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DSHooper of July: Maria Burt

NHS Admin clerk, loves to hoop for fun and laughter!



When did you start hoopdancing? & Why did you think it is a good idea?

I started hoop dancing October 09. A friend at work suggested we go to a taster session. I thought it would be good fun and a new way of exercising

Did you find the beginning easy? Did you ever think you would get to hoopdance as well as you do now?

No I didn’t find it easy! But because I always ended up laughing I still really enjoyed it. I didn’t think at all I would be able to do the tricks and moves I can do now. I would have never imagined I could do the race for life hooping 5km!

Has hoop dance changed anything in your life?

I have made lots of new friends, and people seemed really impressed when you mention hula hooping. I have a healthy life style anyway, but combined with hooping, I would say it has improved my stomach and back muscles, making them stronger.

The hour lesson goes so quick, so when I go along I can completely forget about work and the stresses of the day and just concentrate on hoop dance.

Do you often get frustrated when things do not work with the hoop? How do you get over that frustration? What motivates you to keep trying?

I would say that I get the most frustrated when I don’t pick up a move straight away. I get really annoyed with myself and the hoop! Luckily enough Bea is always happy to show the move in slow motion many times! It is best to keep practicing the move, because each time you practice, you get part of the trick right which makes me feel a bit better!  The thing that motivates me to keep trying is my fellow hoopers, everyone in the group is always willing to help and show you the tricks.

How much time do you spend hooping?

I mainly pick up my hoops and practice on the weekends for an hour or so.

Have you achieved any of your goals that you had before signing up for the first class? Did you have any expectations?

Well I certainly made new friends and feel healthier for doing hoop dance. I did not really have any expectations; the aim was just to have fun and exercise.

Have you got any favourite moves or any that you particularly dislike? Any really really frustrating ones?

My favourite move at the moment is ‘thread the needle’ with two hoops. I like it because it looks impressive, and it is good exercise for your arms and shoulders. The really frustrating moves I find are the bunny girl and trying to get the hoop from my waist to the chest. I have never been able to achieve this move!

Would you recommend hoopdance to others? What is your advice to those who are just at the beginning of their hoopdance experience?

I would most definitely recommend hoop dance to others, although it can be frustrating, the end result is worth it. I wouldn’t say I am the best hooper of my class but I do try my very best, and I get so much from it. The advice I would give is, don’t take it too seriously just enjoy it and practice lots and lots!



Maria’s comments:

I think Bea is an inspiration to all. She has a patience of a saint and is always so encouraging. Hoop dance is a great skill to have, and no one can resist having a go at hula hooping when they see your hoops!


My comments: it was about 2 months ago the I saw a change in Maria's hooping - her moves looked a lot more effortless & she had a lot more control over the hoop than before. Her double hoop moves were particularly impressive & in general her coordination improved  significantly in a matter of a few weeks. She always had a good eye for detail so her technique was always flawless but I think it just took a bit of time for her to make that part of her muscle memory and speed it up & if you watch her hooping now your impression is that she no longer needs to concentrate but makes it look very easy. She is also very modest about her achievements & does not stop working very hard. That is probably one of the reasons why she got so good & will continue to improve her skills. I am absolutely pleased with her performance & enjoy watching her become better & better each time we meet! She also completed Race for Life with us, hulahooping all the way, impressing all the spectators :D