Riot Hooping

Riot is opening a studio in Savannah!

Riot — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:36:56 +0000

That’s right! Savannah’s getting a new, unique studio that features hoop dance, yoga, poi, aerial yoga, aerial silks, and belly dancing. I’ll still be available for performance, but all classes, starting October 1, 2010, will be in the studio.

The studio, Dragonfly Studio Savannah, will be located at 143 Houston Street Suite 7 (corner of Olgethrope & Houston, across from Taca’s and Screamin’ Mimi’s) in Savannah’s Historic District. There will be a grand opening celebration with discount classes and performances by the expert instructors (including myself). Check out the website for more information on classes, instructors, and the schedule, see you there!

Featured on Etsy!

Riot — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:20:51 +0000

Popping in to say that my collapsible fire hoops are being featured on Etsy’s blog “Keep It Weird” series! I consider that a compliment! See the blog post here.

BURN!

Riot — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 02:49:19 +0000

I thought that you may enjoy some action shots of my collapsible fire hoops in action (check out the ink to your left to buy your own)…

Cirque de la Lune

Riot — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 01:56:46 +0000

You missed a good show at Black Oak Savannah’s Cirque de la Lune at the Wormhole. Stephen Gilliam caught some good shots of the crowd, bands, the acts, and a few choice shots of yours truly. Check out his photoset here. Thanks for the link, Stephen!

As for an update on the fire hoops, did I mention that they will be collapsible?! So they will be available for shipping. I’ll have pictures, info, and check out updated this weekend. Check back soon!

Prop Manipulators of Savannah

Riot — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:16:01 +0000

Local to Savannah, Georgia and a skilled prop manipulator? Check out the Prop Manipulators of Savannah for monthly gatherings of uniquely talented professionals!

Choosing Your Hoop

Riot — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:24:24 +0000

When spectators approach me, their first comment is usually about the large size and weight of my hoop. It’s not the “hula hoop” they remember playing with as a child; the plastic, feather weight hoops that hardly stood up their waist. Typically, after a short chat, people will walk away with a urge to hoop dance themselves, but they can’t see the reason for paying for modern hoops when $8 at Walmart or Toys R Us will get, what they think, is the same item.

The same people contact me a few days or weeks later wondering what they’re doing wrong. It’s not that they can’t hoop, everyone can do it, but having the wrong hoop is usually the problem. So what difference do these modern hoops make? The heavier weight and large diameter make hooping easier. The larger the hoop, the more slowly it revolves around your body, the less effort required to continue the revolutions. It’s as simple as that.

Starland Hoop Dance Workshop with Riot

So how do you know what size hoop you need? Everyone is different and that answer depends on a few variables. To select the right hoop for you, it should stand somewhere between your belly button and your shoulder. Remember, the taller it stands, the easier it will be to hoop dance. Beginners typically need hoops that come closer to their shoulders, about 40 to 42″ hoop.

Even as you progress and become a more advanced hooper, it doesn’t mean your large hoop is useless when you graduate to a smaller, say 36″, hoop. As you learn new tricks and skills, it good to practice them with the larger, slower hoop before kicking it into high gear with the faster, lighter hoop.

I hope that helps!

Good News!

Riot — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:09:52 +0000

See that new tab to the left riiight there? Click on “Buy Hoops!” to purchase your very own Riot Hoops for adults and children for those living in Savannah and the surrounding areas.

The Starland Hoop Dance Workshops were awesome! If you didn’t make it out this time, keep your eye out for future hoop gathering in Forsyth Park and on Tybee Island’s beaches. Join the Riot Hooping Facebook Group to get the latest updates. You don’t want to miss another hoop event with Riot!

Class Etiquette

Riot — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:35:45 +0000

If you’re planning on attending a hoop class with Riot, we ask that you follow a few guidelines to make your lessons relaxing and enjoyable.

