Capturing Burning Man 2011

"Rites of Passage"

Beautiful shots of hoopers and more at Burning Man 2011. Is there anything better for a Monday morning when the 'real world' rears it's ugly head than a vicarious trip to that magical gathering in the desert? All photos courtesy of katparry via Flickr. Check out the Burning Man set for lots more of what looked like an absolutely amazing time. 

My goal is already set to make next years happen for me. Preparation and cost is intense so it's never too soon to start - but, my oh my, is it ever nice to have such a motivating factor to work towards. 

Burning Man 2011 Hooping Events Calendar

photo via Flickr.

Anyone heading to Burning Man this year?
Hooping.org put together a list of hoop events for this year's event -!

Monday, August 29th, 2011

3 p.m. – 5 p.m. @ Rites of Zion – 10:00 & Esplanade
It’s a hula hoop world record attempt hosted by Hula Hoopligans for most hoopers hooping in one place at one time! What’s it take? Currently, the most Hoopers at one venue at one time is 2,400… that’s right, less than 1% of the Black Rock populace… can you see it? It only takes less than 1% of the Black Rock populace gathered at the Rites of Zion, spinning hoops in unison… let’s do it!!

4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. @ Conscious Dreamers Bar – 6:30 & D
The Alternative Energy Zone Village is hosting a Hoopjam. Bring your own hoop or borrow a loaner. DJ music and cool beverages provided. Come strut your stuff and/or learn some new moves!

4 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Camp Mystic – 5:00 & A
HoopSoup is about teaching basics and having fun. Bring a snack (i.e. stone soup idea) for post learn-age-work-out. A feast for the eyes and a hug for the soul!

4:20 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. @ Whiskey and Dust – 7:30 & D
Hoopin’ Annie from World Hoop Day is teaching a beginner hoop lesson with hoops provided and traded. Learn how to keep it up, walk, spin, bring it to your shoulders, spin around your arms and other special requests. Bring H20 and your burning, burning love!

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. @ Slutgarden – Location TBA
The Slut-a-Hoop Class will be teaching basics or pick up some new tricks from Holly Would, Queen of the Slut hoopers. Hoops provided.

Noon – 1 p.m. @ VW Bus Camp – 3:00 & F
Join the High Noon Hoopjam! Whether you are a hooping guru or a beginner, please come join us in our expression of joy with this magical toy! Borrow one of our hoops, or bring your own.

4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. @ Conscious Dreamers Bar – 6:30 & D
The Alternative Energy Zone Village is hosting a Hoopjam. Bring your own hoop or borrow a loaner. DJ music and cool beverages provided. Come strut your stuff and/or learn some new moves!

4 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Free Movement Zone – Location TBA
The Temple of Polegasm is hosting “Hoop Ritual” teaching hula hoop basics. Learn basic waist hooping, hip hooping and a fun lift! All Levels welcome.

Wednesday, August 30th, 2011

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. @ Slutgarden – 9:00 & Espalande
The Slut-a-Hoop Class will be teaching basics or pick up some new tricks from Holly Would, Queen of the Slut hoopers. Hoops provided.

4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. @ Conscious Dreamers Bar – 6:30 & D
The Alternative Energy Zone Village is hosting a Hoopjam. Bring your own hoop or borrow a loaner. DJ music and cool beverages provided. Come strut your stuff and/or learn some new moves!

Click here to see the full list on hooping.org >>>

A Day at the Market

This morning I am busy taping and taping new hoops for the West End Farmer's Market (10am-1pm) here in Alexandria, VA! It seems like a million years ago that I was at the Briggs Chaney Market getting drenched,  but still having a blast. I am bringing the knowledge gleaned from that experience to this market and am glad that I have prepared: 

- many, many tester hoops - 

kids + hoops is a great combo - but their enthusiasm can sometimes result in damaged hoops that go unpurchased. This time around I will bring lots and lots of hoops for play, and will hang up any of the 'for sale' merchandise

-lots of cards!

- info about hooping

this time around I want to have an info sheet about hooping. I forget how strange a concept 'hooping' can be to non hoopers, and this way folks have something to take home with them to learn more. 

- more hoops for kids

they are much more likely to throw inhibitions to the wind and give the hoops a whirl. Parents usually become spectators, and it's tough when the only hoop left for a curious 7 year old is a 42" behemoth bigger than the poor kid himself! They usually do pretty well even with the largest of hoops, but I feel safer having something more appropriately sized available. 

- ability to accept credit card payments

The Square. It is slightly bigger than a postage stamp, hooks right into your phone - and makes accepting credit cards simple and fast! Farmer's markets are some of the last places that people consciously bring cash, but for those (like me) who operate cash-free - this is a fantastic option!

