Help for Our Ring Leader of Spark Circus~Andrea Russel

Hello Circus lovers and their friends and families..This is a call for help...The Ring Leader Andrea Russel has been challenged with a brain tumor and needs our help...the show must go on and the Ring leader needs our help...Andrea can't work for months and now there is a chance of a second operation and she has bills to pay ...so please dig deep into your pockets every bit helps...even if it was just one dollar...you can pay her through  PayPal please make it a personal gift to her with this email thaifirefly@gmail.com...the link below is to her website for Spark Circus

Spark Circus 

Please take a moment to see what Andrea does for the forgotten Children of Burma...please share this with your friends and family and do what you can to help...I'm painting coconuts in Samui Thailand that are for sale and all funds go to this cause...the coconuts are in display at Junes Cafe in Bo Phut...new ones are painted weekly so if you are local come by and check them out they are painted by The International Academy Of Coconut Artists..We are a group of ladies that meet weekly and sometimes daily to paint for Andrea to raise funds for her daily care..the coconuts are just a few at Junes Cafe so take a look and buy one for a friend as a gift which the funds go to help Andrea who has been organizing Spark circus for over 7 years... Also I'm doing hoop lessons for 350bht per hour all funds go to this cause...so if you want a hoop lesson contact me here thehoopgoddess@me.com or Donna_reiss@me.com....if you have an idea that would help this cause let me know...if you have a place to display the coconuts also let me know...

SPARK! is a group of spectacular international volunteer circus performers who come together to bring joy to groups of disadvantaged children in refugee camps, migrant schools, hospitals and orphanages along the Thai Burmese border.

We reach over 4,000 children each year with our circus-style fire show, playshops and donations of toys, art supplies, and creative tools.  Our goal is to lighten their days with magic, wonder, laughter and smiles.  SPARK! is completely volunteer based, and relies entirely on your generous donations and community support .

Over 200,000 refugees line the borders of Thailand and Burma, held in refugee camps that can barely manage to provide for basic necessities. Tens of thousands of these refugees are children – children who have been traumatized by the ongoing war waged by the Burmese military dictatorship against the regions hill-tribes. Here they end up in the camps or living illegally along the border regions, at huge risk of being taken into the sex trade, suffering malnourishment and other ongoing threats to their well being and lives. In addition to basic necessities like shelter, clothes, food and education, children also need hope, joy and play.
This project is designed to develop their creativity, physical fitness, communication skills, teamwork, confidence and cultural awareness. Play is a fundamental part of children’s development and we bring a big spark of happiness, love, amusement and entertainment into these children’s lives and the lives of those who work with them in the camps and orphanages.

Spark Circus! is accepting applications for our upcoming volunteer social circus project in thailand Jan/feb 2012. You will be working on a fantastic team, with refugee and migrant kids on the thai burmese border! we just need a few more people, so get your applications in by the end of this month! all the info is on our site: Detail on being chosen to be a volunteer 

This is a chance to help a real TRUE HERO.....Andrea Russel

2012 Sacred Circularities Hoop Dance Retreat

Come to Bali!

The Year of Expansion

April 3-10 and April 10-17  Ananda Cottages, Ubud, Bali  Indonesia

An Immersion into Healing and Transformative Movement

through Hoop Dance, Ecstatic Dance, Meditation, Dream-time exploration,

Theta Healing, Crystal Bowl Sound, Tantric Philosophy and Fun!

Expansion is breath and opportunity. It is the willingness to go beyond the persistent and narrow view into the unknown. Expansion is seeing the darkness around us is pure potential. We can neither touch ground nor comprehend the space above us. We are flying. 

Our hearts steady us when we become fearful because this void is akin to death and holds with it the power of profound transformation. We stand as individuals in community, supporting this process.

Together, we prepare to mold this limitless energy into a vibrational reality through which we pulse more joy into our lives and by extension, touching friend upon friend upon friend, illuminate and enliven the entire world. That's what we're doing here. That's what life is all about.~jm~

Everything you need to know about this wonderful life changing experience is at this link ....

