Gem Hoops

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Whether you book me for a party, performance, or workshop, you can expect a unique and entertaining experience delivered with a professional and reliable manner.

I am a hoopaholic. My given name is Meg, but I call myself Gem (which is Meg spelled backwards, but you knew that…right?) because the hoop took everything I THOUGHT I knew about myself and completely turned all of it around and upside down.

I am a lifelong artist who has always been innately drawn to spirals and circles. I picked up my first hoop in 2008, and have been obsessed with hooping ever since. I never expected that a plastic circle could lead me to grow as a person in ways I never imagined. Along my hoop journey, I've been blessed by being able to study with hoop dance inspirations like Brecken Riviera, Malcolm Stewart, Ann Humphreys, SaFire, and Kandice Korves-Kaus, and have been honored to have performed at fairs, yoga retreats, drum circles and festivals throughout New England.

I adore yoga, and was first drawn to the practice in 2007 as a new mom caring for my two daughters. My first class was a life-changing experience that transformed me into a devoted yoga practitioner. While I enjoy all forms of yoga, I am particularly fond of Vinyasa flow. In addition to teaching regular hoop dance classes, I also am a certified HoopVinyasa teacher and regularly hold workshops in this hoop/yoga fusion.

Although I am a Master's level Yale-trained nurse psychotherapist and have many years experience working with patients suffering from all types of mental illness, it was through my own work with the hoop that I realized the source of much human suffering, anxiety and depression in adults is often related to the unconscious limitation of natural movement - as well as the forgotten childhood ability to let go of the ego and simply play. My classes are designed to encourage and facilitate playfulness, confidence, and joy while generating a sense of self-acceptance and peace.

In the words of psychiatrist Stuart Brown, MD, "Play energizes and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possiblities. Play fosters belonging, and encourages cooperation. Play keeps us fit, mentally and physically". The practice of play is powerful, and it is precious. I am a play professional, and I want to share the power of play with you.

When I am not practicing yoga or hooping, you can find me painting, hiking, playing with stuffed animals, listening to music, or chilling with my husband, two daughters, and our good old-fashioned mutt, Lizzy.

If booking a hula hoop party or workshop, you must have adequate space for 20 people moving, dancing, and playing with hoops. Workshops can be booked for up to 40 participants (more if hoops will not need to be provided by Gem Hoops).