I am happy to see that more and more people are dropping the hula from hooping- and that many of those who are not are choosing to use the spelling ‘hoola’ instead of the more culturally appropriating ‘hula’ term. The two presumably white men from California who patented the ‘Hula Hoop’ in 1958 were said to be inspired to coin the term ‘hula hoop’ by the way that playing with the toy resembled the Hawaiian Hula Dance, and proceeded to make a great deal of money off their patent. While the use of ‘Hula’ with hooping may not offend everyone, I believe it is always a good practice to reflect on the etymology of words that we use to communicate, and to make adjustments as one sees fit. The Hula dance of the Hawaiian islands is not only a unique dance of said peoples, but also an expression of their rich history, religion, and human spirit.
Archive for August, 2007
Hula Dance & Hoola Hoop
Thursday, August 30th, 2007‘07 Virgin Fest Follow-Up
Wednesday, August 15th, 2007
The 2nd annual Virgin Festival which took place at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Track proved to be a thrilling and jam-packed, albeit swelteringly hot weekend for all. From The Police and the Wu-Tang Clan to Matisyahu and M.I.A., there was no shortage of stellar entertainment, and that includes HOOLA HOOPING! We got hundreds of concert-goers happily hooping both Saturday and Sunday at our Cowboy and Cowgirl-themed Hooping Corral. Here is a shot of my newfound friend Jacinda and I talking about the hooping revolution of late.
Hoop Doggy Dogg!
Friday, August 10th, 2007
Here’s a goofy shot from the 2007 Fluid Movement Water Ballet that took place just a few weeks ago in Baltimore City. I am hooping amongst my fellow canines, the Flying Basenjis! Check back in the next couple of weeks for info on my fall Baltimore hooping classes sponsored by the Fluid Movement Troop to be held at the Load of Fun Studios.
My First LED Hoop!
Tuesday, August 7th, 2007
Considering what a fan I am of all things that sparkle and glow, it surprises me a bit that it’s taken me this long to hop onto and into the LED (light-emitting diodes) hooping bandwagon. I am thrilled to have this hoop to add to my fancy stock~ A big thanks to sweetheart Jules for giving me such a spectacular birthday gift. Here’s a moment in time documented during my first brilliant spin. Pretty pretty, eh?! I will be debuting this blue-light-special down at the Palace on Saturday night for Vive La Decadence, so come out and marvel at its beauty!
Rings of Love
Friday, August 3rd, 2007
Here’s a delightful shot of my new lovebird friends Josh and Jess, embracing in a sweet moment with my gift of wedding hoola hoops in hand. For those of us already turned onto hooping, we know what a great present a hoop can be- but what’s an even BETTER gift, in my opinion, is TWO hoops~ so you can always have a buddy with whom to spin. The never-ending circle of the (hoop) ring is also, needless to say, a perfect symbol for folks who are committing their lives to one another. Congratulations to J & J for tying the knot, and hooray for hot hoop love!