Meet Taydon Robinson, he’s 21 years old with special needs and has suffered from epileptic seizures daily since he was 11 months old. His functional development is at the age of 3. T’Man, as he’s affectionately known by his family and friends is a fun-loving, happy and active young adult.

In order for T’Man to thrive, it is crucial that he continues to live an active life not only for his state of mind but also for his physical needs. One of Taydon’s favorite activities is cycling.

ON SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012 – PLEASE JOIN US AT TRINITY BELLWOODS PARK FROM 12PM TO 6PM!!

BRINGING FAMILY AND FRIENDS TOGETHER!!!!

We’re raising funds to purchase an adult tricycle custom made for Taydon’s needs.

Taydon’s favourite saying is: “I like to move it move it” from the movie Madagascar. With the funds raised we can make a dream come true for him. He’ll be “movin’ it” all around the neighbourhood with his family and friends on his new adult tricycle.

OUR GOAL IS TO RAISE $1500!!! PART OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO EPILEPSY TORONTO http://www.epilepsytoronto.org/

ANY DONATIONS OR SPONSORSHIP YOU ARE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED IN HELPING US ACHIEVE OUR GOAL.

BLESSINGS ETERNALLY!!

FOOD AND BEVERAGES WILL BE SOLD!
THERE WILL BE RAFFLES, GAMES AND LOTS OF SURPRISES…

FOOD & BBQ Supplied by:
The Great Burger Kitchen (GBK)
9 Church Street, Toronto

MUSIC PROVIDED BY DJ’S:
Victor Undergroundvibe
Steven Aldred
Noel Layne
Chris Sakai
Gadjet
Corey Dawkins
LaZe
Pablo Hernandez
and more…

Percussionist: Chico Pacheco

SPONSORS:
GBK
Cyclemotive
Sweetness on a Stick
Soulful Illustrator- Steven Aldred
Pho.by.bai- Wayne Bailey

FOR MORE DETAILS ON BEING A HOOPER AT THIS EVENT, CONTACT:  INFO@WRHOOPS.COM

Pay-What-You-Want ($10) – all proceeds go to
the Shut the f*#% up and spin! Jam fund

East Side Hoop Jam
EVERY TUESDAY FROM 6:30 – 9 PM
STARTING MAY 1 (weather permitting)
HOSTS:  Mandy & Elana
LOCATION:  Withrow Park
(Go South at Danforth and Carlaw at Strathcona)
Ladies and Gentleman, we are thrilled to announced the kick off to the Second Annual East Side Jam. Our first official night is May 1 2012. Get ready for the best part of the summer with all your favourite hoopers and friends. We have some really special stuff planned for this year including monthly theme nights. Stay tuned and get your outfits planned!!!

West Side Hoop Jam
EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 6 – 8 PM
STARTING MAY 23rd (weather permitting)
HOSTS:  Morgan, Sara & Arno
LOCATION:  Christie Pitts Park
(exit at Christie subway station & walk across the street!)
Morgan, Sara and Arno are really excited to share the 2012 West End Jam! This is the first jam any of them have hosted and they really hope you all come out and join them! So come on out on Hump Days and help yourself get hooped up for the rest of the week!

North End Hoop Jam
EVERY THURSDAY FROM 6 – 9 PM
STARTING MAY 10th (weather permitting)
HOST:  Wesley
LOCATION:  Earl Bales Park
(Bathurst & Sheppard) by the north end parking lot, close to the playground.
Join the North end hoopers for some hooping in the sun!

Shut the f*#% up and spin! Jam
EVERY MONDAY FROM 8:45-10 PM 
HOSTS:  Mo & Elisa
LOCATION: Dovercourt House, 805 Dovercourt Road, 3rd Floor
This jam is for playing, finding flow, practice, sharing inspiration, and having a blast on Monday nights.  Without the distraction of talking (and answering!) we are able to get more into our bodies and more into the present moment. Silent jam also depends on YOU to bring the beats!  Dancing to new music is a great way to challenge your hooping.  Give thanks for all the fantastic beats shared between friends and pay some music karma forward and play DJ a few times. Independent hoopers of all levels are welcome.

Pay-What-You-Want ($10) – or pay for the whole summer in one go and never worry about bringing cash for the hat again! Click here and go to the JAMS tab for more details

All are welcome to celebrate with us!

Don’t delay, Get Your Veg On! & Your Hoop!

