<![CDATA[Soolah Hoops LLC - Vlog & Media]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:30:12 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[New Social Media Platforms to follow Soolah Hoops!]]>Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:53:24 GMThttps://www.soolahhoops.com/vlog--media/new-social-media-platforms-to-follow-soolah-hoopsHey everyone!  I hope you all are super!  I wanted to update everyone that I have left all Meta platforms and am only using Youtube to edit my videos that I will be posting on Bluesky, Skylight and Flashes.  I am also on LinkedIn at this time and Mastadon as well.  
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Soolah Hoops Newsletter

by SoolahHoops
Stay up to date on what Soolah is creating in the world of hoop dance and more! Classes, Festivals, Summer Camps, Performance dates are just a few of the things Soolah will be sharing in her newsletters! Click on the Archive Link to view!
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]]><![CDATA[What's happening these days?]]>Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:55:58 GMThttps://www.soolahhoops.com/vlog--media/whats-happening-these-daysWell, we are in 2013 and I realize that I am definitely not a blogger.  Ok, wait, I kinda have been busy this year.  First recovering from major surgery and then into the swing of things with hooping and other huge life changing events.  Hmmmmn, now that I am writing I didn't really realize how many very big life changing events have happened this year!  I kind need to give myself a break on the blogging dealio.  ;)

As I was kicking off my year and still in the throws of winter I landed in the hospital and had to have an emergency hysterectomy.  Gotta admit that isn't a small deal, especially for a hooper.  Because of the way they had to do the surgery my recovery was going to take longer.  The incision was from my belly button down.  Again, not so great for a professional hooper.  But it could have been worse so I am grateful for what did happen instead of that worse case scenario you get.  And trust me, when I was told the worst case, I saw my life as it is completely stop, and more tears.  You can't hoop with a colostomy bag that is for sure!  So yeah happy it didn't go that route! Thank you Universe - Bock, Bock!!

There was a ton of surrender involved with that.  Letting go in so many ways.  Not just of something physical but also aspects of things I had created as well.  Letting go of classes I had just started.  Letting go of performances that I was supposed to do that month.  Letting go of not being in a glamorous state of performance costumes and fun a lot of the time.  10 days in the hospital you kinda get a bit gross during that time.  For whatever reason I chose not to take a shower that whole time til I got home.  I think I was scared to create any other issues. Doesn't mean I didn't stay clean but still. Letting go of the busy self and not knowing when I could get back to being in a good place all around with all I did.     

Needless to say I was in tears at one point over it.  It's very hard to have no other choice but to let go of everything you created within your business but I did.  It was a pretty scary time to be honest and a huge lesson in being vulnerable.  I am not so great at "vulnerable"...really...  But I had no other choice but to be in that state of being at that time.  It was really tough to be there to be honest.  But I ended up at some point telling myself that I needed to surrender.  To let go and let things roll.  That it is happening for a reason and that I should enjoy this time of just being.  

What was amazing was the outpouring of real love at that time.  My family pulled together to visit me and take care of me at points even though they are far away.  Dad especially did that.  I tend to not show my vulnerable side to my family.  I had the role of being the big sister who took care of everyone else.  For some reason I had to be "the strong one".  And then when Dad was here I had a long day of pain about a week after I was home that made me think I would have to go back to the hospital.  i didn't want to go at all.  I cried in front of him and that I didn't do at some point as a kid.  He was worried and tried to help me in whatever way he could.  But it was a scary moment. 

My daughter was incredible.  At almost 20 she pulled friends together to help me out in shifts when she could not be there.  The love coming from friends was amazing!  I kept hearing how they wanted to help me out.  From my friend Amira creating a meds schedule (and trust me I had a ton of meds I was on - it was nuts!), to others staying with me and to my friend Angel not only helped get me home when I finally had to leave the hospital but who also created a donations portal because I do not have health insurance and I could not work at all so no income was coming in - which letting go in that way was very difficult!  That site showed me just how much people were in a state of love and caring all around.  This helped me out a ton as well.  It was an intense time but I saw how much support I had and how many people cared.  I can say I never want to be in that place again to find out but it was still a beautiful thing to see happening to the point of being overwhelming and I cried again just because.  

