I Want To Be... A Hoop Dance Teacher!

[ 30 November 2008 ]

Deanne came into my life almost two years ago, & has rocked it to the core with her love, support, insight & ideas! As well as owning Tokyomade — one of my very first advertisers! — she also introduced me to raw food, one of the things that I really believe has super-charged my life! Shortly after we “met” online, she got into hooping in a big way. Her passion for what she does is incredible, & when a reader suggested I interview her for my career series, I was flabbergasted that I hadn’t already thought of it myself!

So, without further ado… !

Tell us about what you do.
I am the visionary behind a transformational love revolution going on in Tokyo, involving lots of glitter, truckloads of laughter, massive amounts of hip action and pretty colored rings. I am a hoop dance performer and instructor in Tokyo, the founder of hooplovers.com.

How long ago did you start on this path?
Gala, I am not sure if you are aware of this but it was you and your infinite inspiration that reunited me with my inner dancer and brought hoops back into my life. Back in the days when you were orchestrating international dress up days, early 2007, a gorgeous gal called Rachel dressed up as her alter-ego Heidi von Hula. Clicking on her short video and watching what she could do with a hula hoop put me in a spin. I have not spent a day since without a hula hoop around some part of my body! Thank you Gala and Heidi von Hula!

How long were you doing it before you made it into your career or primary form of income?
About one year. In that time I took some hoop dance classes, hooped every day for up 4 hours a day, spent my spare time glued to hoop dance vids on youtube, dreamed big, visualized what life would be like as a hoop star, started planning and then headed to Sydney to meet up with my Hoop Dance mentor and sister in the spin, Bunny Hoop Star.

Did anything significant happen to get you to that point, or was it a series of small steps?
I think life is pretty much filled with happenings, big and small, that are overflowing with significance. There are a few major events in my hooping journey that come to mind. Firstly, my Mum visiting me in Tokyo and buying me my first pink, sparkling, dance hoop as a surprise. Realizing that hoop dance was a global revolution and that there were huge communities of hoopers and hoop entrepreneurs, many of whom were women was a big awakening. Going to Sydney to complete a Hoop Teacher training journey with Bunny Hoop Star and create a life changing connection. Seeing a positive, fun filled, lively community of hoopers grow in Tokyo. Opening up to the possibly that dreams really do come true, thoughts become things and I could become a Tokyo hoop star if that is what I desired. Believing in myself. Having talented, positive and passionate people around me.

Do you think official qualifications are important for someone entering your industry?
Behind all the glitter, color and spinning hoops there is an intense amount of work that goes into running my own business. I have a degree in Marketing that I guess helps with the business side of things. I have an Education degree, I was a primary school teacher for years before embarking on this spiraling journey, the knowledge and experience I gained from being in education most definitely helps me to create and execute hoop dance classes, workshops and other events. I know of a hula hoop star who has a degree in hooping from a Melbourne institute, I wish I had thought of that! I don’t think qualifications are essential but experience, passion, dedication, belief and training are!

Hoop Dance Teacher training is extremely valuable, learning from the mistresses and masters of the hoop is priceless. There are teacher training courses in Australia, the US, the UK and possibly other countries around the world.

What do you think is the best thing about working for yourself?
There are so many things that make having your own business a worthwhile choice, so many things I am grateful for. I can set my own schedule, be in charge of my life, know that the possibilities for promotion and advancement are limitless, my earning capacity has no cap on it, I can choose the people I surround myself with, connect with positive, like-minded peeps…I could go on and on…

What’s the worst thing?
Hhhmmm I am not sure, thinking about tax, insurance, account keeping, probably the financial side of things. There is no one to deposit a lump of money in my bank account each month, now it comes from many places and has to be shared around a lot more so that requires keeping track of.

Rate how happy you are with what you do out of 100 (100 being the best, 0 being devastatingly awful) on an average day.
I go to bed every night feeling giggly on the inside (not just from lack of sleep), I often find myself bursting into a huge smile when I think about the state of my life, I get to play dress ups with my friends at least once a week, I have met some of the most amazing people from all over the world, I have found the ultimate form of body changing exercise that doesn’t feel like I am exercising and I have over 50 hula hoops in my house… I would say between 95 and 100. When I am teaching a hoop dance class filled with big smiles, pumping tunes and spinning hoops it is definitely 100!

Although to be really honest, it is not all glam and glitz, there is a crazy number of hours spent in front of my mac formulating class plans, event ideas, confirming reservations, doing paperwork, getting gigs, finding space in Tokyo (ha ha what a joke! Everyone knows there is no such thing.), organizing schedules, training for shows, meeting for rehearsals, making hoops, planning costumes, creating new opportunities, updating websites and promoting hoop dance in Tokyo. When I am in the flow and feeling really creative while dealing with the business side of things I would say 85-100. When I am still up at 4am trying to get things done I would say 70.

