"I was a disaster. I could not even make it go around oncewithout falling down. A few days later my Hoopnotica beginner DVD arrived."

Name: Meredith McNeal

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Occupation: Artist, Educator, Curator, Arts Administrator

Favorite Hoop: That depends on the day.  I have 4 travel Hoops that come with me where ever

I go. I have a light up Hoop for late night street Hooping.  I Hoop for one hour every day.

Favorite Song to Hoop to: September by Earth Wind & Fire

How I started Hooping: In 2008 I was trying to learn Italian (actually I still am) and it was not going so well. I decided I needed something else to focus on. Something that I had not been able to do before that would be a challenge but something that would ultimately be a joyous challenge. Soon after I made that decision I attended the benefit for the Coney Island Museum. One of the performers for the evening was Miss Saturn (Jenny McGowan), I was mesmerized! Enthralled! And I realized that I had found my joyous challenge. I went on line and found Hoopnotica.com. I ordered my first Hoop. I called it my Solid Gold.

When it arrived I took it up to my studio, cleared a space and gave it a spin. I was a disaster. I could not even make it go around once with out falling down. A few days later my Hoopnotica beginner DVD arrived. The tips for struggling Hoopers was invaluable. In particular, the "wear natural fibers" suggestion, once I changed from my faux satin pajamas into some cotton clothing I was able to keep the Hoop going around...

Congratulations! Meredith also is responsible for the lovely "Ti Amo" photo featured in our banner. Amazing!