Hooping

In contrast, children's hoops are typically made of lightweight plastic, have a very small diameter, and are incredibly difficult for most adults to use.

Traditionally, Circus hoopers such as Elena Lev (of Cirque du Soleil) typically use lightweight hoops made of aluminium, or, in earlier days, wood.

The late 1800s and early 1900s saw the introduction of hoop dancing into the world of physical fitness; a Swedish instructor[who?]

[citation needed] In 1957, an Australian company began manufacturing bamboo hoops for sale in retail stores.

This caught the attention of a new California-based toy company, Wham-O, founded by Richard P. Knerr and Arthur K. Melin.

[4] The annual Burning Man festival has also served as a melting pot and fertile ground for hoopers from all around the world to share their tricks, techniques, and energy.

Hoopers perform in many cities and countries to raise money for charity and donate hoops to people who cannot afford them.

The most popular Native Hoop Dance competition occurs annually at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona.

Hooping has recently become more popular as an activity in dance studios,[5] as a circus skill,[6] and through its inclusion in music videos[7] and films.

The spokes typically extend 6-8 inches from the connection points on the hoop, and are capped with a roll of cotton and Kevlar wicking, which can then be lit.

Some modern fire hoops have been designed to be much lighter, with smaller diameter tubing and with flexible wick spokes.

The quickly changing the color of the LEDs, and the movement of the hoop can create basic pixel images or geometric patterns.

Sanded tubing can provide added friction, as can a thin strip of grip tape along the inside of the hoop.

Hoop dance classes can now be found in gyms, and is often combined with Pilates or yoga disciplines, all of which build strength, balance, and flexibility.

They did this without interruption at Thammasat University stadium in Thailand, setting a world record for the most people dancing with hula hoops simultaneously in one place.

[citation needed] The largest hoop successfully twirled was 5.04 m (16.5 ft) in diameter, by Ashrita Furman of the United States in September, 2010.

[14] In 2000, Roman Schedler spun a 53-pound tractor tyre for 71 seconds at the 5th Saxonia Record Festival in Bregenz, Austria.

[16][17] In March 2013, the largest hula hoop workout (407 participants) was achieved at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility in Scotland by North Lanarkshire Leisure and Powerhoop Fitness.