If you are in town - come and check it out! Info and directions available at westendfarmersmarket.org

LED Family [do want]

Aren't these just LOVELY? ^^

So, I uh... sorta hate my LED hoop. I know! Blaspheme! Of course mine is not any of the lovelies pictured above - that is simply hoop porn that I am lusting over. My LED hoop served me well once, but now with the introduction of poly pro and continuous shaving off of hoop size, the ol' clunker just ain't got it. All recent money has been dumped into travel, so a new one is just a dream at this point. But, I do think that I will sell my old one, since it still works and would be great as someone's first LED. 

Hmmm... now... does anyone local want a 34" LED hoop? Anything to save on the nightmare that is shipping a hoop - especially one that doesn't fold down. 

Let's see... there are some pics of it here (day sixteen)... mayhaps more to come? 

Illuminopolis Review

Walking in to Tilted Torch: Illuminopolis the idea is to be transported to another world - one of light, music and expression. Our aide on this journey was our bartender, Shortstaxx who  bawdily introduced the performers as they sauntered out, lights blazing. She worked double time at this Sunday afternoon show, as it was more of a matinee crowd than the late-night party goers that are normally seen at Tilted Torch productions. With humor and a powerful cadence she coaxed the matinee crowd into the lit up wonderland of Illuminopolis. 

Some familiar faces reappeared, with Miss Joule starting things off. As the room went dark, loud music boomed and she wriggled out from behind the curtains to reveal a completely black light reactive costume and two blazing neon yellow scarves with which she danced. The dance was hypnotic and transportive. Indeed, I felt as though I was watching an alien in a strange land writhe for the audience.  The amazing Malibu followed and was, characteristically, a show stealer.  Walking out as mad scientist, she used a fire dance to breathe life into a robot companion on the stage.  I don't know what it is exactly that she she does to make herself so insanely watchable - but she always owns the stage. 

The Sweater Set

Two more performances rounded out the first half of the show. The first was gorgeous belly dancer Na'la as a wandering woman, new to Illuminopolis and wrapped in rags. Steadily Short Staxx helped her  unwind, revealing a glowing costume, and beautiful dance, beneath.

The final act before the second half was by jazzy indie folk band The Sweater Set.  Though the two buttoned up and giggly girls initially seemed out of place in the seedy underworld of Illuminopolis, they ended up as show stand outs.  Emotive, genuine, and unique, they were crooners from a different era which lent a hazy, old timey bar, feel to the event that actually worked beautifully. The small venue, the charmingly lewd bartender, dancing girls and dreamy tunes really encapsulated the feel of a scifi bar. I only wished that they had all performed something together, setting up the scene in it's entirety. 

At this point, Short Staxx was guiding us through, introducing each character's performance as if they were walking into the bar. The pretense was forced at best (a drunken crying girl is at the end of the bar belly dances to 'cheer up') but suspension of disbelief is requisite in a good audience member, and it's easy to ride on the enthusiasm of the performers. For the second half the same performers treated us to variations on a theme. I won't give away all the surprises, but the costumes were bigger and brighter,  the fire was hotter, and the performers less clothed. (But I will say, I was excited to see the LED hoop action Miss Joule rocked in the second half...) The standout of the second half was Na'la's radioactive belly dance while draped in flashing LED strings. 

It was a brief engagement, wrapping up in an hour. I recommend an evening showing (because, really, you are SO going to want to drink and dance afterward) and an open mind. I expected to enjoy Illuminopolis,  and I am happy to say that my expectations were beautifully met. 

There are still a few shows left - so if you are in for a bawdy, naughty, lit up treat - I suggest buying a ticket to a land called Illuminopolis. 

photo credits: Devon Rowland Photography 

Visit the Glimmering City - Tilted Torch: Illuminopolis

Ah, time to get back to the local jaunts, yes? 

Now that I am finally cooling my heels in VA for a few weeks it's time to check in with what is happening 'round these parts. Awhile ago I had the pleasure of attending Tilted Torch: The Bipolar Show and was completely blown away by the showmanship, talent and effervescence of the entire crew and cast. Basically, after exiting, Will and I danced to the car. (What's that? Why yes they do serve alcohol at the show - why do you ask?) But seriously, that is the kind of energy I want to take away from a a production.

With that in mind I am STOKED to go and see their next offering: Illuminopolis 

as part of the Capital Fringe Festival in DC. 

[from their facebook page]

As darkness descends on the city, the natural light fades and the unusual lights start to glow. Lights appear in extraordinary places and in an abundance of color. These lights move, flow, and float through space. 

