Photo by Allie J. PInspirations

Photo by Allie J. PInspirations

Nail tech Torie Bastian started hooping on July 4, 2013, and her life hasn’t been the same since. Done with an adult version of a Hula Hoop, hooping is one of the flow arts, which also include juggling, poi, staff, silks, and even hacky sack. Bastian credits hooping with an increase in confidence, and better posture and overall health. “I’m a big advocate of hooping for nail professionals,” she says. “It has helped my back and shoulders, allowing me to keep myself upright while working. It also helps relieve stress and tension, opening up my mind for more creative endeavors in nail art. I get some of my best ideas while hooping; it quiets my mind and allows creativity to come through.”

Torie Bastian

Torie Bastian

She first picked up a hoop because she thought it might provide some much-needed exercise. “A friend had purchased a beginner hoop from eBay. I gave it a whirl and before I knew it an hour had gone by without me even realizing it,” says Bastian, who owns The Polished Pinky in Crown Point, Ind. “I was so excited I ran out and purchased everything I needed to make my own hoop the next day: irrigation tubing, couplings, and fancy duct tape.”

Bastian practices two to four times a week and particularly enjoys moving to music. “My significant other is a musician, so I’m lucky to get the opportunity to hoop to live music. It’s a really cool thing to flow off of someone else’s art!” she says. Hooping has also connected her with other like-minded individuals. “The hoop and flow community are great. We come together for classes, workshops, and even festivals.”

Photo by Allie J. PInspirations

Photo by Allie J. PInspirations

Her advice to those first starting out is to begin with a bigger hoop. Then as your skill level grows, the hoop can gradually get smaller in circumference. She also recommends checking out the many online tutorials. For inspiration, she recommends watching hoop pros Baxter, Kaydi McMahan, Ebony Hoops, Frank Olmstead, Ann Humphrey, Rachael Lust, and Brecken Rivara. “It does take time, patience, and practice to learn, but with a little love you will be hooping before you know it,” she says.

Photo by Juke Joint Photography

Photo by Juke Joint Photography

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