Register for the
2012 Sacred Circularities Hoop Dance Retreat for only

Retreat Costs

On-site Early Bird Special till February 29: $1,495 per week (a savings from $1,595US)
Register for either week for $1,495. Payment in full required. Receive a private tutorial with Christabel Zamor or Anah Reichenbach. (Four private sessions available.) Sign up with a friend for an additional savings of $100 each ($1,395 per person). Friends must register within the same 24-hour period in order to enjoy this discount.

http://www.sacredcircularities.com/1111-workshop-only-registration.html 

Super Star~Instructors Lineup

Anah Reichenbach

http://www.hooprevolution.com 

BunnyHoopStar

http://www.bunnyhoopstar.com/

christabel zamor 

Ann Humphrey

Jocelyn Gordon

www.jocelyngordon.com

http://www.sacredcircularities.com/2012-retreat-information.html 

I had the honor of attending last year and it changed my whole idea of hooping to a more spiritual practice...and not to mention I rubbed elbows with the most kick ass hooper's and the most incredible hoop dance teachers on the planet...they blew my mind!!!really it was the best event I have had the pleasure of attending...Did I mention the food...OMG the best food ever! You will be in such a spiritual place to play, make forever friends, and learn amazing tricks and have the best fun time ever!! I highly recommend this retreat 100% 

 

The HoopGoddess

So what are you waiting for~ Come to Bali!

Register for the
2012 Sacred Circularities Hoop Dance Retreat

http://www.sacredcircularities.com/1111-workshop-only-registration.htmlhttp://www.sacredcircularities.com/2012-retreat-information.html

 

 

The Samui Hoop Chic's

Come join the fun on Bang Po Beach daily hoop walks down the beach...get fit while having fun...any age is welcome.

What's blocking your field of perception? STOP now and pick up a NEW START on life... you are ready! Guide your mind/body/emotions and spirit into this NEW you. Hoopdance classes daily are an excellent way to stay laughing and The Samui Hoop Club has plenty of exciting possibilities for you and your family to get into the HOOP HABIT . Stepping into the center of your life is the most powerful place to be. Good times are waiting for you in the present moment! Change your habits to sustain your physical energy through the year and improve your overall well being today.

Brief Description:

Hoopdance is a cardiovascular exercise that uses an adult sized hula hoop (about 1.5
lbs) to build balance, strengthen core muscles, and tone the entire body. Unlike in
traditional “hula hooping, hoopdance uses the hoop on all parts of the body (waist,
hips, thighs, chest, neck, arms) and travels off of the horizontal plane. In addition to
physical benefits, Hoopdance reduces stress, increases self confidence, and generates
joy and laughter.

In the Intro to Hoopdance , you will learn the core moves of hoopdance that will
allow you to build a solid foundation to dance from. You will strengthen and open your
body, and discover yourself in the hoop. You'll learn beautiful moves, build your skills,
and start learning how to actually dance with the hoop! All the while, you'll be toning
your abs, back, arms, hips, buns and legs, strengthening and opening your upper back
and chest, increasing balance and getting a cardio workout!


What are the physical, mental & emotional benefits of Hoopdance?

Physical Benefits:
Builds core strength
Tones your entire body
Provides an intense cardiovascular workout
No to Low Impact
Increases energy
Develops balance and coordination
Increases flexibility

Mental/Emotional Benefits:
Clears and quiets the mind
Reduces stress
Improves self confidence
Generates joy and laughter
Improves one's mood
Opens up creative self expression

So what is stopping you? call me and set an appt. for a class.. 086-270-6934

****The Spark Circus Auction*****
One adult hoop and one hour private hoop lesson with The Hoopgoddess on the beach...


Samui Mala has in the past raised money for SPARK!, supported Thai volunteers to join them, and helped them fundraise.

SPARK! Circus will hold free workshops for children on Samui and perform for a benefit performance on Friday, January 27th.
In exchange, Samui Mala and members of the Samui community are arranging this fundraising show. We expect a big turnout of locals and visitors alike.

