As a self-proclaimed lover of the activity known as “hula hooping” (by the public) and “hooping” (by the hooperati), I am delighted to let you know that this Saturday, October 9th, in support of World Hoop Day, the region will abound with many hula hooping activities. Most events will be held at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mt. Ranier, Md., which is located right near the border of D.C. and Maryland.
The activities start with two workshops: the first is a Kids-N-Play Workshop from 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.; this workshop is aimed at teaching adults to work with kids and hoops. The second is a workshop with Ann Humphreys of The Hoop Path. Now, I’m sure you’ve heard of dance or music styles that develop in a particular region of the country. Well, oddly and truthfully, there are “hoop styles” emerging in parts of the U.S., and to experience — and learn — the style known as “the hoop path,” you’ll need to come to the workshop on Saturday. Personally, I find the style exquisite, fluid and meditative. And I plan on taking advantage of having a Hoop Path teacher in the area.
Later in the afternoon, down the street from Joe’s Movement Emporium, at the farmers’ market parking lot on Route 1, an open hoop jam will be going on from 4-5:30 p.m. Bring your hoop if you have one, though I’m betting there will be plenty of extra hoops you can use. This is definitely a kid- and family-friendly event. If you do come to the hoop jam, make sure to stay for the Hoop Dance Flash Mob performance at 5 p.m.
Now, I’m betting that you’ve been to a fund-raising event or two (or three or four, or four dozen!) where a silent auction was part of the event. Right? So, it may seem ho-hum to announce that a silent auction will be part of this event, too. But when have you ever seen an LED hoop at a silent auction? Or a firehoop? Really, I plan on hanging out close to the silent auction table and getting my bids in.
To close the evening and the World Hoop Day celebration, come to Joe’s for the premiere showing of The Hooping Life. The movie starts at 7 p.m. with a Q&A afterward. But don’t leave so quickly. After the movie will be a variety show performance by the DC Hoop Collective and then some dancing and hula hoop fun with a DJ on hand providing the music.
Hoop on!
