THEWIRE

By Olivia Henning

 

Hula-hooping was popularized in the 1950s as colorful plastic tubes for children to play with. They’re fun and easy to whirl around the hips, and also made for great exercise. 

 

Hailey Parks may not be a child, but she still loves to play with these plastic hoops. She does not simply toss a hula-hoop around her hips though, she has added advanced dance moves and intricate tricks to become a performer.

 

Parks started hoop dancing around two year ago, and she says that she gets better everyday. She has been able to learn new tricks and styles from other friends and video how-to’s on the Internet. 

 

Throughout the summer, Parks is often seen around Rehoboth Beach or Ocean City hula-hooping to music like Janice Joplin, Skrillex or Pat Benatar. She performs for tips along the boardwalk, and always brings extra hoops to sell. She makes all of her hula-hoops and she says the best way to sell them is to show off what they can do.

 

“People are stunned at the amount of tricks you can do with one little piece of tubing,” said Parks. 

 

Her interactions at the boardwalks and rising sales of hand-made hoops have inspired her to think bigger. Parks has made herself available for people who would like to have her perform at events, parties, or even to learn how to hoop for themselves.

 

On Saturday, March 29, Parks will be performing at the “Shamrock Showdown” half-time, hosted by the Southern Delaware Rollergirls at Milford Skating Rink. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the first whistle is at 7 p.m. 

 

Starting May 7, Parks will be teaching a hoop class every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Good Earth Market in Ocean View. The class is free of charge, and all ages and skill levels are encouraged to attend. Hoops will be provided for free as well, but students may want to bring bottled water with them. For questions regarding the event, individuals are encouraged to call the Good Earth Market at (302) 537-7100.

 

“Check it out; pick up a hoop, practice, exercise and have fun,” Parks encouraged. “I love this, and I want to entertain for the rest of my life!”

 

Parks always has extra hula-hoops available for sale; she also does custom hoop orders where customers can chose the size, colors and weight or their hoop. For inquiries about hoop sales, individuals can contact Hailey Parks at HxParksx@gmail.com.