Join the Samui Community Fundraiser for SPARK!
27th January 2012 at Bandara Resort and Spa, Samui at 18:30
B500 includes a unique circus performance, finger buffet, raffle ticket, music till late with DJ Steve Bray and a chance to support a great cause! There will be a cash bar with wine at special rates. 
This is a great opportunity to meet these dedicated and energetic young performers, and be part of the community who supports their efforts.
Please note places are limited. You can preregister before 24th January by sending your name, number of tickets you’d like to book by sms to +66818921180 to ensure your attendance. You can also email to samuimala@gmail.com.

SPARK! workshops for children will be held at Wat Jaeng school on 26th January.
For more information and breaking news see www.samuimala.org/spark.htm

SPARK! Circus is completely volunteer based, and is funded entirely by donation and community support. Many of the performers pay for their own expenses, and raise funds in their own communities for equipment.

There are many  ways for you to participate:
Attend the fundraiser
Offer us a prize for the silent auction
Buy tickets for others if you can’t attend
Help us with spreading the word (forward this email, join our event on Facebook, share with anyone you may know)
Donate towards circus skill toys
Offer help with logistics (we need to move the performers to and from the shows on 26th and 27th)
Offer support for snacks for the childrens' workshops on the 26th
Make a direct financial donation to Spark!
Run away with the circus! You can become a volunteer performer/teacher

You are welcome to contact Samui SPARK! team for more information, or to offer us a prize or support:
Shelley         samuimala@gmail.com
Lorraine         islandholidayrentals@gmail.com
Amy            amyverysharpe@gmail.com

Your contribution will help provide the spark of life for these children! Your donations will go towards school/art supplies, toys and other essentials that the children need. Every baht helps!
THANK YOU! from the entire Spark Circus Team!

Thank you to General Manager John MacNeill of Bandara Resort and Spa, Samui and Tim Cooke, Group Director of Operations for Bandara Hotels and Resorts for hosting the event and to Michael Howard of Chaweng Regent Beach Resort for helping to accommodate the performers on Samui, to Samahita Retreat Yoga Thailand for fundraising and support, and to Steve Willeboordse for volunteering to create the poster below.

Every donor company or organization, is acknowledged in all SPARK!’s media. Both individual private donors and public companies can see photos and read blog updates from the performers as the project is happening. You will have the opportunity to see exactly how dramatically your donation has helped brighten their world.

Over 200,000 refugees line the borders of Thailand and Burma, held in refugee camps that can barely manage to provide for basic necessities. Tens of thousands of these refugees are children - children who have been traumatized by the ongoing war waged by the Burmese military dictatorship against the regions hill-tribes. Here they end up in the camps or living illegally along the border regions, at huge risk of being taken into the sex trade, suffering malnourishment and other ongoing threats to their well being and lives. In addition to basic necessities like shelter, clothes, food and education, children also need hope, joy and play.  Your donation will help light the SPARK!

This project is designed to develop the children’s creativity, physical fitness, communication skills, teamwork, confidence and cultural awareness. Play is a fundamental part of children’s development and this will bring a big spark of happiness, love, amusement and entertainment into these children's lives and the lives of those who work with them in the camps and orphanages.

Contact SPARK! directly for more information
website: www.sparkcircus.com email: Andrea Russell, at sparkcircus@gmail.com

Hoop Exploration 3 day workshop

http://www.facebook.com/events/128421917272635/ 

Finally a Hoop Retreat in Thailand!!! YES you read correctly!!! Jan. 3~6 ~ 2011~ 

11:am till 6:pm

Location Koh Phangan Haad Wynam...Thailand

Heads up Lovelies!! We are offering an early bird special and you can now get the whole workshop for 6300 THB, $201.00 US.... if you register now* ~ go to www.paypal.com send the deposit to snapdragonz@gmail.com. Remember to click the personal tab and gift- to avoid having to pay any additional fees.

all you need to know is on the flier above....The photos below is the location of the hoop workshop...AMAZING VIEW!!!! Location Location Location!!!!

I will post the registration link soon!!! hope to see all you Hooper's there!!!

 

Meet me on the Beach lets get your Hoop on!!!

Class Description:
Sharing the transformational art of Hoopnotica hoop dance to enhance health, creativity and well-being. I infuse each session with effective instructional language, a joyous and non-judgemental presence, and energy work.

