Hula hoops have gone from a 1950s fad to the latest exercise craze. Along the way, street artists and stage performers have embraced the hoop to the delight of audiences. On Sunday, you can immerse yourself in this colorful culture during “The Hooping Life — Film Screening and Hoop Jam.”
Taking place at Mayo Street Arts in Portland, the event starts with a screening of the new documentary “The Hooping Life.” The independent film chronicles seven hooping aficionados in locations that include the Burning Man festival, Times Square and South Africa, and portrays the modern hula hoop as a “club art form, teacher’s aid, and instrument of redemption.”
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The redemption aspect of the film is why local organizers are billing it as most appropriate for mature audiences, because some of the people featured used hooping to overcome personal issues related to rape, depression and transgender identity.
“It’s about these fantastic hoopers from all around the world,” said Jennifer Raymond, who organized the festival at Mayo Street Arts.
Master hooper Jonathan Baxter, one of the people featured in the film, will be in Portland the last weekend of April to teach a two-day hooping workshop called Hoop Path Open Air Tour.
Like most people, Raymond is new to hooping. She got hooked on it at the 2010 Nateva music festival in Maine, and now teaches hooping classes through Forever Fit and Biddeford Adult Education.
“It’s definitely a passion, but I don’t get enough time to devote to it as I’d like,” Raymond said.
“When I saw the trailers for ‘The Hooping Life,’ I really wanted to bring it to Portland, because the hooping scene here is starting to get bigger.”
The growing popularity of hooping in Greater Portland explains why Raymond had no problem finding five local hoopers to perform after the screening. They include Amelia Bedelio and Nedra Dean, who are known for twirling flaming hoops in Monument Square during the First Friday Art Walk. Since flames won’t be allowed inside the venue, they’ll use hoops lighted by LEDs instead.
Nikki Hunt and Alexis Golubow will perform a hooping duet using LED hoops, and Jennifer Bailey will demonstrate the art of sustained spinning. “They are really good, amazing hoopers,” Raymond said.
Following the professional performances, the audience will be asked to get in on the action.
“We will play some great music, and everyone will have the opportunity to hoop,” Raymond said. “There will be about 30 hoops of all different sizes and weight for people to try.”
During the event, five vendors will sell weighed hula hoops, lighter hoops for tricks, and hooping clothing and accessories.
“The purpose for me to bring this was to spread the joy of hooping even more,” Raymond said. “So I’d love to get newcomers to come experience it.”
Staff Writer Avery Yale Kamila can be contacted at 791-6297 or at akamila@pressherald.com
Twitter: AveryYaleKamila
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