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"Touch" techniques and Methods, as the HoopPath defines them, are techniques which more or less involve sustained movement of the hoop on the hands and arms. These techniques include Point, Swing, Samurai. (These techniques are NOT covered in our "First Steps" DVD, but will be in our upcoming releases and workshops.) The purpose and function of Touch techniques are to heightened the Hoopers "touch", or physical awareness of the hoop's weight, rhythm, and nuance. Touch techniques also offer the Hooper a chance to explore movements which are not based on the hoop's spinning about the Core. Diversification of movements is one key component to a sustained and rewarding hoop Practice.
Here is an example of Baxter demonstrating some touch techniques from 2006.
Touch techniques can be hard on the hands of many hoopers when they are initially explored. The back of the hands can be especially vulnerable to bruising from the force and weight of a spinning hoop. Many HP students own two hoops, a larger ratio hoop for Core work and a smaller ratio hoop for developing Grace with Touch techniques. This allows students to work and hone different ways of hooping simultaneously without being slowed by having only one ratio of hoop.
Over time, most students will gravitate toward one, primary hoop. Most of the time, the hoop that becomes primary is, in fact, the smaller ratio hoop. HoopPathers have become known over the years as "the small hoop" tribe, but this was not our starting point. Rather, our adoption of smaller ratios is the result of many, many hours spent in larger hoops. For this reason, we recommend that your smaller hoop should not be so small that it can not be core hooped. We find that hoops that are 35-36 inches offer a broad common denominator for many differently sized hoopers.
***Please note that a hoop of this size is much more difficult to sustain in Core revolutions. As the size ratio of the hoop decreases relative to the Hooper's size, the athletic energy required increases. If you are just starting, you will find this small of a hoop to be VERY challenging.***
We have joined forces with BodyHoops, to provide these excellent, Advanced hoops for those upper level Hoopers who are ready to "go small."
These hoops are hand cut and shaped and should measure between 35-36 inches from outside edge to outside edge.
This hoop is wrapped with Midnight Black friction tape and Black Prismatic slick tape.
We offer Touch hoops in two other styles also: Teal/Blue friction tape with metallic Rainbow Holographic tape and Bright Orange friction tape with metallic Rainbow Holographic tape.
(Shipping cost for these hoops is $12, or 8.50 apiece when 2 or more are purchased.)