Hula hooping is just child’s play. HUGE misconception! It’s now the latest fitness craze, with proven weight-loss results!

Come everyday at sunset from 5:30~7pm come and join me on the beach for the best workout EVER! I have many hoops so come and try it...they sell these at all the store's in Koh Samui, but the ones they sell are way too small for adults and they add water so it makes it much harder to learn..use one of mine, try before you buy..I can teach you it is so easy once you get it going...everyday I will be at the beach or at a local beach front restaurant weather permitting ...with great music..

contact me at Thehoopgoddess@me.com or call me at 086-270-6934 and I can tell you how to get where I'm at that day...and if I'm available.

I'm also available for private lessons, groups,resort spa's and more...

ck out the video below it will give you an idea of the exercise...you will love it!!!

you will burn 400~ 600 calories an hour!!!

also watch this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ethGHFjTReY

How to Exercise with a Hula Hoop

Once you've purchased the right size hoop, it's time to start the fun. If you used a hoop as a kid, it might not come back quite as easily as riding a bike, but with a little practice you'll get the hang of it.

Waist

The key is to put one foot in front of the other instead of standing with your feet side-by-side. Start with the hoop against your back at your waist. Give it a gentle push to start the rotation around your waist and shift your weight back and forth between your front and back foot to keep the hula hoop moving. Don't move your hips in a circle to keep it rotating because the opposite will happen. As you shift your weight back and forth, your hips make more of a rocking motion than a circular movement. Keeping the hoop twirling around your waist is the most important of the hula hoop exercises. In fact, if you're strictly using the hula hoop for exercise and don't have a lot of time, this is the only exercise that's needed. It can be used anywhere and your waistline will really show improvement as the unwanted fat burns off the midriff and the stomach muscles tighten.

Arms

To use the hula hoop to tone muscles in the arms, extend your arm to the side and roll the hoop around your arm in a circular motion. The idea is to keep the hoop moving around your arm. This exertion works to firm and melt body fat.

Hips

Stand in a standard position, but instead of spinning the hoop around your waist, work it around your hips. However, the standard around-the-waist position will help you lose off your hips, too.

Have Fun while burning calories!!!

 

Using a Hoopnotica hoop is a little different than the classic hula hoops you may remember as a child. These Adult hoops weigh around 1 pounds and because of the heavier weight, they rotate around the body more slowly, so even if you struggled to keep your hoop rotating as a kid, it should be easier with this heavier, larger version. At least that's what the manufacturers have to say; according to them, there are no worries about a lack of rhythm or being clumsy.

Benefits of Exercising With a Hoopnotica Hoop

Not only do the larger hoops give you a good cardiovascular workout, but using these hoops also:

• Massages your intestines and organs as it circles your waist
• Allows for meditative time
• Gets your heart rate up
• Increases the fitness level of the entire body
• Increases the flow of blood to the brain
• Increases energy level
• Improves coordination
• Strengthens torso muscles
• Enhances spinal flexibility

Dancing With Dopamine and Spinning to Serotonin

Dancing With Dopamine and Spinning to Serotonin

by Hooping.org columnist Lara Eastburn

The new hooper can’t bring themselves to put their hoop down. It can feel like falling in love for the first time all over again. For some, the euphoric feelings hooping provides will settle into a happy rhythm. Others discover that these feelings deepen intensely or gradually lessen over time. Every hooper is at least marginally aware of the uplifting effects hooping has on our moods. But perhaps fewer of us know why hooping makes us feel so good. And even fewer may understand how to keep those hooping-highs coming over the years. This week’s Hooposophy article offers 1) A layman’s guide to the science and sense behind what hooping does to and for your brain, and 2) Easy, practical tips for managing your mood from within the hoop.



The Science Behind the Practice

Many of us already know that our moods are produced by, and vacillate according to, a complex combination of neurochemicals in our brains. There are four big ones – for our purposes, we’ll call them the SEEDs – Serotonin, Epinephrine, Endorphins, and Dopamine. Each of these mood-determining neurochemicals comes into play when we exercise in any way at all. I’ll run through them quickly for the neuro-curious, but keep reading for my suspicions as to why hooping may deliver them in a near-perfect prescription!