Welcome to Illuminopolis... 

During this radiant evening, we will explore light in many of its forms: visible (LED and incandescent); ultraviolet (blacklight); and the most primal form of light, fire. Illuminopolis is a glorious melding of burlesque, music, dance, and all things light. Utilizing glowing costuming and fiery props, the performers will whisk the audience away to a glimmering city where they can leave their worries behind.

Featuring Miss Joule, Malibu, Shortstaxx, The Sweater Set, and Na'la.

                                                                                                    

I'll have a full review after I see it on Sunday. 

Ya know it has to be pretty good if it makes me drag myself into the city. Goddamn parallel parking...

continue after the jump for links for info, tickets and directions

Hoop Fest New England: Story Book

At Hoop Fest New England the adventure was your own to create. 

pictured: Bad ass. Maria Randolph.
Picture by Kim Nicoll

Maria's strong aesthetic eye (and talented husband) created a luminous wonderland in which to play, and her organizational skill ensured plenty of options of what to do - but most impressively, she created an atmosphere of total acceptance. Whether the goal was to attend every event, meet the community, network, and perform for a crowd, or - as was mine - to take a more distanced and unstructured approach to the event - it was warmly welcomed. Everyone was doing their own thing, together. 

A little hideaway of 60 or so hoopers, we all floated from our makeshift homes to workshops, events, the nearby beach or back into town as we saw fit. An unexpected consequence of my recent attendance at Hoop Path and general whirlwind hoop year was that I had already taken several of the workshops offered (see descriptions of Hoop Path here and Malcolm's workshop here.) However, I had never been to Maine, and rarely get to see my sister - so  instead of feeling awkward about not joining in all the time, I simply felt free to observe, snapping shots with the camera and then heading away from the crowd to hoop and frolic as desired.

There was something at being at the first Hoop Fest NE that gave everyone the attitude of 'let's make this great,' and extreme gratitude was an ever present attitude. Gratitude that there are others out there sharing this passion, attending these events, being inspired by the hoop - and gratitude that we were given a place to explore and expound on that singular passion. More than once I stood and looked at all these strangely dressed, laughing, happy people with hoops swinging and thought, "is this real?" Can this be real? And then I couldn't help but smile and laugh at the undeniable reality of it all.

The workshops were laid back and informative. Nothing was set up to be intense - it was more like a hoop buddy was coming over to show you something cool. Sennyo gave excellent tips on how to isolate the hoop, and Bex brought charisma and charm to a Pilates and ballet inspired lesson. Caroleena is a natural teacher and inspired everyone to add a bit of flamenco flair into their hoop dance with points, gazes and the creation of circles and lines with the body and the hoop. I took away something from every teacher, even if I knew the style didn't resonate with my own.

Sennyo

There was a clear message throughout:  'Do what you want. Experience what you will. Have fun and you belong.'

Hoop Fest was the world as it should be. It was a lovely experience that I look forward to growing and eventually being able to offer more events and classes for hoopers hungry for knowledge. Something dreadful happened on the way up to the event - my beloved poly pro split while sitting away from me on the train. I am unembarrassed to admit that I had to hold back tears when I saw what had happened, but - Hoop Fest was such a fun, free spirited and enchanting time that I found myself forgetting all about the accident once I became immersed in the event. That was the power of Hoop Fest - it was a time to stop sweating the small stuff. Unfurl the eyebrows. Smile and feel completely free. 

Hats off to everyone for creating the feeling for which we all yearn and allowing us to take some of it back with us. 

Hoop Fest New England: Picture Book

Bucolic, no? 

Being at the tip of Maine made me realize that I guess I am a city girl. More from the unfamiliarity and wonder with which I met a world of green and blue than from any sense of longing for the 'real world.' Don't get me wrong, by day three I was ALL ABOUT getting home to a bed, bathroom and A/C but tiptoeing back to my incandescent dome in the middle of the night was certainly magical. There is something so secret and mischievous about being zipped up away from everyone.

Thomas Point campground was a sprawling, hilly wonderland - complete with old school playground with proper metal slide, merry-go-round, and 10ft swings. Playing there was like experiencing the childhood that movies set you up to believe you should have. How it 'should' be - before all playgrounds started to smell like melting plastic.

Substative reflections and descriptions of workshops with Bex, Ann, Malcolm, Caroleeena and others are to follow -as soon as I can get all these experiences organized in my head. It was a wonderful weekend. The thanks largely to the lovely and infinitely sweet, Maria Randolph. (Thanks Maria!)

I can't take credit of the great picture of her and Bex, nor of the ending group shot. See Kimberly Nicoll photography on Flickr for more. 

More to come...