Be on time! I recommend showing up about ten minutes early to sign in, clear your head space, and (if your purchasing one) choose a hoop. The doors will be locked fifteen minutes after the class has started.
Refrain from eating a large meal two hours before the class begins.
Wear comfortable, form fitting clothes. Natural fibers work best (like cotton or bamboo yoga pants/shorts/tops).
Be respectful of your classmates and their time. If you have difficulty with a movement, I will come spend a few moments troubleshooting with you before we move forward as a group. You can always approach me at the end of class for a few tips and pointers.
If you begin to feel frustrated, put the hoop down, have a drink of water, and cool down for a moment before getting back into the hoop.
You should always talk to your doctor before beginning any new, physical activity. Please inform me, before class, if you have any injuries or conditions that might affect your lesson.

Hoop Classes in Savannah’s Starland District

Riot — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:43:53 +0000

Join Riot on Saturday, June 12th for a day jam packed with hoop dance workshops! Hoop dance provides many physical and emotional benefits, making it a fun and stress reducing workout. Online, pre-registration for Level 1 and Level 2 classes (with hoop) receive a discount! Space in each class is limited, so sign up to secure your class schedule (pre-registration discount is applied in the PayPal check out, prices listed below are for June 12th walk-ins).

Level 1 Hoop Dance – $30 [with hoop], $15 [without hoop purchase]

8:00am 1:00pm 5:00pm

This hour and a half class will cover basic hoop dancing techniques, hoop recovery, waist and hip hooping, and some off-body tricks. Hoop dance provides many physical and emotional benefits, making it a fun and stress reducing workout.

Level 2 Hoop Dance – $30 [with hoop], $15 [without hoop purchase]

10:00am 3:00pm

Level 2 Hoop Dance is packed with great moves like chest and thigh hooping, additional off-body tricks, and fat burning angles in this hour and a half class. Completion of Level 1 Hoop Dance is not required, but you should be comfortable with waist and hip hooping as we will not be troubleshooting these basic moves.

Jam Session – 8:00pm until 10:00pm – $15 (No pre-registration is available and space is available on a first come, first serve basis)

Bring your hoop and learn a few more eye catching moves to take your hoop dance to a whole new level. We’ll isolate each trick before transitioning them into a fantastic routine! Afterwards, we’ll crank up the music and rock our hoops to top it off. *Level 1 and/or Level 2 Hoop Dance instruction is required before joining a Jam Session.

So where is it?

All classes will be held at 9 West 40th Street, just behind Back in the Day Bakery (one block off of Bull Street in the Starland District).
View Larger Map

Classes start promptly at their scheduled times! Wear a close fitting top and pants or shorts (natural fibers work best, like cotton yoga pants), something comfortable that gives you a full range of movements. Bottled water will be available for purchase. Cash, Visa, and Mastercards will be accepted, no checks.

Level 1 Tybee Beach Class (canceled)

Riot — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 22:11:21 +0000

* This class has been canceled, please check back soon for more scheduled classes. You can still look forward to and Level 2 class on May 15th.

We had such a great turn out for the April 10th Level 1 hoop class, so if you missed it, I’ve got you covered. There will be another Level 1 hoop class on Saturday, April 24th at 10:00 am. So, here is everything you need to know:

The class is $25 and includes the price of your hoop (to keep, it’s all yours)!

RAIN DATE: If inclement weather occurs one hour before the start of class, the class will be canceled and will take place on Sunday, April 25th at 10:00am instead.

DIRECTIONS: Take US 80 east to Tybee Island. Turn left at the first stop light (Campbell Avenue). At dead end, take a left onto Van Horne. Turn right on Meddin Drive. Go to the end, you will see the lighthouse and beach parking is to the right (you must pay for parking if you don’t have a sticker). Park by the nearest boardwalk (ie, southern most or otherwise known as the first boardwalk you come as you enter the parking area), we will be meeting on the beach just off of the boardwalk… I’ll be the chick with a lot of hula hoops.

Level 2? Once you’ve completed the Level 1 Hoop class, you may attend the Level 2 Hoop class. I have one scheduled for May 15th, 10:00am on Tybee, again. There will be sign ups available soon, so check back often!