Sexy Spin Sister, Carrin

HoopPath Workshop in Austin

2009-04-23T14:14:01Z

I really wanted to get HoopPath here last year, but life got in the way and I couldn't get it together. Luckily, Michelle, one of my hoop buds, was able to make it happen. So, here's the info if any one is interested:

all info can be found here, as well as class registration: www.hooppath.com

Saturday, May 9th: 2pm to 5pm
Sunday, May 10th: 2pm to 5pm

At The Dance Institute, 6612 Sitio Del Rio, 78730

The HoopPath is a hoop dance curriculum founded and taught by master hooper and hoop teacher Jonathan Baxter. Baxter’s teaching stands out in this new, dynamic fitness practice as a unique blend of rigorous technique and deep introspection. Through years of daily, solo, blindfolded Practice, Baxter discovered innumerable technical nuances in the art of hoop dance, as well as descriptive names and vivid metaphors that make his insights readily available to even the beginning hoop student. Through these same years of Practice he also discovered the extraordinary power of the Hoop to heal not only the weakened Body or the overworked Mind, but also the depressed, darkened, and depleted Spirit.

Bax was no stranger to depression when he first picked up the Hoop, intending only to use it to stretch out some temporarily paralyzed shoulder muscles. As the motion of the Hoop helped his body become more supple and strong again, he noticed the presence of depression steadily receding from his daily life. Whereas before, depression might strike at any moment and linger for weeks or months, with the Hoop he noticed that depression struck less often, felt less oppressive, and didn’t last as long. This discovery amazed him and filled him with Hope — maybe there was a way to not only keep the cloud of depression from obscuring his own life, but also to open a window to that incredible opportunity for others: to live a life NOT overshadowed by depression, to live again fully in the Light.

Baxter’s longtime student and partner, Ann Humphreys, demonstrates and assists in HoopPath Workshops. Ann attended her first HoopPath class in the summer of ‘05 and became a committed hooper a year later. An insatiable and eager student, she rapidly absorbed the HoopPath teachings and quickly developed her own distinctive hoop style. She brings eight years of yoga experience, as well as high energy and an infectious enthusiasm, to HoopPath classes.

If you've ever felt like you really want to learn to make that sometimes elusive connection with your hoop, this should be an excellent opportunity to learn a unique practice of hoop dance.

Libby is hosting a hoop making workshop and Intro Class Sunday 4/26

2009-04-23T03:55:51Z

Hello All!
Hooping is never out of season, but now that it's warm and wonderful it's time to get your hoop on! Come make, tape and master your own hoop! I will have have materials, tape in every sparkly color of the rainbow! Discover yourself and come hoop with me! Happy Happy James world will be spinning amazing consciousness raising beats for us to dance, jam, hoop to!Come have juice, smoothies, music and Hooping this sunday at the new daily juice cafe!

What: Hoop making workshop and Intro class / dance party
Where: The New Daily Juice 45th and Duval
When: Sunday April 26th at 1 pm til whenever
Who: ME (Libby Woods), You and everyone we know....
Why: Because hooping is good for your mind, body and soul Cost: $20 (to make hoop, if you want to hang out...it's free)

Peace & Love,
Libby Woods

Murder and the Art of Dance

2009-04-20T20:03:02Z

This Saturday, April 25th, Ruby Lamb is putting an awesome show together.

Murder and the Art of Dance
A Burlesque Review

This is going to be a really great show. It's burlesque and the live music of Mr. Lewis and the Funeral 5 at The Parish!

I was supposed to perform my HoopTease in the show, but am not physically able to do it, but I am planning on helping out, so I will be there.

Come see and hear an AMAZING SHOW!!

I haven't posted in sooooo long . . . .

2009-04-18T15:38:16Z

I know, and I apologize for that!
I will try to be better in the future.

orangepaisley has been teaching hoop classes here in Austin (indoors, even!). If you've been looking to learn the basics plus more, I highly recommend her class. Here's the info for this weekend's class Sunday
If you click on the calendar link you can see all of her scheduled classes.

There will also be a free HoopJam on Saturday May 2nd. Starting at 1pm, in the park at the corner of Cumberland & S.5th St.

Hoop groups are the BEST way to get comfortable with your hoop, and ususally all levels of hooping are represented at hoop group. The "seasoned" hoopers are always open to showing you tricks and moves. I highly recommend joining the Meetup.com AustinHoopers group to keep up to date with what we're doing.

