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Learn How to Hula Hoop Dance
In this section, you will find multiple video tutorials on how to hula hoop, with various tips and tricks. I have separated the video tutorials into sections, ranging from beginner to advanced hoopers. Click on the links below to choose the level of difficulty of hooping you wish to learn. For the beginner hoopers, with no experience, stay on this page to get started. Enjoy. Also, you can visit my Hula Hoop Trick Index page, which gives you a complete list of hula hoop tricks along with their difficulty levels.
If you are interested in taking hoop classes or private lessons from Hoopsmiles or want to be informed about future Hoopsmiles classes, contact Hoopsmiles, at booking@hoopsmiles.com.
Before we get started, make sure you have the right size hoop. Having the right hoop size can make all the difference when hooping. For those of you who are looking to buy or acquire a hoop, I recommend getting a handmade hoop. Keep in mind, the larger the hoop is in diameter, the slower the hoop will revolve around your body, which can make hooping easier. Smaller hoops will spin faster, which can require a faster body movement to maintain the hoop’s spinning. Extra small hoops you may find in the toy section of a store are often times not the best fit for adults. Smaller hoops might be a better option for the more advanced hooper. Also, the thickness and weight of your hoop's piping can make a difference in hooping. Though heavier hoops might be easier in the beginning for some, if you plan to advance your skills, heavier hoops can be limiting when performing more advanced hoop tricks.
Finding The Right Hoop
If you plan on making your own beginner hoops, I recommend using a plastic tubing that is about a 3/4" in thickness, with a 100 to 160 psi rating, which you can generally find at a hardware store. For lighter hoops, such as for more advanced hooping or hooping on your hand, you can use a ½ inch sized tubing.
Regardless, the notion of there being such a thing as the perfect beginner hoop is a myth. I say this because every person’s needs are different. If you are seeking to advance your hooping skills, I recommend building a collection of hoops in varying sizes. As you improve at hooping, you can start to shift to different sized hoops to challenge yourself. When attempting to find the right hoop for you, I recommend meeting other hoopers in your community and testing out their hoops. If you find that one of their hoops inspires you, get a hoop similar in size. Generally, a beginner hoop may range between your waist and chest in diameter. In some cases, even higher than your chest or shorter than your waist, may work as well.