Recovery has been interesting.  I am 4 months out of that time period.  I performed for the first time at the end of March at my 7 week mark.  I took it easy but performed what I could.  A few minutes here and there and doing things off the body were part of what I could do.  Since it was a fire performance I was able to do other things as well.  It was a test of where I was for me.  I listened and did not over do - which I tend to do by the way.  I paced things as I moved into my second and third month from my surgery date.  And I listened to my body.  If I over did a day then I would know.  It has been so interesting going through that.  Having to really listen and still be vulnerable and stop when I am being prompted to do so.  I had noticed my short term memory was effected for a bit. Anesthesia can do that.  Food was interesting too.  Hospital food is not so great, especially when they want to stick you on a "regular diet" and your body actually is not ready for that.  I lost a lot of weight that I could not afford to lose.  I think I went down to 105 and I am usually 115 - 120.  I would look at my body and freak out at how skinny I was and yet I was starving.  I wanted to eat but was afraid to. One night they made pork, sauerkraut and baked apples.  I was doing my walk to try to get things moving physically and smelled that and was immediately turned off.  And I am polish/hungarian on my Dad's side so that is normal food for me.  Not that day.  My sense of smell was extremely heightened.  I am guessing because I hadn't eaten and that is the normal reaction.  I could smell EVERYTHING. In most cases that was't a good thing.  Once I finally got home (and trust me that getting there was an ordeal in and of itself) my body told me what I wanted. It was amazing.  I knew I could trick my body into it's normal functioning with popsicles so Edy's All Natural Lime ones were on my menu.  Friends created food but I wasn't ready for it.  I needed to start slow.  I also knew that pineapple would help with digestive stuff.  I found one night I woke up with a craving for Avocado.  Perfect for fat content especially.  And then Sweet Potato also came into play.  It was amazing how my body responded and how I ate what it wanted not what was put in front of me.  It's a bit stressful at a hospital trying to eat and nothing is working.  But it was good once I got home and listened to my body in that way as well. Now I eat everything in site...:)  I gained my weight back and feel better for sure. 

I am at 4 months from that time.  My biggest thing is fatigue.  I get tired quicker still than where I was so I really have to still pace myself.  I also can feel it once in a while in my scarring and the ab muscles.  They get a little achy for sure and sometimes when I am fooling around with certain tricks I have to stop.  Rolling around with a hoop on your foot is not always a good idea.  But I also see the strides I have made too. Where I was is far from where I am now so that is a plus. And also not pushing myself too much. 

My May was super busy and June will be as well.  Then I am into my kids summer camps in July and August.  I can still pace myself as each month comes along.  I have a lot going on and am really grateful I can actually do my favorite things. I am enjoying time at home gardening, spending time with good friends and living one at a time.  I am excited about all of this and to see where I will be physically at the 6 month mark as well. 

Wow, I had a lot to say but hopefully not too much tmi and yet I feel like I need to recognize this point.  That I am back to hooping, can still feel fatigued at points but that is my body's way of assisting me in not overdoing things. 

Looking forward to more fun and hope to see you all at some point along the happy hooping road of life!

XO

Soolah]]><![CDATA[More fall classes coming up!]]>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:48:19 GMThttps://www.soolahhoops.com/vlog--media/more-fall-classes-coming-upHey all,

It's been so busy with 1. working on my house (lots and lots of painting!!), 2. creating and hosting classes in the area, 3. performing and 4. making hoops!  The balance between finding downtime and building a business is definitely a fine line.  I tend to be a work-a-holic when it comes to this because it is so important to me!    So finding or creating time for the self is always important.  I should be done with interior painting of my home soon so that will free me up for sure.  And it looks so pretty!

So many classes have been happening and am gearing up for more!  I am expanding my range of where I am hosting classes and really look forward to seeing who is ready to jump into the hoop for some fun times in them!  Good ol' positive hoop stuff happening and I really hope to see you in a class soon!

I begin new classes in Gettysburg this week and am starting a new Hoop Dance Class next Tuesday in Frederick!  Please check out the Workshops page for more details!

