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-07:00Location
10219 106 St | Edmonton, AB
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.
Where is it happening?
10219 106 St, 10219 106 Street, Edmonton, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 57.31



