Would you call yourself a workaholic, & if so, are you alright with that? Do you think that’s normal for your industry?
I am a Capricorn, I think being a workaholic is part of who I am, the goat always climbing the mountain. I am doing what I love so most of the time it feels like play, but if that is the case I play A LOT!! I was working as a full time primary school teacher when I started Hoop Lovers as well as running TokyoMade with my partner Masao. It came to a point where I had to make some big choices about how to balance my life, I felt like I was working 24 hours a day. The choice came very easily, I felt a strong pull towards being in charge of my own life, it felt really right and was a natural progression.

The fantastic thing about being a Hoop Dancer is that a lot of the work is creative, energizing and great exercise for my body and mind. So even though I feel like I ‘work’ about 18 – 20 hours a day now, shared between Hoop Lovers and TokyoMade, much of the work is fuelled by passion, fun and creativity. Dancing around with hoops is considered part of my work.

Other leading hoop dance teachers and performers work extremely hard, it is their life work, they inspire me greatly.

What would your number one suggestion be for someone who wants to do what you do?
Go and buy a hoop now! Assuming that you are already a pretty funky hooper with a passion to share the joys of hoop dance in your community and possibly the world, my suggestion would be go and spend some time with other hoop teachers, performers and hoop dance business owners.

...How about number two?
Be prepared to dance, work and play! Teaching and performing requires late nights, early mornings, heavy lifting (carrying twenty hula hoops around Tokyo is always a fun challenge), learning new skills very quickly, crazy amounts of networking, hours of dance, practice, drills and play. Be prepared to balance this. Know when to take time to chill, your body is the most precious piece of equipment, take care of it!

What do you wish you had known when you first started out?
More Japanese! Being a business owner can be tough, being a business owner in another country with different rules, language, customs and ideas is a wild ride! I am an Australian living in Japan with my gorgeous Japanese partner, I consider myself the luckiest kid in the world that I have his full support and endless help. I like being an independent business woman but I realize my limits and accept that I need a lot of support and help to do what I do. Being a foreigner here presents me with outstanding opportunities but there are also barriers that I find tough sometimes.

Are there any major misconceptions about your job or industry?
Lots of people come up to me and say, ‘Oh you are the hula hoop girl!” while swivelling their hips in a giant circular motion. That technique would never keep a hoop up for very long, but their giant hip action with imaginary hoop is entertaining for me to see. People also often assume that the only thing you can do with a hoop is spin it around your waist – definitely not true.

What is the best thing that’s happened to you as a consequence of the work you do?
Again, if I really thought about this and let loose I would be typing a crazy long list. My life has changed so much for the better. I have been given the opportunity to connect with some of the most inspiring, colorful and talented people in Japan, Australia and the US as well as others from around the globe. Hooping on some pretty major stages in Tokyo has been exhilarating, and looking forward to some even bigger shows globally. The chance to go to the USA for Hoop Camp, meet up with my idols and be one of the hoopers leading the San Francisco Love Fest Parade this year was a wonderfully wild experience.

The connections that I have made with other women through my teaching of hoop dance has really made an impact on my life. I have made so many wonderful friends as a result, I cherish this very much!

I have learned so much about who I am as a woman, a student, a business owner, a friend, a leader, a performer, a partner, a dancer, a learner and a teacher, I continue to soak up the learning experiences.

Physically I have become much stronger, more flexible, lost lingering fat and shaped myself into a form that I feel really comfortable with, that in itself is a really powerful transformation. I remember the days when I would wear a long t-shirt over my bikinis at the beach, these days I feel at ease whipping hoops around my body for hundreds of people dressed in little more than my underwear. I have found a path that makes me feel alive and more in tune with myself and others. I have got so much to be grateful for.

What motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing?
Seeing others gain joy and positive benefits from hoop dance, being part of a very creative global community, a desire to improve and a need to know what surprises are coming up next. Nurturing the relationships I have formed thanks to hoop dance and a need to strengthen my body and mind even more. Also, very honestly, I love the attention!

Do you think you’ll continue doing this for the rest of your life?
I have a lot to learn, I entered a very new world/industry at the age of 30, I feel like it has only just begun. I see myself as a learner and teacher for the rest of my life. I don’t think I will be performing for the rest of my life, I am 31 years old so I think I have a few years left to rock the stage. I see myself, in about 5 years, heading more strongly towards helping communities and schools to inject more right brain/ whole brain activities into their curriculum through hoops and other performing arts.

