Hoop Dance Class 2.1 (Sunday)

Schedule

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026 at 12:00 pm to Sun, 05 Apr, 2026 at 02:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

10219 106 St | Edmonton, AB

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Learn Indigenous hoop dance—storytelling in motion. Build rhythm, balance, and cultural pride through circular movement and teachings.
About this Event

Orientations Class 0.1: Introductions, protocols, practice and program initiation (45 mins)

Objective: Students will engage in a brief overview of the lessons to come and overall program objectives.

Agenda:

  • Introduction warm ups, stretching exercises, and techniques: Brief history and explanation of the why's and how's of hoop dancing.

Hoops making Class 0.2: Introductions, protocols, practice and program initiation (45 mins)

Objective: Students will each get to make thier own custom set of hoops.

Agenda:

  • Introduction warm ups, stretching exercises, and techniques: This will almways be a major part of the class, and prerequisite to all other classes moving forward.
  • Teach each student how to create and assemble thier own customized hoops.
  • Assign homework techniques and tricks for the students to try at home or in the classroom space.



Class 1: Introduction to Hoop Dancing & Cultural Context (45 mins)

Objective:Students will learn the historical and cultural context of Indigenous hoop dancing, the significance of the hoop, and basic posture and movements.

Agenda:

  • Introduction to Hoop Dancing: Brief history and cultural significance, including connections to nature, spirituality, and storytelling.
  • The Hoop: Understanding the symbolism behind the hoop (circle of life, unity, cycles of nature).
  • Basic Stance and Posture: Standing tall, core engagement, and proper foot alignment.
  • Basic Hoop Movement: Introduction to holding the hoop and performing simple movements (rolling, passing between hands, etc.).

Activities:

  • Demonstration of basic moves with discussion.
  • Group practice: Passing the hoop between hands and rolling it on the ground.
  • Q&A and reflection on the cultural importance of the dance.




Class 2: Fundamentals of Movement & Basic Footwork (45 mins)

Objective:Students will learn basic footwork and how to move with the hoop, introducing the concept of flow and rhythm.

Agenda:

  • Footwork Fundamentals: Learning how to move while holding or manipulating the hoop (e.g., stepping forward, backward, and side to side).
  • Basic Turns: Introduce simple turns, both with and without the hoop.
  • Rhythm & Flow: Emphasizing timing and fluidity of movements in relation to the rhythm of music or beats.

Activities:

  • Practice basic footwork patterns with music.
  • Work in pairs to practice turns and direction changes.
  • Group activity: Incorporating footwork with basic hoop manipulation.




Class 3: Basic Hoop Techniques (60 mins)

Objective:Students will practice specific techniques of hoop manipulation, including moving the hoop around the body, and start integrating footwork with hoop movement.

Agenda:

  • Hand & Body Movements: Introduction to hoop positioning around the body (hips, arms, head, etc.).
  • Hoop Circles: Spinning the hoop on different parts of the body (e.g., wrist, elbows, waist).
  • Synchronizing Movements: Combining footwork with hoop manipulation.
  • Introduction to Simple Patterns: Basic hoop movements like figure-eight patterns, passing the hoop around the body, and working with multiple hoops (if available).

Activities:

  • Practice hooping on different parts of the body.
  • Pair work: One person holds the hoop, the other practices footwork or body movement.
  • Group practice: Combine footwork and hoop manipulation into simple flow patterns.




Class 4: Intermediate Techniques & Introduction to Formation (60 mins)

Objective:Students will learn intermediate techniques, including integrating multiple hoops and exploring group formations.

Agenda:

  • Multiple Hoops: Basic introduction to using more than one hoop at a time (e.g., hooping around arms or legs with two or more hoops).
  • Formation & Group Dynamics: Working together to create group formations, emphasizing synchronized movement.
  • Spatial Awareness: Understanding space and how to move in relation to other dancers.

Activities:

  • Practice using multiple hoops individually (e.g., one on the arm and one on the waist).
  • Partner work: Practicing formation transitions while using hoops.
  • Group choreography: Create a short sequence using basic formations and movements.




Class 5: Storytelling Through Dance (75 mins)

Objective:Students will understand the tradition of storytelling through hoop dance and begin to incorporate storytelling elements into their movements.