One thing I am hoping to get back up and running is my Newsletter.  I am hoping to revamp it and then start it again.  In creating classes, hooping, performances and keeping my website updated it certainly has been neglected!  I am hoping to get something out soon though...:)

Until the next time enjoy your week!!

In the Hoop!

Soolah]]><![CDATA[Busy times and lots of changes]]>Sat, 20 Aug 2011 20:36:10 GMThttps://www.soolahhoops.com/vlog--media/busy-times-and-lots-of-changesHey all,

It's been a while and I figured I would write something in regards to all that has been happening in the world of Soolah Hoops!  I just returned from Sturgis out in South Dakota and had a super fun time performing!  Lots and lots of fire play for me and was able to do some things that I had never done before.  It's been a kind of pushing the boundaries time for me and that included fire dance tools.  My poor flamebrella fell apart while I was performing on stage...:(  We tried to create another but modern day umbrella's are really not that sturdy at all!  It started to fall apart right away.  Hopefully, I can have another created that is sturdier because I really loved the beauty of that fire toy! 

In it's place came a fire staff which I had never really played with before.  Still recouping from an injury to my thumb during the Frederick Fire works (yeah a cartwheel uphill with a flaming hoop snapped something!) it made it a little difficult to twirl around but I figured out how to do so without too much aggravation to that thumb.  I also found that I could balance the thing on my head pretty effectively.  Then I got to balancing my hoop on my head as well when the fire wicks got down to 3 or 4 lit wicks.  I snagged out some belly dance moves I had seen and learned and I had another technique to my dance.   

I have also begun to dabble with poi which was something I was hoping to do years ago but was intimidated by.  Having a ball of fire possibly hit you in the face was never something I was up for but since I have hoop moves that incorporate poi moves I found I was able to do it.  Seems my fire abilities will be broadening now with a few more types of toys so that is really good.  Now to just continue to practice them all.

I recently stopped working at my day job after finding my exhaustion levels high.  If some of you have followed me you will know my schedule was a bit insane.  When you hear a million times over "HOW are you DOING all of this?!?!"  You know there may be a problem.  You kind of find that you can't see life half the time because it is passing you by so quickly.  I can say I think I see it now more than ever.  I have realized my exhaustion levels too and know that it could have gotten way more detrimental if I had continued the way I had. I have new ideas rolling around for my personal future with hoops and hope to get that rolling out at least by 2012 if not before then.  Stay tuned for more! 
I am booking festivals, shows and workshops for myself and for Pyrophoric right now which is pretty exciting.  I am facilitating my Adult Hoop Dance Workshop at FCC this year which is very exciting to me.  I am working on finishing my teacher training as well so that is coming in the next few weeks.  I am also doing a music video shoot with my amazing friends Frenchy and the Punk in September!  I am really looking forward to this!    
I have more coming down the pike  as I said but wanted to get something out there to those reading this blog that was a little more up to date...:)  Hope everyone is doing well and Happy Hooping!Soolah
]]><![CDATA[Rejuvenating everything!]]>Sun, 29 May 2011 02:17:53 GMThttps://www.soolahhoops.com/vlog--media/rejuvenating-everythingEvery great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
Harriet Tubman

Today was a big website revamp!  There are still more things to add, especially in the links section, but I created a new header, added in my summer workshops & classes and added some new photos to the photo stream.  I also updated the front page content of the site, the events page and moved information to the About page.  Managing the website can be a lot but it is worth it...:)  I think it just feels better to have taken the time to get a bit a fresh new look to it.  Hope you like it!

Lots of cool things around the corner including the latest news!  I have recently signed a contract with Boomtown Hoops to join the Astral Rhythm Dancers in becoming The Legendary Buffalo Chip Hula Girls!  It's an honor to be working with such talented hoopers and fire dancers!  We will be the opening act for many bands at Sturgis!  A list of bands includes the likes of Styx, Poison, Alice Cooper,Toby Keith, Edgar Winter, Gregg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jeff Bridges, Def Leppard, George Thorogood, Bachman Tuner, Tesla and more!  We will be performing throughout the event at any given turn so be on the lookout for us if you are headed to Sturgis this year!

