When I began hooping a few years back it was as a fun past-time. I never could anticipate what it was going to do for me, or more importantly, what it would do for my children. At the time I picked up the hoop, I had two daughters. Fiona was in 7th grade and Madeline was in 1st. Once I started to hoop more often and decided to actually "do" something with it (teach and perform), Fiona was quick to pick up the hoop and to follow in my footsteps. I have watched Fiona hoop over the past two years and her growth, both as a hooper and as a blossoming young girl, have been nothing short of absolutely amazing. Fiona was always a very special child whom the adults adored being around, but I have seen the compliments grow in leaps and bounds as she continues to flourishes. I cannot tell you how many students come up to me complimenting me on the confidence and maturity that the see in Fiona and how impressed they are by her nature. Now being a new teen, as we all know is a trying time for most. Uncomfortable in our bodies and generally awkward we do not look back at those years with much fondness; however, with much compassion instead. But Fiona will be able to look back on her teen years quite fondly. I never expected to see her change from a somewhat shy, quiet child into one who does not hesitate to get in front of a group of adults (ranging from classes of about 12 to groups of hundreds) and to perform or assist or even teach when I was pregnancy bed rested. Hooping has been a method for Fiona to connect with her body and to grow her self confidence. What is interesting about the sum of it all, is that the hoop, this silly little plastic thing, is so unbelievably simple and unassuming! Who would have guessed it's power! I am incredibly proud of Fiona and can see quite clearly that the hoop, should she choose to take it even further, will provide her with some of the most awesome opportunities in life. The world is hers for the taking, and I can see in her eyes, that even at the young, awkward age of 14, she full well believes it! Of course Madeline, no shrinking violet, has been on her own hoop path as well spreading the joy to her friends- in fact, she now has a whole posse of fellow hoopers in the 3rd grade! She of course as well as her dear friends, are my inspiration to get the little ones hooping in a class of their very own too! |
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