And . . . I slightly injured my hip last night but I am committed to firehooping tonight for the Dive Bar benefit. If any of you hoopers are firehoop ready and are interested in performing, please let me know. I would like to find someone to fire hoop in my place, but will do it if I can't find someone else. EMAIL ME (do not respond here) if you are interested: carrinhoops (at) hotmail

Obamicons and hoopiness

2009-01-21T03:07:16Z

I had foot surgery at the beginning of Dec. It had me laid up and unable to hoop since then.

I went to the doc today for a follow up and I got the ok to start wolking without my space boot! Whoot. That means I'm on my way to hooping again.

Until then . . . I'll just be over here making Obamicons!

SAT HOOPIN' IN THE PARK!

2008-11-14T21:16:28Z

Stefan from Groovehoops in NYC will be in Austin this weekend.

He's hosting an informal workshop tomorrow (Sat 11/15) at 1pm. He'll be sharing hoop skills . . . there's no charge, donations gratefully accepted.

Republic Square, 4th & Lavaca, at 1pm on Saturday. (This website shows info about the Farmer's Market & has a map to the park at the bottom. http://www.austinfarmersmarket.org/ ) If you come to the park early, you can shop at the Farmer's Market too!
Look for the hoopers and hoops in the trees.

SUNDAY HOOPING IN THE PARK

2008-11-02T14:22:33Z

If you're looking for something fun to do on Sunday afternoon, you should go hooping in the park!!

Today 11/2 @ NOON there is a Austin Hoopers Meet-Up group that meets at the park located at S.5th & Cumberland (it's just off Oltorf, near S.5th)
(http://www.meetup.com/AustinHoopers/calendar/9049375/?a=nr1c_grp)

THEN, next Sunday 11/9 @ NOON, we meet at Northwest District Park located between Burnet and Shoal Creek, off Pelgram (which is the other side of Justin Ln.)
(http://www.meetup.com/AustinHoopers/venue/752546/?eventId=9049298)

This is a very open and friendly group of people, ALL experience levels are welcome, and encouraged. Georgina, the organizer, is super friendly, and is a Hoopnotica Certified Hoop Instructor.
She's great!!

I am going to try to make it to today's group meet-up, but if I am not there this week, will definitely be there next week.

So . . . . GO HOOP!!!

EROTIC CARNIVAL, HoopTease AND fire hooping

2008-10-24T18:41:04Z

I'm performing tonight!!
The Erotic Carnival, an AIDS Services of Austin benefit show, is tonight at Red7 (on 7th, between Red River & I-35). I'll be performing my HoopTease AND fire hooping!!

Come check it out, it's for a good cause!

EROTIC CARNIVAL, HoopTease AND fire hooping

2008-10-05T17:20:36Z

I will be performing 2 acts at the event, my HoopTease AND firehooping!!

Sinsations Erotic Carnival

BURLESQUE THE VOTE!!

2008-09-26T01:13:18Z

Check this event out . . . I will be performing a HoopTease.
Read the deets below the flyer . . . I'm not in the list of performers, but I will be there, I swear!!!

Bi-Partisan (we swing BOTH ways) Burlesque Bonanza for Banned Books Week!
Showcasing a Caucus of Yankee Doodle Sweethearts Baring More Than Just Arms for All Citizens Who Checked the Box!
With the Sexxxy Librarian Voter Registration Task Force
And your Dirty Old Uncle Sam, MC Rudy Ramirez

Featuring members of Burlesque For Peace, Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, Carousel Cabaret, The Jigglewatts, the Lolliebombs, Schave and Riley, The Amazing Buffy West, and Doryan and Adam

The Perfect Cure for Elect-ile Disfunction!

Red, White and Boobs!

EROTIC CARNIVAL, looking for acts - fire, anyone??

2008-09-15T16:16:16Z

Hello!

The ladies at Sinsations host an annual event that benefits AIDS Services of Austin. They are friends of mine and asked me to post this announcement. They are looking for carnival/circus themed performers and fire performers to be a part of the benefit show. You DO NOT HAVE TO GET NAKED, however, your act should be carnival-ish. If you're interested, please contact them directly, their contact info is at the bottom.

I will be performing my HoopTease act, and fire hooping as well. It would be great to have some more fire artists.

