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So long to the days that a Hula-Hoop is simply thought of for childish entertainment. The UVM Hoop Dancing club changes the accessory of our past into a tool to produce an entertaining and athletic performance.

“The club was started five years ago by a student Mona Qa,” said coach Sam Resnicow. “She was a studio art major and incorporates homemade wardrobe and custom hoops, which makes for a really impressive performance paired with the Shpongletron Experience on stage.”

Practices for the club team last 90 minutes and offer a full body workout. Hoop dancers use Hula-Hoops to produce a fast-paced dynamic that in addition to offering a healthy work out is also visually stimulating.

            The fusion between dancing and hula hooping creates a unique dynamic that is rarely seen in dance performances. With distinct precision, hoop dancers become alive as they twirl and move almost as a single entity with their hoop. This unique precision creates a vivid performance.

            The hoop team does not participate in any formal performances and competitions for their own division of dance, but the UVM Hoop Troop does participate in after-school programs with King Street Youth Program, performs in the Orchesis Showcase and participates with the Catamount Dance Crew.

            Beyond this, the UVM hoop troop also finds a means to showcase their skills in specialized competitions.

            “There is a competition called Hooping Idol…It is international and completely online, based on weekly video submissions that are themed,” said Resnicow. “I participated in that competition last year and placed second in the world.”

            Students who participate in this club also reach out to the community. The UVM hoop troop participates in Hoopapalooza, an event for kids and adults run by the Rotary Club. 

            The combination of athleticism and entertainment that comes about through hoop dancing creates an environment that is conducive to all types of people.

            “We’re an incredibly nice group who like to jam out with hoops and incorporate new tricks that are much more than just spinning a hoop around your waist,” Resnicow said. “Knee-hooping, elbow-hooping, head-hooping, multi-hooping, we do it all.”

            “We encourage anyone who is interested or would just like to see what hoop dancing looks like to come to a practice, Tuesday 8:45- 9:45 or Sunday 2-4 in the dance studio,” she said. “There are no tryouts and we are always looking for new members.”