HOOP DANCE CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS by Koren Walsh

	Fundamentals of Hoop Dance (6 week classes and 3 day classes available) Laughter and music will fill the air as the core movements of hoop dance are learned. Hoop Dance is a revival of a childhood toy that has exploded into the newest fitness and dance craze. Fundamentals of Hoop Dance, taught in a six-week workshop, or a three-day intensive, will give participants the confidence and the skills to dance like no one is watching, even if they were never able to hula hoop as a child. Hooping is community. When possible this class is held in a circle so that participants can encourage and support other members of the class with smiles and cheers. The sound of a hoop hitting the floor is celebrated as the sound of learning, so that even what one may perceive as a mistake becomes transformed into empowerment. Fundamentals of Hoop Dance begins with a warm up to get our hearts pumping, building the excitement of what's to come. Two or more moves are learned each day with ample time given to review each move learned in prior classes. An activity is created around the dance moves so that participants can experience the move outside the basic instruction. This experience brings us into the jam session where all participants get to take turns being the hoop dancer and the audience. Everyone gets a chance to shine and everyone gets a chance to support. A relaxing cool down hoop meditation combining visualization and breath work ends the session. All hula hoops are provided for the class, and detailed hand outs are given to each student explaining the moves they just learned and new moves to try later at home. Fundamentals of Hoop Dance is a beautiful experience for all. My goal with Fundamentals is to bring new hoop dancers into a larger community and to empower participants to realize the grace and beauty they possess!

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	"HONOR THE BODY" THROUGH MEDITATION, MASSAGE AND MOVEMENT Honor the Body arose out of my desire to share the empowering qualities of Hoop Dancing and the healing benefits of breath, meditation and massage. In my 20 year career as a massage therapist, I work every day with women who hate their bodies for various reasons. Many experience chronic pain due to injuries or illness. Many have a negative view of their body, and feel that they are ugly or inadequate. I want to help women change that. My goal is to empower women to love themselves as they are right now so they may manifest the positive changes they wish to create for their bodies and themselves in the future. "Honor the Body" begins with the power of words. When I began my own personal healing journey after a violent car accident, I realized the powerful effects of my words, thoughts and actions towards my body have. An in-depth discussion is opened, as we talk about the words we have used in the past to describe ourselves and our bodies. Together we work to create a new vocabulary, as we experience the power with which our words manifest. We then move on to the gift of breath. Because of the pressures we face in our world, we have become a society of shallow, panic breathers. When we aren't breathing to our full potential, we find ourselves experiencing chronic stress, pain and 'dis-ease'. Breathing exercises are introduced to the participants as we talk about the power of breath and its ability to change our lives. A powerful guided meditation is experienced, bringing us into the center of our bodies, where we let go of the negative thoughts and words we have directed at our bodies. Touch is introduced as a way to learn and listen to our bodies. Simple self-massage techniques for the belly, face and feet are learned so the participants can understand how their bodies work and how good it feels to be in a body that is calm and relaxed. Then the Movement begins, Easy to learn belly dance techniques are taught through a simple warm up dance that gets women feeling music with their bodies as well as hearing it with their ears. Ecstatic dance is explained, and participants are encouraged to let their bodies and minds flow free. Then we pick up the hoops and begin to dance. Depending on how quickly the group picks up the basic waist spin, other hoop moves are taught within the time allowed. If someone is unable to do the waist spin because of a physical condition, you can try arm, leg, neck spins or hand twirling as another way to move the hoop. Because of the transformational power Honor the Body has with women, we end this amazing workshop with a self-commitment ceremony, where women make a vow to themselves to always love and honor theit selves and their bodies. Participants are encouraged to bring a ring or other piece of jewelery to serve as a reminder of this vow long after the workshop has ended. Hula Hoops are provided for each participant, with the option to purchase yor own hoop. Hand-outs that detail the breath, massage and dance techniques learned in the workshop are available so that attendants will feel comfortable practicing the techniques at home. Along with a special piece of jewelery, participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and or blanket for the meditation. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. On full day workshops, a healthy meal and snacks are served.

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	Girl's Night Out Parties Create a fun filled gathering for yourself and your girlfriends by hosting a Blis Hoops Girl's Night Out Party! Koren Walsh, professional Hula Hoop Performer and Certified Hula Hoop Dance Teacher, provides the hoops and the music as well as the inspiration to keep you dancing all night long. Koren will teach different hoop dance moves throughout the event, and will lead you and your friends through activities designed for fun as well as for learning. Hula Hoop Dance is more than just the latest fitness craze. It's an exciting way to spend an evening with your friends. Learn the booty bump and the limbo, the eagle and the whisper with the laughter and love of your friends all around you. The hostess of each party will receive their own custom built Blis Hoop