Super Hoop Lover - Melichan

[HOOPLOVERS]

Introducing Melissa a member of the Tokyo Hoop Stars. This super hooper is currently hanging out in San Francisco but began her hoop adventures here in Tokyo. Always a pleasure to spin with, her moves are as funky and lively as her personality, a perfect combo.

Name/Stage Name: Melissa / Melichan

Location: San Francisco, CA / Tokyo, Japan

How did your Hoop journey begin? After reading Deanne's blog, I was fascinated and wanted to find out more, so with a couple of friends I headed to Yoyogi Park for a hoop jam. I've never looked back!!

What color was your first hoop? The hoop I would borrow from Deanne was pink and purple (this should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me), but the first hoop I purchased for myself was black, purple, and glittery gold.

Describe Hoop Dance in 25 words or less... The same as any other kind of dance, only more fun and creative, plus you have a built-in partner!

How has hooping rocked your world? It's taught me that I can be athletic, you can absolutely teach an old dog new tricks, and has introduced me to some of the most amazing people ever!!

What are your signature Hoop moves? BOOTY BUMP!!! And just dancing with my hoop.

What are your Hoop Dance goals? I'd love to be able to do more performing in the future and possibly become certified as a hoop instructor, but for the near future I'm just happy to continue practicing on my own and rocking out to my favorite tunes on a regular basis!

What or who inspires you to continue your Hoop Journey? The way I feel during and after a good hoop session -- the hooping high is just inimitable.

Do you have any cool/funny/interesting/unsettling/scary hoop related stories? Deanne and I decided that when one of our favorite DJs, Kaskade, was coming to Japan, we should be performing on stage with him. We tried desperately to get in touch with his people, but it didn't end up working out. When he performed in Kyoto and came out after he finished his set, I chatted with him and told him how much we wanted to hoop on stage with him. He was absolutely adorable and so willing to chat with me. A few months later, D sent me a link to someone's blog. Apparently she was hanging out with Kaskade and he told her the story about the girl in Japan who came up to him and wanted to hoop on stage with him. A few of the details seemed to get lost in there (for some reason she thought I was Japanese), but anyway, it was pretty exciting not only to meet one of my favorite DJs of all time, but also to make it into his anecdotes from his trip to Japan, all thanks to hooping!!!


Light filled swirls


Spinning to an SF sunset


Sunny spinning

[Aimee]

I love your story about the DJ! And you look so happy in the last photo... it perfectly captures the feeling of hooping. :)