Hoop Me Happy

ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP
Join us for an experiential workshop exploring the science behind emotions and movement's mood-boosting benefits. We'll discover how movement, play, and creativity can support emotional well-being through a blend of discussion, guided exploration, and movement practice.

The workshop will include the opportunity to explore various flow arts props (hula-hoops, poi, dragon staff), propless movement exercises, and group activities designed to foster confidence, coordination, and connection. We'll close with an hour-long, flow arts-friendly free-form movement and dance party featuring a live DJ set—a joyful opportunity to put everything into practice in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Hoop Me Happy is Part 2 of the Hoop Me: Flow Arts for Mental Health series.
ABOUT FLOW ARTS

Flow Arts is an emerging movement art form that combines prop manipulation with expressive movement—think hula hooping, juggling, baton twirling, poi, and other object-based movement practices. Beyond being fun and creative, flow arts build coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and body awareness while offering a powerful pathway to deeper mind-body connection.
WHO CAN ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP?

This is a beginner -friendly event. No prior flow arts or dance experience is necessary, and beginner-friendly props will be available.

This event best suited for ages 12+, or anyone able to stay engaged in coordination-based movement throughout the full two-hour workshop. Parents and guardians are required to remain with minors for the duration of the event.

Our pricing is a structured, tiered sliding scale. Please choose the ticket price that best fits your current circumstances.

Ticket tiers are as follows:

Subsidized — $11
Limited to two tickets initially, with one additional Subsidized Ticket released for every Supporter Ticket purchased. This ticket is made possible by our community. If cost is a barrier, this option is here for you.

Community — $22
A reduced-price ticket for those who would benefit from a little extra accessibility.

Standard — $33
The regular ticket price, reflecting the cost of producing this event.

Supporter — $44
Help make this event more accessible. Each Supporter Ticket funds the release of one additional Subsidized Ticket. Thank you for helping us build a more inclusive community.

Dr. Maria Alessi

Dr. Maria Alessi has her Ph.D. in health psychology and is a practicing licensed psychologist. She is passionate about mental health and well-being. She is also a supportive cornerstone for the local fire flow troupe Pyro Peculiar and the free monthly flow arts meet-up, Charlotte Flow Arts in the Park.

Katie Hopkins

Katie holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts Education and has been practicing hula hooping and flow arts for over 14 years. A licensed massage and bodywork therapist for the past decade, she integrates anatomy, yoga, and embodied movement into her teaching and practice. She is the founder of Align & Spiral and co-hosts the weekly free-form movement gathering Sunrise Dance Magic with DJ Clay Papa, creating playful, community-centered experiences that foster mind-body connection.

DJ Doublebass (Adam Henry)

With 20 years of experience as a professional DJ, drummer, and sound engineer, Adam prides himself on reading the room and spinning music that enhances the atmosphere, creating positive energy. Blending cross-genre popular music from the '80s, '90s, and 2000s with dance and house beats, his buttery-smooth live mixing, turntablism, and warm voice on the mic keep crowds of all demographics flowing, upbeat, and moving.