On October 23^rd, I sat down with 15 school teachers to train them to teach my Hoop Warriors program. This was a 1 day intensive called Pro-D day. (Professional development) The night before I had one of those pre event anxiety dreams where everyone was unruly, cell phones were ringing & my teacher host rolled in on a flatbed just to take pictures.

When the teachers entered the room, they were filled with excitement. They turned their phones off and we began. First two hours we worked on targeting and correcting common mistakes, preventing injury and class pacing. Then we went into the gym to hoop through the 4Rhythms. This was fun. We had 14 women and two men, including the district principal. Then we went back to the classroom for learning specific hoop techniques.

Most of the teachers would be using the hoop for their phys. ed. classes. Others would use my hoops as a resistance tool for strengthening physically challenged kids, a de-stressing tool for PTSD, high anxiety and kids with A.D.D.

After lunch, we hooped for another 2 hours, breaking down the 4Rhtyhms into language that resonates with children. We practiced games, relays and obstacle course as well as free style tricks. Then we turned the lights out for the 10 minute trance dance segment. This is the time and space where one can release tension, reconnect to the breath and slow down thoughts and emotions.

By the end of the training I think our muscles were more sore from laughing than from hooping, although everyone said that the class gave them a great workout.

This week is filled with Hoop Day Assemblies. Many schools in district 69 have hired me to teach my 4Rhythms-Hoop Warriors program. All the kids love these heavier, larger hoops and many comment that they loved dancing swimming to water rhythm or stomping like a bear to the rhythmic beats of Earth.

Thanks again to Jim Powell and all the teachers who had interest in bringing a high quality healing dance- fitness program to their children and community.