Date: Saturday June 2
Time: 12-3:30 pm
Location: Yonge & Bloor to Trinity Square

***LINE-UP STARTS AT 11:30am on Asquith Ave. (Yonge/Bloor @ the Toronto Reference Library)
15 city blocks! Vegan Meals and Entertainment at Trinity Square from 1:30-3:30pm

On Saturday, June 2, 2012 hundreds of people will descend on Yonge Street for this third annual, wildly successful, joyful event. This is a family-friendly parade that will feature musicians, dancers, jugglers, party-goers and fun-seekers of all kinds. We will be ending at Trinity Square, adjacent the Eaton Centre, where we will host guest speakers, provide an opportunity for parade participants to mingle, sample delicious veg food and be entertained.

Fast facts:

• Toronto Veggie Pride Parade will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm – all are welcome to celebrate with us!
• TV Host Kimberly Carroll will be the MC for the day
• Broad media coverage
• The parade will last 4 hours from start to finish
• Starting on Asquith Avenue (Yonge/Bloor – next to the Toronto Reference Library), we will travel south along Yonge Street to Queen Street, west along Queen to James Street, north on James to Trinity Square which is adjacent to the Eaton Centre (15 city blocks)
• Parade will be covering an extensive area of the heart of downtown Toronto, passing one of North America’s busiest intersections (it is estimated that over 56 million people pass Yonge/Dundas each year), and ending at Toronto’s top tourist attraction the Eaton Centre
• The Toronto parade is one of many similar events being held in cities across Europe and the United States

We have all been invited to take part and hoop at the Parade.
Please RSVP online at the facebook event page if you would like to participate:
http://www.facebook.com/events/193095037477808

For more information about the event and the Toronto Veggie Pride Parade: http://veggieprideparade.ca/

We have a solid jamming tradition here in the big smoke, and I’m here to give some tips on how to keep it strong!

First off - big big thanks to those who have stepped up to organize east and west end jams this year – Mandy, Elana, Morgan, Sara, Arno, and Naoise.  Thanks so much for keeping the free-flowing free-spirited practice flowing!  Thanks  also goes out to those who come join us in the park – we love having your unique wiggle!

After watching jams grow over the last 6 years (starting with 4 people sharing 2 hoops) I seem some etiquette that helps jams flourish and helps keep the park happy to have us around!  We are fortunate to be able to gather in clean, public, free parks and keeping a jam healthy is something that every member helps with.

Here are some things YOU can do to keep the jams going strong
- Welcome. Jams are open to hoopers and not-yet-hoopers. We all need to welcome strangers into the group, this is what keeps our community going, and what keeps the surrounding community happy to see us. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve hooped, how many times you’ve been to jam, or how many people you know.  Introduce yourself! Spend a few minutes of your jam looking around for curious onlookers or wandering hoopers, and invite them to join. Often, these strangers are wanting to join, too nervous (or awe-struck!) to ask. A simple “come join us!” can turn a pensive passerby into a giggling friend.

- Teach. Take a few minutes to share what you know with someone who wants a little guidance. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been hooping or who is hooping next to you, everyone has something to offer and something to learn. If you “only” know how to hoop on your waist (which is a big achievement for non-hoopers) then teach one of the newcomers to hoop, and don’t give up until they’ve got it! Share their laughter and ecstasy of their breakthru moment.  When you teach, you learn more deeply – a good strategy for balanced learning is teach your newest move before you learn the next.

- Spread the word. Bring a friend to jam, post on the facebook groups about how you loved last weeks’ jam, tell your coworkers! There are lots of hoopers hiding in the city, thinking they’re alone or excluded. Welcome them!

- Bring what you can. Bring an extra hoop or two, knowing that there will be an extra one there for you on the day you can’t bring your own. Bring your biggest bottle of water, your snackiest snacks and warmest hoodie, and throw a few tunes on your music player to share.

- Respect the hoops. Keep all the hoops on the grass, away from concrete and asphalt. If a hoop has wandered off on it’s own (or with the aid of a 6 year old) bring it back to the main area. Do not allow hoops to be used for hitting or dragging.

- Respect the park. Let’s do our best to be a positive influence on the park - take a look around and do what you can to support the park environment. Take a few minutes to clean up the garbage (including the pieces that were there at the start) invite the picnicers to join in the fun, and make sure that music is relaxed and loud enough for just the spinners. Keep intoxicants out of sight and look around to make sure we are kind to the grass, the trees, and the infrastructure.

