstage without a practice run! There are mounds of horror stories on this–and some are quite dangerous.

The Do-Dos:
1. ) Practice.
2.) Write things down (so you remember it).
3.) Video your work.
4.) Plan and Prep.
5.) Get a second opinion (a practice audience).
6.)  And then practice some more.

Ché Rippinger runs Hip The Hoopla, teaching hoop dance with Laughter Yoga, dance-adapted yoga and belly dance. She’s taught, trained, and choreographed in a variety of dance styles for well over 20 years. She teaches group classes, private instruction, consults, performs and also creates custom professional hoops. She is available for consultation on choreography and review with positive feedback to help put forth your best effort. Please visit www.HipTheHoopla.com to register for class and get further info on all Hip The Hoopla has to offer! Great “Hoopspiration,” videos and information is also available at www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla (please “like”), and via e-mail Che@HipTheHoopla.com and phone 303-980-6295.

Support Local-Denver Urban Homesteading Farmers Market

 Hip The Hoopla  recommends Denver Urban Farmers Market 2nd & Sante Fe in Denver, CO 80223

Show Your Local Support

Enjoy some delicious natural, organic, local and seasonal foods, snacks & More!

Before and after Hip The Hoopla classes, please support our fellow neighbors…a changing collective of various organic, ethically raised and produced goodies at Denver Urban Homesteading Farmers Market(2nd & Sante Fe in the historic Art District on Santa Fe).
Visit them online at: http://www.denverurbanhomesteading.com/

Hip The Hoopla offers positive and encouraging adult hoop dance classes right next door (with free on street parking at 244 Sante Fe Drive, 80223) on Tuesdays 6:30pm & Saturdays 10am. Private sessions and coaching, plus custom professional dance & practice (hula) hoops, are also available.

Please RSVP at www.HipTheHoopla.com or download the App to purchase and RSVP easily from your phone! Questions & info 303-980-6295  Che@HipTheHoopla.com and please “like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla

Hip The Hoopla: Hoopspiration, Election, & App News

Hip The Hoopla News & Notes:

1. Hoopspiration: Tyler Alexander‘s example of “Dance-Flow-Lines” Tues. 11/5 6:30pm Hip The Hoopla class theme. http://youtu.be/KvA6sw0Gbkw

2. Happy Hoop Pic Election Day, lol (please vote for mine-click on picture link below ♥)Che Rippinger of Hip The Hoopla - Twin Mini hooping for Denver Broncos Football seasonOr visit asap: http://www.homeofpoi.com/competition/view_all_entries.php/34_1674

3. Woohoop! So happy the MindBody App for droids is up & running!! Now even easier to register, pay, order, gift, etc–on your phone–Hip The Hoopla awesomeness,if you so choose 🙂 https://www.mindbodyonline.com/apps/connect

More info on Hip The Hoopla www.HipTheHoopla.com
Please “Like” On Facebook: www.facebook.com/HipTheHoopla

Che@HipTheHoopla.com 303-980-6295

So You Want To Perform-Tips To Know

Hip The Hoopla professional hoop & belly dance performances, classes, and custom crafted hula hoopsPerforming-“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

Hip The Hoopla-Finding my happy place and space inside a hula hoop.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

Hip The Hoopla humorous hoop dance wishes you a happy autumn & fall season!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