I've been practicing different kinds of hoop tricks lately and actually working on using multiple hoops.  So far I am up to 2 hoops at a time.  It takes a lot of practice and body coordination working with multiple hoops.  I am hoping to work in fire with this new stuff...:)

Until next time!  Happy hooping!

Soolah ]]><![CDATA[April balancing act!]]>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:19:08 GMThttps://www.soolahhoops.com/vlog--media/april-balancing-act1<![CDATA[April balancing act!]]>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:19:07 GMThttps://www.soolahhoops.com/vlog--media/april-balancing-actWhew!  I have been super busy in all different arenas of hooping.  Whether it's been creating my marketing, studying for my training or setting up workshops and events I have had to find time just to unwind and hoop.  I find  Ihave to make time between working basically two full time jobs, taking care of my daughter and home and focusing on hoop stuff.  It can be tough to juggle it all at once.  I love that I have moments to slow down and unwind when I can get them.  As busy as I am I am living in the best way.  I find joy in what I do here and am happy to spread it to those who are interested.  Tonight was focusing on just updating my website and creating my monthly newsletter.  A couple of days late on the newsletter but it's ok.  I am still in early enough in April that the major events are advertised and still able to be scheduled into your life as well.  When I hoop with everyone I get to unwind as well.  It sharing that love of hooping that keeps me going and your smiling faces are the reward more than anything!  I am keeping this entry short but wanted to reach out and connect.  Hopefully you can make it to some of the scheduled events or workshops!  The weather is warming up and that brings lots of hooping opportunities coming your way! 

Happy hooping and see you soon!

Soolah ]]><![CDATA[New Hoop Programs coming soon!]]>Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:56:25 GMThttps://www.soolahhoops.com/vlog--media/new-hoop-programs-coming-soonHi everyone! 

Lots of amazing things are happening in the world of Soolah Hoops and I am looking forward to bringing new hoop fun to the community!  I will be working with the City of Frederick Parks and Recreation to bring hoop workshops and classes to people of all ages.  I have been fleshing out a new programs for younger kids and parents to exercise and play with hoops!  It's such a great way for families to connect after a busy week of work, school and other distractions.  It's time to bring families together in fun!  Be on the lookout for more details in the Workshops page.  I will also be doing many events with The CIty of Frederick as well and can't wait to get started!

The Western Maryland Hooping Society kicked off their new kids hoop troupe on March 6th! 18 kids registered for the Spring Session.  The kids named the troupe Shooting Diamond Hoopers and chose their troupe colors of Hot Pink, Neon Green, Purple and Silver!  We worked on basic hooping to start with and are slowly introducing tricks as we work toward our Hoop Dance routine.  We'll be working hard in the next few months on our routine and will keep you informed when we perform for our first event!

In March I took a fun AcroHoop class with Marria and Zach of Ninja Hoops and The Vegetable Circus!  What amazing instructors!  I learned a bunch of new tricks to incorporate into my hoop performance.  I learned to cartwheel and do hand stands with my hoop in motion along with several other tricks!  It was so much fun and trust me I had an amazing 3 hour workout that day.  Was I sore?  Indeed but it was a good soreness knowing that I can do many other fun things with my hoop when I play.  I have also been working on several other tricks that I hope to bring to my performing this year so be on the lookout for some of the new stuff I am doing.  It's always good to challenge yourself in the best way and Marria and Zach definitely did this!!

I have events beginning to book so my schedule will start to fill up soon!  I will be at Frederick's Earth Day Celebration this year.  Hoops invoke happiness about being able to just play on our precious planet.  Showing gratitude toward our planet is important.  Come on out and see all of the wonderful things that will be happening at this event!

Pyrophoric is busy scheduling events to perform at as well and you will see us at the Frederick Fireworks on July 4th!  We can't wait to bring you some firey fun this year with fire breathing, fire staff, fire hoop, poi, orb, fire fans and more!

On another note, I have begun my teacher training with Safire Dance and am enjoying my classes immensely!  Safire was one of my major inspirations as I began hooping so having her knowledge to improve my skills is a terrific benefit. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn more and hone my skils as a teacher and trainer.

Looking forward to seeing you at upcoming events! 

Happy hooping,

Soolah ]]>