- Respect the flow. There is a special energy that forms when whirling vortexes share space, uninterrupted by speech. If someone is blindfold, eyes closed, or obviously in a flow state, let them finish before you speak to them.

- Enjoy! Jams filled with people who want to be there are the most fun and the most powerful community force! Let those smiles come out and play!
Current Jam Schedule
East end – Every Tuesday 6:30-9pm at Withrow Park, starting May 1st
West end – Every Wednesday 6-8pm at Christie Pits Park, starting May 9th

plus our weekly indoor all-dancing no-talking jam: Mondays 8:45-10pm at Dovercourt House
plus!  special Victoria Day jam on Monday May 21st, 6-10pm at Dovercourt House

Why? It’s the split-second decision making that dancing (especially partner dancing) requires that keeps the brain learning and building new connections.  I feel this in the hoop, where every moment opens up possibility for muscles and bones to reposition, for physical and emotional weight to shift, for a new path to be chosen.  Plus the unpredictability of the hoop helps keep me focused on the creative, dynamic, ever-changing side of the dance.

Interested? Read this article to learn more about the study and related research http://socialdance.stanford.edu/syllabi/smarter.htm

The kit – must-haves for the park

Big bottle of water! Being hydrated helps your body run smoothly, everything from digestion to joint mobility to thinking! I’m a fan of Nalgene’s 1-L bottles because it’s easy to track how much water I drink in a day, even a water-lover like me sometimes forgets to drink. I fill the bottle up in the morning, drink it to the bottom, then repeat it 2 or 3 times throughout the day.  If I’m going from home to the park for just an hour, I’ll drink a whole litre before I go and leave the bottle at home.
Little Layers - Small, packable layers like arm warmers and a scarf to let you control your temperature as you warm up – take off the jacket and put on the smaller layers for in-between warmth with more freedom of movement
Blindfold – If you’re getting too distracted by all that’s going on in the park, cover your eyes. Bonus! It makes it clear to park-goers that you are a badass
Pen and paper – For recording insights and also “ahhh that thing I need to do and keep forgetting to put on the todo list” so you can put your energy back to hooping
WRH cards – There’s no need to answer that person’s questions about where and when classes happen (unless you want to) – just hand them a card!

Bags

The Stuffer – A big bag that you can stuff EVERYTHING in, it will help keep your stuff in one place so there’s less panic when the sun is setting. Think of the size of bag as how much stuff you want to carry around, cause it’s easy to fill!
The Pack – Small backpacks with bungee cords on the front (and a clip across the chest) are very good for carrying folded hoops and for biking with a full size hoop.  MEC has lots of options.
The Hip Pouch – Cotton hip pouches are fantastic for festivals and sketchy parks – you keep your phone, wallet, keys, and other small necessities against your body as you hoop. Check out Fairies Pyjamas for a variety of sizes (and leather pouches too!) with some on sale right now.

Music

The Traveller – I love having my music on a player separate from my phone. That way I can hoop for my set time outdoors, being present in the park, without being distracted by the digital world. Small players are fantastic because you can tuck them in your pocket, bra, or some are small enough to put in your hair (ipod shuffle).  Ask around, your friends may have an extra player laying around that doesn’t meet their capacity needs – but is perfect to fill with a few hours of hooping music!
Headphones – My favorite headphones are the ones that cover the whole ear and attach at the nape of the neck. They’re easy to pull off fast (when I want to have a conversation), and don’t hurt my ear when they’re whacked by a hoop. Tip! Run the headphone cord under your shirt whenever possible.
Big Boom Boom – When I want big sound, I take my Traynor 10W amp (about $200, Long and McQuade) to the park. It’s tuned for outdoor busking, so music can be heard over the white noise of the park.  Charge her up at home, plug in your music, and she’ll give you sweet sweet beats for 10 hours. Also great for using in the house!

Shoes

Barefoot -Feels so good! Great for your feet and balance and that juicy grounded feeling! Bring an extra pair of socks for putting those muddy toes back in your clean shoes
Almost Barefoot – Shoes with thin, flexible soles are easy to find (mec!), and they’re great for dancing in grass without tearing up the ground or having to worry about pokey sticks, and they add an extra layer of insulation on cold days.  Plus they still work as ‘normal shoes’

If you’re hooked on that hoop high and looking to connect more with the regional Ontario hoop community, do join us this summer at the 2nd In Flow Festival hooping and yoga retreat, June 29 – July 1, 2012.  There is so much fantastic energy in our hoop family, and this weekend provides us with a chance to escape the city sweat and go deep within our hoops.  We have a stellar line up of workshops to take you on a journey of self-discovery.  What does flow have to say to you?  Explore a new dialogue between yourself, your hoop, and your fellow hoopers.  We will be returning to stay with our friends at the Ecology Retreat Centre, near Orangeville, and look forward to delicious meals prepared with love, wandering through the majestic forest, and dipping in the pool between hoop sessions!

