“Once you learn the basics of it and what hula hoop works best for you, it’s easy,” said Woelke, who was introduced to the art of hooping by a friend two years ago.
“I picked one up, and on my lunch break decided to hula-hoop, after work I’d hula-hoop. I just got right into it.”
Her crowd-pleasing performance at Jasper’s Got Talent in February earned her a first place finish; more recently, she has captivated audiences at functions like the Masquerade Ball and Jasper’s Pride Weekend.
While hula hooping looks tricky, it’s easy to learn with a little determination, Woelke explains.
“Each trick has its own little prerequisite,” she said. “For example, if I’m going to move the hoop up from my belly button to my shoulders, first you have to practice getting your hands in the hoops as it moves around you, so you get the timing right.”
The flashy hoops she uses are some of the custom ones she designs and creates using irrigation tubing from hardware stores.
“It’s fun to get crafty and creative with them.”
Creating her own hoops allows her to customize each hoop’s weight and size. “When people are starting out, it’s best to use a heavy one, and one that’s really big because it pushes itself around and you work less to keep it up.”
She also makes collapsible hoops that fold to half their size, making for easier storage and transport.
In addition to making hoops, Woelke will give hula hooping lessons throughout the summer, beginning May 13. The other three dates are July 9, Aug. 12 and Sept. 9. Each one-hour session is $8 and will be held outside at Centennial Park. If weather is unfavourable, class will move inside to the Activity Centre.
Sign up through Jasper Life by calling 780-852-2100, or emailing [email protected].
Woelke finds that learning in a group can be beneficial. “When you get a big group of people hula hooping together, I find that they all help each other out.”
She also feeds off people’s enthusiasm when they try something new. “I love the excitement of teaching someone how to do something, then they do it and they’re so proud.”
Ultimately, Woelke would like to build a large hula hooping community in Jasper. “I’m hoping to get a group of hoopers in the Canada Day parade.”
For more information about hula hooping in Jasper, visit Woelke’s Facebook page called Spiral Motion Hoops.