What are your next big steps?
Hoop Lovers collaborative dance workshops, Hoop Lovers retreats and Hoop Lovers in Australia. I am also looking into aerial hoop training and other forms of flow toy and fire art training. A gorgeous costume and glittering hoop range is in the making.

Who do you look up to within your industry & why?
I adore and admire the other strong, independent women of hoop dance, such as Bunny Hoop Star, Hoop Girl and Spiral, just to name a few. I am inspired by their openness to life, their individual style, I admire their voice, their ability to share their thoughts, ideas and strength with others. Beyond that I just love the way they move, groove and rock the hoops! Hoop Dance is definitely not just for women though, I am a huge fan of the powerful moves shaking up the hoop dance scene offered up by men such as Baxter and Rich. I am also a big fan of Philo Hagen, a Bay area hooper who keeps track of the global hoop dance scene via internet hooping mecca www.hooping.org.

Hyper-love & bunny kisses,

Tags: how to, inspiration, i want to be, life

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Amazing! This is probably one of my favorites yet— a playful career that keeps you moving and giggling… I’ll have to check out more!

Thanks, Ms. Darling!
Ashe Mischief · Nov 30, 01:57 PM · #
Now I want to do this lol. Thanks Gala!
Caitlin Marie · Nov 30, 01:58 PM · #
This must be so much fun! Thank you Gala (:
Lucy · Nov 30, 02:25 PM · #
This is my favorite so far! Even though this is nothing I could ever pull off, her story is so inspirational!

Thanks so much for sharing. :D
Jayne Danger · Nov 30, 02:27 PM · #
Wow, she really is an inspiration! This was a truly great read, thanks!

It also sounds great fun, I hadn’t really considered hoop dancing before, I may have to buy one now and use it as part of my workout!
Vixel · Nov 30, 02:38 PM · #
Hi Gala! I just wanted to say I really enjoy your “I Want To Be…” series – even when the career profiled is nothing like my job/business there’s always something inspirational, or at least interesting :) And I love to hear about other people who are forging their own paths!
Annette · Nov 30, 02:52 PM · #
Yay – I can feel the joy radiating off the screen! I am a dance teacher myself and I know exactly how much fun it is. When I read the articles in this series it always surprises me when people don’t give their job 100 out of 100. But Deanne does! (And I do too.)
Nadine · Nov 30, 03:07 PM · #
Aaah this is my favourite! I reallly want to go buy a hoop now!!
Fleur · Nov 30, 03:39 PM · #
I love Deanne! She makes me want to buy a hoop, too :>
Gala · Nov 30, 04:03 PM · #
I actually bought a hoop about two weeks ago – unfortunately, I didn’t realize how essential buying the proper size hoop is. ):

I’m totally going to look into taking a class like this once I get back to the States though – or if nothing else buying the right sized hoop!
Edith · Nov 30, 04:13 PM · #
You know what’s really weird? Last night I requested for my birthday was a hula hoop because I want to do hula hoop dancing.

....WEIRD. hahaha

Thanks, Gala!
Brandy! · Nov 30, 04:18 PM · #
This must be amazing for ‘Heidi von Hula’, a whole website and career stemming from a video that she made. I wonder if she’ll read this.
Loving everything as ever Gala.
xxx
Maya · Nov 30, 05:17 PM · #
Hi Gala,

I have a neon orange reflective hula hoop that I must learn to use!

But actually, I was just wanting to write that since I’ve been reading your blog (hmm, 8 months maybe) I’ve noticed a real change in myself, gradually becoming less negative, more relaxed, and less intimidated by people in MY career sector – the scary fine art world. I’m sure that reading your blog has made me more aware of all the different, creative things people can do. I dared to walk up to a famous sculptor last night at a party and ask him for an interview (he said probably yes) for an online magazine I write for. Then he said in a somewhat derisive tone that the internet is out of fashion, as if what I was doing was out of date, boring, etc. And I was so happy to feel no shame, just excitement that I love what I’m doing, I love HTML and CSS and being an artist, and no famous sculptor can make me feel foolish for doing what I love.

Thanks Gala!
Becky · Nov 30, 05:30 PM · #
I just finished ordering my very own hoop!!!! How inspiring! I’m so excited!
Crystal · Nov 30, 05:42 PM · #
Reading that she was a primary school teacher for years before is really inspiring. I mean, from that to THIS?!!
[a} · Nov 30, 05:43 PM · #
Yay! I’m a hoopdance teacher too! Thanks for featuring a hooper :]
Allison · Nov 30, 06:00 PM · #
ooh gala i LOVE your “i want to be” articles! if you’re taking requests i would love to see a “i want to be an advice columnist”!
amiers · Nov 30, 06:06 PM · #
Awesome read! Haven’t used my pink hoop in a while… will bring it out for a whirl. Thanx
GirlBug · Nov 30, 06:13 PM · #
OH MY GOD!!! I was having a horrible day & now I feel awesome knowing I inspired someone! Wow. I love your look & your passion for hooping! You are FUCKING AWESOME. I want to fly to Tokyo and be your best friend! haha

I’ve been frustrated, feeling like the market it oversaturated with teachers coming from HoopGirl in the area, but now you’ve inspired me to work on my business & not be discouraged. I’ve had a lot of weird hooping synchronicity this week (including talking to Philo on an internet forum having nothing to do with hooping…small internet!) so I’m taking this as a sign!!!