-Carrin

Sinsations Adult Boutique throws an Erotic carnival every October to benefit AIDS services in Austin. We would like invite you, as a fire performer, to perfom at the Carnival.

This years Erotic Carnival will be held at Red7 (Austin TX) on Friday Oct 24th. Its is a benefit show for AIDS Services of Austin, so it needs to be said upfront that this is NOT a paying show. 100% of the proceeds go directly to helping those living in our communities with HIV/AIDS. You can use your performance as a tax write off as a charitable donation, and we will provide forms for that purpose if you request them. Also since it is not paying, there will be free beer and wine for you so you aren't having to spend your own money to get your drink on.

For those who have attended in the past, you know its a big show with a lot of draw. This year we are going to work harder than ever to get more people in the door and raise as much money as possible. We will be printing fliers in mid-September this year, and anyone who
agrees to perform by then will have their name on the flier. This has been as excellent opportunity for performers to display their talents and network, as well as give back to our community.

This year we are really going to push the carnival aspect of the show. Please take into account the theme of the show when picking music and costumes, if appropriate. Also if you need any help with costume designs or construction, let us know. I can also order corsets, pantyhose, shoes, anything youneed at wholesale prices, so just let me know and we will get that happening.

We would more than thrilled to have a fire-dancing segment of the evening. Red 7 has an outdoor area in the back, and they are completely fine with fire dancers. The space would probably not allow more than 2 people to perform at a time, but as many as would like to perform can, with our thanks!!

This year, we are going to have bands, burlesque, performances, suspensions, games, and anything else we can come up with. Please forward this on to any girls you know who would be interested in performing. guys as well I suppose haha And for anyone traveling, we will be more than happy to help you find a place to stay! Wes and I have lots of room at the house. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help us spread the word and make this the best carnival yet!

You can contact Morgan or Wes with any question!
myspace.com/morgansins
myspace.com/wesleann
info@sinsationsaustin.com
512.440.7602

The Hoop Drive, and the latest on the Hood Day Parade

2008-08-05T15:57:14Z

WORLD HOOP DAY IS FRIDAY!!!! 08.08.08 (look at all those hoops in that number)
There is A LOT of hoop goodness going on this week. Let's see if I can keep it all straight!

HOOP DRIVE '08 (from Cedar's post:)
Charlotte and Heidi are organizing a hoop-making drive for kids at Safe Place and other places that could use some joy and hoopy fun. This is really most to the point of World Hoop Day! Basically there is an ongoing hoop-making party at the Austin Artistic Reconstruction Warehouse on up to WHD, then a delivery schedule for the day of HOOOOPS! You want to do this, right? Also they could use donations, drinks, $$, hoopmaking supplies, etc. Each of the hoops will incorporate an encouraging message for a kid who really needs it.
www.decadentlydorky.com/whd.html

HUDSUCKER'S PROXY - HOOPERS OUTING - WED 08.06.08 (from the Austin Hooper's Meet-Up Group)
The Hudsucker Proxy is a classic Coen Brothers film about the (fictional!) invention of the hula hoop. The Regal Arbor Cinema @ Great Hills will be showing the movie Wednesday, August 6, at 7:00 pm. Let's bring our hoops and share our hoopy joy with the public! Even if you're not staying for the movie, let's get out there and share hooping!!

08.08.08 WORLD HOOP DAY FESTIVITIES (from Cedar's post:)
The World Hoop Day HooParade and Flash Mob is a merry gang, with hoopers and drummers, supersoakers and other support crew. We start at 5:30 at the Backside/Southside of Barton Springs, the parking lots off of Robert E Lee. There is an absolutely gorgeous photo/video op for the end of the parade, shooting from the Lamar Street Bridge towards the Lamar Pedestrian Bridge. This will be our moment to remember!

For our evening's entertainment, we have DJ's, hooping instruction, vendors, fire hoop performance by Sage, and general hoop jam fun at Hot Mama's Espresso Bar, 2401 E 6th Street. $10 suggested donation benefiting World Hoop Day.

08.10.08 SUNDAY MORNING HOOPER'S MEET-UP GROUP (from Austin Hooper's Meet-Up)
World Hoop Day is August 8, 2008 (8/8/08) -- but the celebration continues all weekend! Join us for an extra-special hoop jam beneath the trees Sunday morning. One lucky hooper will be going home with a set of Hoopnotica Hoopdance Beginning Level 1 & 2 DVDs!

