How do I find my hoop dance flow?
A question that is often followed by … how long did it take you to find your hooping flow? What tricks really helped you to find your flow?
[See the Trick Restriction playlist below]
These are common feelings and valid questions but they really shine a light on some of the biggest misconceptions about hooping and flow states.
The misconceptions are that hooping flow comes to you after you have learned a certain number of tricks or you have been practicing for a certain number of days/weeks/months/years.
Or that hooping flow is something you have to search for.
Sure you might start to feel more confident, strong and coordinated with practice but in fact, hoop dance flow is something you can access right from the very moment you pick up a hoop and spin in on your waist or hand.
To answer these questions about hoop dance flow and dispel some of the misconceptions it is important to understand what flow actually is and how to access it.
Dr Csíkszentmihályi, a Hungarian psychologist who created the concept of flow, describes the state as
“being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.”
Ultimately when a hooper asks, “how do I find my hoop dance flow?” they are asking how to access the feeling of focus, be immersed in continuous action, feel enjoyment, make the most of the skills they have and overcome the challenges.
Below are 11 practical ways with video examples to help you actively access your hoop dance flow.
Action is key. You cannot think your way into flow.
1.Trick Restriction
Trick Restiction is when we choose one hand grip, movement focus or trick to do on repeat so that we can allow the wisdom of the body to take over, a softening of the “what’s next” thoughts and a deepening of focus & flow. Here is a playlist to use when you dive into this technique.
You can also search the #trickrestriction hashtag for more examples
2. Single focus.
Warm up your body and soul by giving yourself the luxury of a single focussed hoop time. Waist hoop. If you cannot yet waist hoop keep trying for the length of one whole song.
A video posted by Deanne Love 💜 Hooplovers.tv (@deannelovexo) on
3. Shapes.
Create shapes with your hoop, set this as your only intention for one whole song. No need to worry about nailing tricks or remembering sequences simply fall into the flow of painting pictures and creating shapes with your hoop.
4. Your body.
Take your focus into your body, specifically the muscles that make your movement. Focus on particular muscle groups and how they are moving or take your attention to the muscles that are moving your hoop.
5. Same moves, different music.
Create a short (or long) hoop dance sequence that you are familiar with and practice it to different types of music. Make yourself a varied playlist.
6. Drop it like it’s hot.
Celebrate your mistakes. Don’t let drops and mishaps with the hoop shatter your flow and focus, continue to move and creatively dance while rescuing your hoop, make it part of the flow.
7. All about the tunes.
Create playlists that motivate your moves, fill them with songs that inspire you to dance. Follow me here on Spotify, I am forever making new playlists for all kinds of moods.
8. The floor is lava.
Pick up your feet as if on hot sand, feel a sense of weightlessness. Create patterns or freestyle with your footwork.
Other ways I play with adding dance to my hoop practice…a “game” called Hot Sand. You know when you decide to go bare foot on a scorching Summer’s day and it is far too painful to touch the sand/road with the soles of your feet?? Ha!! That feeling. Pick those feet up, get some air, try shifting from the ball to the heel or other parts of the sole of your foot! Just play! Don’t worry too much about what your hoop is doing in this game just let it roll with you. #play #hooping #dance #hooplove #flow #practice A video posted by Deanne Love 💜 Hooplovers.tv (@deannelovexo) on
9. Find your inner fierceness.
Take charge of the moment and hold strong to your intentions.
A video posted by Deanne Love 💜 Hooplovers.tv (@deannelovexo) on
10. Dare to take up space.
Whether you have a small practice space or a wide open area utilize the space, move into it, be bold and deliberate with your expression.
11. Stop searching for it.
Flow is not a destination, it is a way of feeling that requires action and letting go of resistance.
A video posted by Deanne Love 💜 Hooplovers.tv (@deannelovexo) on
Some more tips to help you float into flow with every practice
- Set aside a designated, distraction free time and space.
- Enter the practice prepared by being hydrated, ready to play and with a positive frame of mind.
- Set an intention for the play time or goals for the practice.
- Gently witness your emotions, allow them, shift them if needed but stay focussed on the intention or practice.
- Keep going, take action, MOVE into flow.
How do you embrace your hoop dance flow?
Share your breakthroughs and brilliance with me on Instagram @deannelovexo #hooplovers
Some other ideas that you might like if you are in a dreaded hoop rut or need some new hoopspiration:
30 ways to get out of a hoop rut
Creating Hoop Dance Flow
Never fall into a hoop rut again