Want to whip up your own hoop routine but don’t know where to start? No stress, I gotchu.
Whether you’re putting together a cheeky little combo just for your own amusement or choreographing something to wow a crowd, the process is the same.
Here’s a simple, structured (and totally customisable) approach to help you design a unique, dynamic, engaging hula hoop routine that feels so you.
Step 1: Choose your moves
To start with, select a mix of tricks that you love and feel confident with. Steer clear of anything you haven’t nailed yet, the idea is for this to feel easeful. That’s the beauty of designing your own routine!
Mix it up for variety and flow: It’s a good idea to consider a range of moves and levels to give you space to play whilst ensuring you create something engaging and dynamic.
Select one movement for each of the below points
- On-body move: Waist hooping, shoulder hooping, knee hooping, etc.
- Off-body move: Moves where the hoop is off the body like hand spins, isolations, tosses, folds, rolls, vortexes, smears
- Horizontal plane: Moves where the hoop spins parallel to the ground (e.g. lasso, corkscrew)
- Vertical plane: Moves where the hoop spins perpendicular to the ground, in wall plane or wheel plane
- Get high: Play with height! Raise your arms, do an overhead pass, jump, extend the hoop upwards etc.
- Get low: Drop into a squat, kneel, roll the hoop on the ground, find a way to sit or lie down or try some foot hooping
- Turn: Add a spin, pivot, 180 degree turn or full body rotation into the mix.
Step 2: Structure your routine
Think of it like a story: beginning, middle, end.
Beginning: Set the tone
You want to start off strong! Your entrance will help set the tone for your routine.
Some ideas to get you started:
- Strike a pose: begin positioned on stage before launching into movement
- Enter the space and meet your hoop there: maybe your hoop starts onstage and you start off stage
- Enter the space with your hoop – or chasing it! You can enter in motion with your hoop or roll it onto the stage and follow it.
- Connect with the audience: make eye contact, pull a face, or otherwise grab attention. Whatever matches your style to find connection and draw them in
Middle – Time to shine
Focus on smooth transitions (more on that below) and experiment with the feel of each move flowing into the next.
Have fun playing around with the flow and feel. Explore and discover the pathways. Piece it together in action.
This can be a bit of trial and error, but it should be a lot of FUN!
If you need some extra help with transitions be sure to check out this post on hula hoop transitions or press play and learn along with the Finding Your Flow online video course.
End: Finish with intention
- Strike a final pose (maybe echo your opening)
- Play with speed. Slow the hoop right down and play with speed and timing
- Let it go! Drop the hoop with a flourish or a clatter or consider rolling it off stage (or into the audience!)
Don’t be afraid to be dramatic.
Step 3: Refine your transitions
The in-between bits are where the magic happens. This is where you can tell a story, set a mood, and keep the audience connected. It’s what allows one movement to glide into the next. It’s where some of the best storytelling happens and that’s the bit that really helps the audience connect in.
Awkward pauses can disrupt the flow – unless it’s part of the act.
Ask yourself:
- How do I shift from on-body to off-body?
- Can I add a body roll, step, or turn to make it smoother?
- Is my energy consistent, or do I have jarring stops?
Sometimes the in-between moments need just as much practise as the tricks themselves. Take the time to drill the transitions separately and spend time discovering the pathways that get you from A to B with ease.
Check out the Hoop Dance Choreography online videos for some extra guidance and ideas on the ways you can move with your hoop.
Pro tip: transitions need just as much practice as the tricks. Drill them until they feel effortless.
Step 4: Practise & polish
Once you’ve mapped out your routine, break it into chunks and rehearse each section before running the whole thing. Film yourself so you can spot awkward spots — and tweak anything that doesn’t feel right.
Above all, have fun with it. Pick moves that light you up, and your joy will be contagious.
If you share any of your routines on insta, be sure to tag me @donnasparx. I’d love to see what you’ve created!