I picked up my first hoop when I was 7. A few years after that, I placed 5th in the World Championships! Yes, those competitions were very real– and really fun. After countless performances in stadiums, parks, and theaters large and small, I still love doing the tricks, getting some exercise, and teaching others how to have fun with hula hoops.
This trick is called “The Butterfly.” As with most tricks you’ll see me do, it took about three months to perfect this when I first started out. Practice, practice, practice. Now it’s one of my favorites, with a feeling of freedom and flight. If you see someone hula-hooping while walking and talking on the mobile, that’s likely me getting some exercise in the neighborhood. If you see me in the park practicing my tricks, come over and say hello– or join me for a lesson and burn some calories the fun way! See my 1-minute hula-hooping reel below for an exciting overview of the many tricks you can learn.
HOW I MET YOUR FATHER, SEASON TWO
It’s hooping, spinning, flowing, twirling, rotating, circumnavegating. What else? It’s FUN!
Are we twins? Here I am with Christopher Lowell, “Jesse” on the hit show How I Met Your Father, just outside the HIMYF soundstage. We had some quality rehearsal time with the hoop, and I can say that not only is he a fabulous actor, but he also has great spinning skills. Watch season 2, episode 8, “Rewardishment,” on HULU, and you will see for yourself! And you might spot my work as his hula-hoop stunt double–a total joy to help “Jesse” master the Vertical Lasso Catch and Release.
This closer shot mirrors one I have (and cherish) of myself with Fred Rogers, from one of the shows I did with him on his iconic, much-loved TV show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Thank you, Chris! This shot will now remind me of my great times on HIMYF and also of the honor I had in getting to know the one-of-a-kind Fred Rogers.
This is my hula-hoops reel, with highlights of me doing some of my favorite tricks.
Directed by Frank Elmore in 3D. And if you don’t have the glasses, try the 2D version below.
This video was taken LIVE onstage at the Avalon in Hollywood, California.