SEE YOU SOMETIME THIS WEEK!!!

Rainbow Fire Hoop for sale . . .

2008-07-22T18:42:15Z

I just made this fire hoop as a special order, but due to a miscommunication with the buyer, I now need to sell it.

Check out the images and info ~~HERE~~
~~please pass this info around if you know someone who might be interested, thank you~~

DONE! SOLD!
Thank you universe! And, YAY, we have another fire hooper in our group, go Kristin!

fire hoop video, finally!!

2008-07-08T06:23:18Z

Here is the video that Mark took for me at the Devival!

Thanks to Brian and Flame for spotting me, and to Mark for getting the whole thing!

SHIT, lost my camera

2008-07-08T01:40:01Z

If any of you were at Vice for The Devival, and were there near the end, I can't find my camera. (Canon Powershot) I know I had right before we loaded up the stages and the CD decks. I thought I put it in my car, but it isn't in my stuff.

If anyone saw it, and hopefully grabbed it, please email me: carrin72 at hotmail

I am very anxious to get it back as it has the video of my fire performance, and I can't afford a new one right now.

Please let me know :)

it has been found!

selling my newer fire hoop

2008-07-05T16:37:01Z

I made myself a new fire hoop about 2 months ago. It's a little too heavy for me to use, and I am really broke right now . . . . so I'm selling it. $45.00

This is a close up photo of it.

This is an 8 wick hoop, with a decorative pattern that is made up of vinyl, gaff, and sparkle tape. It has been used a couple of times, it's still in good shape. I will not be selling the wicks with it, however, I do have extra steel threaded rod that you can have. And you can purchase kevlar wick material at www.renegadejuggling.com (you need about 12" of 2" wide kevlar per wick, so you can order enough kevlar for about $16).

If you're interested, please EMAIL me: carrin72 at hotmail

This SUNDAY, I'll be fire hooping at The Devival

2008-07-04T05:14:36Z

July 6th, starting at noon and going until 2am . . . .
The Tri-Cult Interfaith Devival (check out the site, it will tell you all you need to know . . . or check THIS for a lot more info.

I have gotten special permission to spin my fire hoop at this event. I hope that there is plenty of room . . . I will need peeps to light and at least 2 safeties . . . anyone? Bueller?

This thing looks like it's going to be pretty freakin' cool, I think this is what we, our community, need . . . lets go further, not just campouts, not just fantastic parties at our friend's houses . . . but lets really spend sometime infecting the general populus. Come, bring friends, bring strangers, support people in our community, interact with all kind of new and interesting weirdos . . . hell, lets turn some people weird, or weirder!

Also, if you are a hooper, I highly encourage you to come and bring your hoop. There is a lot of room at this venue, and they are hoop friendly . . . I was there just last night getting all hoopy all of the floor . . . and drunky, that too.
Lets do it . . . lets fall in love!

I'm selling HULA HOOPS!!!

2008-06-16T18:00:23Z

I've started an Etsy page for all the handmade stuff that I make . . . and I am officially selling hula hoops!

Check it out, if you know anyone who wants a hoop, let them know too . . .

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5865425

HoopTease performance, this Sat 5/10

2008-05-06T15:50:46Z

I'm performing this weekend, Sat 5/10 at Red 7!
Come check out the HoopTease!

Hula Hoop Making Workshop Sat 4/26

2008-04-14T02:27:49Z

When: Saturday April 26th, from 11am-2pm
Where: Welch Wigwam, North-Central Austin (email for address)
Cost: $15 (email to register: carrin72@hotmail.com)

Details: Stephanie Taylor and Carrin Welch will be hosting a Hula Hoop Making Workshop for hoop enthusiasts. This workshop is open to anyone, you must pre-register. If you're a new hooper who wants a hoop of their very own, need a new size, or perhaps you'd just like to know how to make hoops, this is your opportunity!

We will provide tubing, connectors, and vinyl tapes (basic colors, 1st come-1st serve). We will have a few different size hoops (in both 1" and 3/4" tubing) for you to try, teach you how to put your hoop together, and give you taping tips. We'll also have some snacks available, and water on hand.

You need to bring cash, a camp chair (if you prefer not to sit in the grass), something to drink if you want something other than water, and a willingness to listen and learn.