Serotonin and Dopamine appear to be deeply connected. Serotonin provides feelings of satisfaction and comfort (after a good meal, a good workout, or time spent with good friends, for example). Dopamine is linked to the brain’s reward system. It tells you to do that feel-good thing again. These two will generally be produced together when you do something that feels awesome. They are also both decreased by chronic stress, anxiety, poor diet, substance abuse, or inactivity. Epinephrine manages your “flight-or-fight” response. Triggered during bursts of intense activity, it can be greatly depleted by our fast-paced, multi-tasking culture. But in healthy doses, it helps us keep going when we think we can’t. Endorphins, our body’s natural pain killer, are produced by regular, moderate activity, and are credited with the reduction of chronic physical pain when we are regularly active. They make us feel good by helping to heal our physical woes.

So, if all of these SEEDs for “feeling good” are produced when we are active and moving, does it matter what kind of movement we’re involved in? My research says it does! In order to mix the optimal (most balanced and longest lasting) neurochemical cocktail for happiness, the recipe seems to be: 30 minutes to an hour engaged in an activity of moderate intensity that you are likely to do often.

Now keep the science in mind while we throw in a dash or two of common sense and good-ol’ logic. Technically, if I walk on a treadmill at a good pace for 45 minutes most days of the week, I am fulfilling the neuro-requirements for a good mood. But if I take that 45 minute walk outside, or with a friend, I feel even better. And I don’t need a scientist to tell me that. So what gives? My guess … engaging with my surroundings and/or another human while getting my dopamine-serotonin fix on only amps up the feel-good efforts of my brain.

But wait, there’s more! Let’s say that to my 30-60 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity, I add my own deeply personal and unique creativity and expression, or play. If that’s true, then I’m either jogging while painting, writing music while doing jumping jacks, OR … baby, I’m dancing.

And let’s say I add to that neurochemical, engaged, and creative dancing frenzy … the most ancient, spiritual, and encompassing symbol of all time. Let’s imagine that I’m dancing inside, outside, within, without, and with … a circle. Aren’t I pouring the best of what my brain can chemically produce into a feedback loop that, across cultures and time, universally reflects unity, wholeness, and return to self? My magic 8 ball says “All signs point to YES!”



Getting the most out of your brain’s cocktail for happiness while hooping

So, if we can count hooping among the absolute best activities we can possibly do to maintain a stellar mood, then why do so many of us experience ups and downs with our hoops over the years? What can we do to keep the stream of hoopy feel-goodness coming strong and steady? The short answer is: keep doing it. And it may be the difference between folks who talk about their “hooping” and those who refer to their “practice.” If we listen to the wisest of our hooping elders, we learn that the biggest emotional, spiritual, and physical benefits to be gained from our dance come from making a commitment to show up and engage with it on a regular basis.

We all reach plateaus in hooping, right? Sometimes we feel we’ve learned all we can, and the magic seems to dwindle. Others get wrapped up in performing or teaching. And some just get frustrated with a movement or impatient with their progress. Sticking with it can sometimes just seem too hard or not worth it. For one reason or another, hoopers, like runners, inevitably hit a “wall.” But as runners can tell you, if you push through that wall, there’s a “high” like no other on the other side.

So what’s this hooper’s prescription for long-term hooping bliss? Develop a practice. Make a commitment to your hooping – whether it’s seven, 30 minute sessions a week or one – and show up for it. Every time. It doesn’t matter if you free-style, work on a routine, or spend the afternoon waist hooping. The science says that if you hoop consistently, you will consistently feel good.

In eight years, my own practice has gone from 4 hours a day to three sessions a week. My best hooping invariably comes (eventually) on the days when I really, really did not want to hoop, but did it anyway. What can you do when you’re sad, stressed, or lonely? Hoop, of course! Your brain doesn’t care so much if you nail that trick today. It just likes it when you hoop. And when you keep your promise to your practice … you remember that, oh yeah, you do, too.

Happy Hooping, family!