Agenda:

  • Storytelling Tradition: Discuss the role of hoop dance in telling stories and representing natural elements (e.g., animals, plants, and seasons).
  • Choreography & Storytelling: How to translate a story into movement.
  • Introduction to Symbols: Understanding how to represent different elements (e.g., animals, seasons, or emotions) using hoop formations.

Activities:

  • Group discussion: Brainstorm simple stories or concepts (e.g., animal symbolism, the four seasons).
  • Small group practice: Create a small routine based on one of the brainstormed stories or concepts.
  • Performance of small routines with storytelling elements.




Class 6: Advanced Techniques & Complex Movement Integration (90 mins)

Objective:Students will learn more complex techniques, integrating spins, jumps, and transitions, with an emphasis on flow and precision.

Agenda:

  • Spin Techniques: Advanced spinning techniques with the hoop, such as overhead spins, spins on the waist, and around the neck.
  • Incorporating Jumps: Introducing jumps and how they interact with the hoop (e.g., jumping through the hoop, leaping while spinning a hoop).
  • Transitions Between Movements: Moving smoothly between different hoop positions and footwork transitions.

Activities:

  • Practice spins, jumps, and transitions.
  • Work in pairs: Practice incorporating jumps and spins into a sequence.
  • Solo work: Integrate advanced techniques into a fluid routine.




Class 7: Incorporating Music & Rhythm (60 mins)

Objective:Students will practice dancing in rhythm with different types of music, learning to adapt their movements to musical changes.

Agenda:

  • Music & Hoop Dance: Understanding the relationship between rhythm and movement, and how to adjust movements to fit musical tempos.
  • Dynamic Movement: Learning to match energy levels of the music with movements (e.g., slow movements for slower songs, quick spins for upbeat music).
  • Improvisation: Introducing freeform movement to allow for creative expression within the framework of hoop dance.

Activities:

  • Practice dancing to various types of music (slow, upbeat, etc.), experimenting with rhythm and style.
  • Group work: Create a short routine to a piece of music, adjusting the movements based on the music's tempo.
  • Individual practice: Experimenting with improvisational dance.




Class 8: Choreography and Routine Creation (75 mins)

Objective:Students will start learning how to combine individual movements into a full routine, focusing on performance and storytelling.

Agenda:

  • Routine Building: How to structure a short hoop dance routine.
  • Incorporating Elements: Integrating storytelling, symbolism, footwork, and hoop techniques into the routine.
  • Performance Tips: Basic performance techniques, including facial expressions, stage presence, and engaging the audience.

Activities:

  • Collaborate in small groups to create a short routine.
  • Individual work: Refine personal style and add unique elements to the routine.
  • Group rehearsal: Perform the routine in front of peers for feedback.




Class 9: Refining Techniques & Final Routine Rehearsal (90 mins)

Objective:Students will refine their skills and polish their final routine, focusing on fluidity and precision in their movements.

Agenda:

  • Routine Refinement: Focus on polishing transitions, timing, and flow.
  • Feedback & Corrections: Peer and instructor feedback on technique and performance quality.
  • Final Rehearsal: Full group practice of the final routine, making adjustments and preparing for performance.

Activities:

  • Review individual and group movements.
  • Rehearse the final routine multiple times, focusing on seamless integration of choreography.
  • Performance feedback from instructor and peers.




Class 10: Final Performance & Celebration (60-90 mins)

Objective:Students will perform their final routines, demonstrate their skills, and celebrate their progress in hoop dancing.

Agenda:

  • Warm-up & Review: Brief review of choreography and performance tips.
  • Final Performance: Students perform their final routine individually or in groups.
  • Closing Reflection: Discuss the journey, reflect on growth, and share personal experiences with the dance.

Activities:

  • Final performances of routines.
  • Group discussion and sharing of personal insights and experiences.
  • Celebration and acknowledgment of each student’s progress.




Materials Needed:
  • Hoops: At least one hoop per student (varied sizes for different levels).
  • Music: Pre-selected tracks for rhythm practice, including slow and fast tempos.
  • Space: A large, open area for dancing with enough room for movement and group formations.



By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in Indigenous-style hoop dancing, a deeper understanding of its cultural roots, and the ability to perform a short, meaningful routine with confidence.


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Where is it happening?

10219 106 St, 10219 106 Street, Edmonton, Canada

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

CAD 57.31

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