Register with Carrin (carrin72@hotmail.com) so that we can be prepared, and have enough supplies.

iBob's ticket list is UP!!!

2008-03-13T23:05:06Z

Hey,

Did you miss the deadline for Flipside tickets? Didn't have any money that week cuz' your crack dealer was skipping town and having a big close out sale?? just didn't bother because you knew iBob would come through for you in the end??

Well guess what??? HE HAS!!!

Yes, once again, the adorably grumptastic iBob has set up his list for people just like you! Now you can go there and write about how your favorite pet pig died that week and you had to spend your ticket money on getting him butchered before he went bad! Then, if you're REAL lucky, someone might just have a ticket to sell you!

Here's the link:
http://plasmator.net/tickety08

DO NOT ASK ME IF I KNOW HOW TO GET TICKETS, JUST GO TO THE FREAKIN' LINK!

Love and Adoration,
Carrin

What's been going on . . .

2007-12-30T20:10:54Z

Lots of stuff has been going on lately, and my hoop journal has suffered, but here we go . . .

I was working for Friday Night Lights, the TV show, due to the writer's strike we got shut down and I was laid off on 12/7. While that was stressful, it worked out, because I had to have a very large fibroid tumor removed from my uterus on 12/10. The surgery went very well, but the first week after was very rough. And recovery time is going to be a little longer than I thought, I still have 2 weeks before I can get back into my hoop.

I have a performace coming up in February, with a new burlesque troupe. I'm so excited. The theme is New Orleans Mardi Gras. I'm going looking for drumline style music that will work for hooping. I need to make my costume and get to practicing.

And speaking of practicing . . . the weather was fantastic the week before my surgery, so every afternoon as soon as I got home, I went outside and practiced! Here are some links to the videos from that week.

Hooping to "Motherless Child", by Tom Jones and Portishead, on 12/5 and a second video right after.
I was working on slower hooping even with a little bit smaller hoop, trying to get more consistent, more comfortable with transitions, more visual contact with audience/camera, and become better prepared to deal with dropping the hoop.

Hooping to "A Girl Like You" by Edwin Collins, one of my favorite songs, on 12/6. And then hHooping to "Don't Crash" by Front242 on 12/6. I decided to use my fire hoop without the wicks in order to become more comfortable with it, it's heavier and slightly bigger than what I have become used to. I also wanted to try to smile more and make an effort NOT to make the "concentration face", in fact that is my goal for January period . . . NO CONCENTRATION FACE! Unless I'm specifically working on new moves. My other goal that afternoon was to just let the hoop move while I danced "with" it, to make interesting lines and shapes, and to have fun.

I am hoping that the weather is warmish on the weekend on 1/12 so I can organize a hooping day in the park.

Hooping to "Don't Crash" by Front242 on 12/6.

Hoopy Confidence, and fire fire fire

2007-12-03T21:30:12Z

Last night I lit up my fire hoop again, I think this is my 4th time.
I was completely amazed at just how much more confidence I have now.
While there are moves that made me pause, and even decide not to do, for the most part I just went for it. My wicks didn't stay lit very long because it was very windy, but it was well worth doing it.

Brian spotted for me, I have so much confidence in him, and trust him completely. I know that is one part of my confidence equation.

I still seem to fall into the same moves when I'm "dancing" with my hoop, as opposed to practicing. I hope to expand that vocabulary of moves so that I will naturally flow into many different moves.

I think that the Erotic Carnival performance gave me a lot of confidence, and helped me see myself differently. I haven't recorded any videos lately for a reason, I don't want to see myself until I've made significant improvements. Before I was recording about once a week, but now, I'm trying to go for a month. I'm planning on taking my camera to the gym one morning this week and working on some moves. I wish there was a way to get some vids from YouTube onto my iPod, then I could try them while I'm at the gym.

oh yah, PS:

2007-11-30T22:56:24Z

my new favorite place and time to hoop is at the laundromat.
I did it again last night.

2 quick updates

2007-11-30T22:51:04Z

I got a membership to 24Hour Fitness at Hancock, I have been getting up relatively early and going to hoop in the aerobics room . . . if anyone else here in Austin has a membership to that gym and wants to get together to hoop, let's do it!

I have a clip up of part of my HoopTease performance at The Erotic Carnival. It's just the first minute or so, but it's fun.

That is all.