Early bird tickets are available until April 1, 2012.  Once again we will be offering one full scholarship package for the weekend.  Check out the entries and vote for your favourite!  Contest also ends April 1, 2012.

Don’t miss out on a magical weekend of laughter, play, and exploration!  

I have been hooping for 6 years. I have seen this community grow from a small pocket of former ravers and party kids with an ardent interest in something a little kooky to a tsunami- like force that incorporates all people regardless of age, size, race, gender, class. It is mind-blowing, inspiring and so beautiful.

Despite all of the differences in hoopers, the practice of hooping creates a certain type of person. For the most part, hoopers are creative, gregarious, out-of-the-box thinkers who are not afraid to look a little silly in public. From what I have seen, hoopers have above-average intelligence, independent spirits and are, of course, devastatingly good looking. But why are hoopers such consistently awesome people?

I believe it is all in the heart.

Hooping forces us to do certain things with our bodies that go against how we normally hold ourselves in busy, slouchy lives. On the first day of hoop class, I teach people the importance of posture. The hoop simply moves better if we are standing straight, hold in our waists and are engaged with our bodies and breath. By simply standing and breathing, we create more negative ions in the body, more positive happy feelings and a deeper connection to self.

As we move along in class, I teach the all-important shoulder-hooping— for many the holy grail of tricks for a new hooper. In nailing chest hooping, we have to push our chests up and out, stand straight and present our hearts to the world. We regularly move in this position in hoop dance- hearts out, eyes up, smiles broad. I firmly believe that by practicing this posture, not only are we putting our hearts out into the world but also creating more love for ourselves
and the world at large.

I come from a massage and wellness background. With that, I have a firm connection to my body and how it moves. When I started shoulder hooping (and finally nailed it), I found that I moved a lot of stagnant energy around my heart. In fact, one cold exuberant night in February after conquering the move, I went home and cried deeply. I was surprised that hooping was able dislodge stagnation when acupuncture, massage and cranial sacral could not. I was able to feel a better connection to my heart and to myself. It was liberating. Hoopers, by connecting regularly to our hearts and the feelings of love that surrounds this vital organ, bring the best of humanity up to the surface— More love, more compassion, more expression, more joy, more positivity, more giggles. That is why hoopers are awesome.

Keep your hearts open, dear friends and happy Valentine’s Day. I love you.

Valentines Jam!

On Tuesday, February 14th Mandy will be hosting a jam on the east side – DJ’s J-Law and Lucy Ford will be spinning drum n’ bass records (!!) for your hooping pleasure! All are welcome to join us for hooping or to bask in the love of friends, circles, and sparkles!

7-8pm at Studio G, 1300 Gerrard St East, east of Greenwood, above the Sideshow Cafe

The spider was so magnificently suspended in space. I said to my friend, “The web is so thin that I CAN’T even see it.”The minute I said “CAN’T”, my eyes focused in and focused in again to see the detail of the strong web fibre. I could see the web clearly in a matter of moments of adapting.

This moment was a sweet message for my transition to the new year. So often we can fill the space before connection, realization, knowledge and true beauty with a perception of our own limitations. So often we fill the space before incredible growth with CAN’T. The invitation for me in this moment is to be willing to see more without expectations – but with a trust of possibility. This can feel vague, ungrounded, uncomfortable and scary when we stand in space – not knowing what is there for us or whether our time is well spent. This takes a deep trust that there is so much here for us. Just for us.

Finding this spaciousness doesn’t have to be a full time job. It can look like a simple stop for 5 breaths while walking in a familiar route in the city. It can look like picking up a hula hoop for 3 minutes on a dark winter morning and feeling the freedom that this movement can bring. Find the space and be willing to surprise yourself with the subtle beauty that is bound to unfold.

There are opportunities in every moment to wake us up and invite us into a richer version of the lives we live.

I believe our job is to listen a bit deeper, remember our unique sense of humour, and give tremendous thanks.