Hula Hooping: A Way of Life for Some

Prior to screening the film The Hooping Life, I was totally unaware of the hooping phenomenon. It turns out the toy I used to play with growing up is changing lives. The documentary gives a look at one-time troubled youngsters who found a new path through the joy and art of hula hooping.

In Sarasota for the film’s premiere, Anah from Hoopalicious in Los Angeles, who was featured in the film, says she was introduced to hooping at a String Cheese concert. Five hours later, she was still hooping, and she’s been doing it ever since. Anah left troubled times behind to make hooping her job; she travels the country performing and introducing others to her passion. Most of her students are adults.

Unbeknownst to me, the hooping trend has already reached Sarasota. I spoke with Jody Urias who teaches hooping instruction locally at Vertical Fitness and on the beach. What began by making costumes for the Hula Monsters eventually transformed into a new career instructing hoopers. Interestingly, she first recalls picking up a hula hoop at age 38. When Urias’ daughter is having trouble with her schoolwork, she utilizes hooping to help her daughter exercise her brain, enabling her to re-focus on her schoolwork. Sounds like a healthy activity for any child or adult.

Local hoopers were on hand for yesterday’s world premiere of the film. You can also see The Hooping Life again tonight, April 15 at 8:15pm. Prior to the screening, you can watch hoopers outside the Hollywood 20 beginning at 7pm. You’ll even have the opportunity to step into the revolution and try hooping yourself. On Friday you get one more chance to see the film here in Sarasota at New College.

At the New College of Florida Palm Court a hoop jam starts at 7:30pm followed by

the screening at 8:30pm there will also be a Q & A following the film.

Click Below to View The Trailer