How to start a Hula Hoop Jam
When I first began hooping in 2005, I had not been successful at finding other hoopers around my region (especially since I was living in a smaller, rural town). Since I didn't know of anyone who currently hooped, I decided to get people into hooping. Ever since then, I've aided in cultivating a local hoop community in my region. All of it began by creating a local hoop jam. But before I continue with this article, I'd like to give a lot gratitude to Caroleeena. It had been her blog post on actions to start a local hoop jam that allowed me to begin my own local hooping community. I've taken a lot of good things from her blog site and blended them with stuff that I learned during my process of starting a hoop jam. I hope that the following information will help you begin your own hooping community.
What is a "hoop jam?"
A hoop jam acts as an opportunity for hoopers to come together and hoop. But it is so much more than that. It is a chance to get out of the house, get some good exercise, dance, play, let go of all that stress, hang out with friends, meet brand new individuals, learn new tricks and moves, educate others, and a lot more. Hoop jams can be held each week, bi-weekly, and even monthly.
Now, you will discover three important things in terms of starting a local hoop jam. So let's break it down, shall we?
Time and Location
When determining a location, the first decision you need to make is whether or not you'll be hooping inside or outside. You could also do a mix of both dependent on weather. I live in Oregon, so hooping outdoors during the cold months of winter isn't a fantastic idea. Our winters are far too rainy and cold to be able to count on being outside. As a result, I host our community hoop jam outdoors at a park in the warm months, after that I host it inside a gymnasium during the chilly months.
If you're in search of an enclosed facility to host your hoop jams, you want to search for locally owned sites rather than chains/corporations. Locally owned places are more inclined to support you (a member of the local community) and enable you to use their facility (either for free or at a minimal cost).
When getting in contact with an indoor facility to ask about starting a hoop jam, clarify your cause. You'd like this to be an absolutely free community event; you intend to get everybody engaged (all ages); you don't want to discriminate against individuals who may not be capable of paying if it costs money; you want to encourage well being and exercise; people coming to your hoop jam might want to use the facility for other purposes and it would generate business for the gym.
Here are some ideas to try if you're searching for an indoor hoop space:
- Your local YMCA
- Gyms/Fitness Centers
- Recreation centers
- Dance Studios
- Gymnastic studios
- Martial Arts studios
- Churches
- Schools
- Community Centers
- Fire Halls
Other locally owned places that might have a gymnasium, basketball court, or large open room with high ceilings
If you're considering utilizing an outdoor location, community or state parks are a fantastic choice! Take into account that you want a flat area with some shade (for those hot days)! Also, think about things such as bathrooms, drinking water fountains, and ease of access. The only problem with an outdoor location is inclement weather (ie: cold, windy, or rainy days). In case of bad weather, it's a good idea either have a covered shelter or to have an indoor location as backup.
Along with location, you also need to choose a day and time to host your hoop jam. If you're hosting your hoop jam at an inside facility, the day and time is going to be determined around the facilities schedule. In general you will want a day and time that accommodates most people. Weekday evenings or weekends are generally good due to the fact most people are off work then.
People and Advertising
Now that you've got a location, you need people! Start by informing your family, friends, and co-workers about the hoop jam. Never take too lightly the power of social networks. Twitter & Facebook are great methods for getting your message out.
You can hang flyers (community bulletin boards, gyms, dance studios, beauty salons, yoga centers, tanning salons, etc. ) You can market via newspaper, radio stations, or news stations. Or you can create a post/listing on Craigslist or additional websites that list local community events.
An additional way of advertising is merely getting out to an open public area and hooping! People will come up to you, curious and inquisitive by what you're doing; this is a excellent opportunity for you to inform them about your hoop jam!
When advertising, be sure to include things like all the great reasons why people really should come out to the hoop jam. You can talk about the health advantages, a sense of community, and be sure to let them know that the jam is either free or at a very low cost (based on the location/facility you have chosen).
Hoops and Music
Now that you've got a location and people, all that's necessary are hoops and some music! I would recommend buying a coil of tubing and some rolls of tape to make your own hoops. It's cheaper than buying a lot of pre-made hoops. You could even throw a hoop-making party to get people engaged and involved. Plus, how awesome would it be to have people create their own hoops?
As far as music goes, I normally bring my cell phone and an easily transportable speaker system to the hoop jams.
You could also use other electronics such as CD players, boom boxes, etc. And finally, you could also look at inviting some local musicians or drummers to your hoop jam. If you're at an outdoor location. Check electricity access and noise restrictions first though.