A hula-volution

By: Jeannette de Beauvoir, August 10, 2011

courtesy Madison Orange - Combining the hula hoop with her burlesque act, Orange proves that hooping is not just for kids anymore.

We’ve all seen hula-hoops, usually in movies that took place in the 50's. But that simple circular toy is currently enjoying a renaissance: these days, hula-hoops are part of a generation that values both fitness and fun.

According to hula artist Madison Orange of Provincetown, we’re on the cusp of a very colorful revolution.

“It’s tomorrow’s yoga,” she says. “It’s upbeat, fits a sort of bohemian lifestyle, and meshes body and soul. And it’s fun!”

The East Coast has been slower to respond to the benefits of the hula-rution than Californians, she says.

“It’s huge out there,” says Orange, who hails from Southern California and will soon be on her way to a hoop camp in Santa Cruz. “There are more hoop classes in L.A. than yoga classes now. And that’s where we’ll be in a few years, too.”

So what changed the plastic Whammo hoops of yesteryear into the beautifully decorated and popular hoops enjoyed by adults today? 

“Here’s what happened,” Orange explains. “Only kids used to use them, because they weren’t properly weighted. But then, in the mid-90’s, a band called the String Cheese Incident created these oversized hoops, and during a festival they threw them out into the crowd. One of the girls who picked them up that day was my teacher.”

(R)evolutionary fitness

Now a certified Hoop Revolution instructor, Orange is delighted to pass her skills on to others. She can be seen every Monday from 5-6 PM at the Bas-Relief Park in Provincetown, providing free “hoop jams” to whoever comes by.

Orange also offers a class on Tuesday from 7-8pm at the Provincetown Community Center.

A class involves some of the same patterns you’ll see in other fitness activities, starting with stretches and warm-ups, teaching specific tricks, going through a choreographed routine, then a cool-down with more stretches.

“It’s an excellent workout,” Madison says. “I’ll tell you that at the end of class most of my students are pretty exhausted! It’s a little like lifting weights … all over your body!”

In addition to its fitness benefits, hula hoops can be a form of artistic expression in themselves, says Orange, who makes custom hoops from vibrant colors, specified for particular people.

Want one? All you have to do is send Madison your height and favorite color, and for between $25 and $40 you’ll have your own custom-made hula-hoop! (see below for details)

An open mind... and flexible hips

“I started out in life pretty open-minded,” says Orange. “I’m the daughter of a gay single mom, and that gave me a certain outlook, a willingness to try new things. I’m really a gypsy in a lot of ways. I was 16 when I was at a music festival and saw some girls hooping, and I fell in love with it right away.”

The moves came to Orange naturally. A born dancer, she performs solo and with bands—and also teaches pole dancing, fire dancing, burlesque, and other forms of expressive movement and alternative dance.

“I’ve always been amazing at tricks and dance moves,” she says. “But with what I’m doing now, they have a context.

To contact Madison Orange:

909.451.3626

dramadison@gmail.com

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