-Rachel aka Heidi von Hula
Rachel Radness! · Nov 30, 06:18 PM · #
this is crazy inspiring, thankyou!
claire · Nov 30, 06:26 PM · #
Ahh! That’s so awesome you featured a hooper! It really is such a fun thing to learn; I have class tomorrow, in fact.
We have a lot of amazingly talented instructors and dancers here in NYC, and I know another friend that is just starting his own small class down in Florida; it’s cool to see this mentioned outside of the “circus” group that I hang out with!
Lenora Jayne · Dec 1, 02:47 AM · #
I have had the pleasure of hooping with Deanne before- her and Leila both (Leila is another Tokyo hooping queen!) in fact it was before she turned to hooping full-time!

I met D, several years back now, just before her and her partner started their first business TokyoMade! She is truly and inspirational person and I love her to bits.

Can`t wait to go hooping with her again when I return to Tokyo in May…My hoops are sitting next to me now, three of the four collecting dust unfortunately. But my favourite, silver and purple, gets a few twirls now and again!!!

Gala, I love your career series!!! It is always such an inspiration to read about what people are doing with their lives!
Lulu · Dec 1, 05:16 AM · #
Thank you Gala, thank you Rachel and thanks to all you other lovelies! Hi Lulu!

Pick up your hoops beautiful peeps, you will be surprised what a bit of a spin can do for your spirit..sends it soaring truly! It’s a LOVE revolution, that I highly recommend. Now after that little community announcement I am off to hoop…
kisses
xx

p.s Rachel I am glad the inspiration has come full circle, the least I could do! Go for it lover and then get your butt over here!!!
Deanne · Dec 1, 06:02 AM · #
Yay! Thanks Gala.

I was lucky enough to attend an incredible burlesque and belly dance infused hooping workshop Deanne gave on Sunday. AMAZING. If anyone is visiting Tokyo you MUST put a class with the beautiful Deanne on your list of star attractions in Japan.
Lolly · Dec 1, 07:12 AM · #
i am just wondering about the kind of hula hoop i should buy, one of the weighted exercise ones? There are so many different kinds! This is something I would love to try, even though there are no hooping classes near me sigh
claire · Dec 1, 09:51 AM · #
Hi Claire…(apologies Gala if this turns into a hooping forum!) this is a very common question. Just like bodies hoops come in all different shapes and sizes. A good rule of thumb for me is if the hoop is resting on the ground in front of you it should come up to somewhere between your hip and belly button. Although some people like them bigger, basically the bigger the hoop the slower it moves so if you see yourself as a juicy, floaty kind of dancer start off with a bigger hoop, if you like to funk it up and really get moving with your groove go for a faster, small hoop. Forget kids hoops, they are fun for hand tricks and throwing around but don’t give the space you need for a great dance up!

Depending on where you live there are lots of hoop websites that will make a hoop for you and ship it…or even better try making them yourself!
tinyurl.com/5m426w

Happy Hooping!
Deanne · Dec 1, 10:17 AM · #
thankyou so much, that helped A LOT!
I’m devouring all the videos on hooping.org & ordering my hula hoop as I speak (:
xo
claire · Dec 1, 02:03 PM · #
what a truly awesome interview!!! with the cold damp weather here in england i’ve been feeling so dreary and losing faith in the whole reality co-creation so to hear deanne using these ideas to propel her to hula hoop stardom is incredibly inspiring.

l o v e and gratitude to gala and deanne and all the icing readers

stephanie
x

ps just been playing with a kids pink, purple and silver hoop i bought today to muck around with until i can get a custom hoop. so much fun!
stephanie · Dec 1, 04:24 PM · #
I’m totally getting a REAL hoop now instead of just my play/fun hoop. Thanks for the info, Gala! Your blog never ceases to amaze me with new and interesting things.
Valerie · Dec 1, 07:39 PM · #
Great article :)

ooh, you should do one on jewellery design.. you could talk to someone like Ester from Little Rooms, her pieces are AMAZING :D
Dylan · Dec 1, 09:54 PM · #

I Want To Be... A Hoop Dance Teacher!

[ 30 November 2008 ]

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