
Join us for the 10th annual Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat August 7-10, 2025 for an unforgettable weekend!
Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat
2024 Workshops & Instructors
2024 Instructor Line-Up
Click through each name to learn more about each of our instructors and the workshops they are offering.
Kris MJ
Chrys is the Owner of Equity Homestead, a faithful vendor at MHDR every year. They are a Gender Fluid, Biracial Millenial that loves all things Diversity and Inclusion, as well as all thing sustainability and eco friendly! They are here to help MHDR remain a safe space for all humans and wildlife alike! Find them vending at vendors row, or teaching the yearly twerkshop! If you see them make sure to say hello!
Classes/Events:
Twerkshop
Inclusivity & Diversity
Karaoke
Mya Crampton
Mya, otherwise known as Deer Woman, is a multi-prop instructor and performer, fire artist, and aerialist. Her flow arts journey began in 2018 with a single hoop, and has since expanded to multi-hoops, silk fans, leviwand, aerial arts, and pretty much any other prop she can get her hands on. Mya finds joy in connecting with other artists in the community through skill sharing and flow jams. Beyond this she works with Michigan Entertainment and Talent, Detroit Circus, and Flames ‘n’ Dames. Currently located in Michigan, Mya is proud to be on the organization team for Flow and Grow and Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat!
Classes:
S-Relation Sequence for Fans
Total Isolation (Doubles Edition)
Lip Sync Smackdown
History of Flow Arts
Aurora Star - Remy Darnell
Classes/Events:
Beginner Levi
Iso Pops & Extensions
Recovery Moves
Lip Sync Smackdown
Braid Buddy
Missy Cooke
While you may know her as the host of MHDR, Missy’s journey through movement arts began almost 30 years ago. Long before hooping and the flow arts stole her heart, she was rocking color guard, marching band beats, and throwing kicks in martial arts. As a hooper and fire dancer, Missy has dedicated herself to helping women and children rediscover their personal power through the enchantment of play.
In 2014, Missy founded Lansing Hoops, spreading the joy of hoop dance through school assemblies, team-building, and community events. As host of the Mid-Michigan flow jam for many years, as well as a seasoned teaching artist, she has taught thousands of people across Michigan and the Midwest how to hoop.
Recognizing the need for a deeper connection among hoop dancers statewide, Missy launched the Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat in 2015. This annual 4-day event brings together hoop and dance lovers to share in skill workshops, fire spinning, summer camp fun and friendship, fostering connections and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression across the Michigan flow arts community (and beyond!).
As a fire dancer, Missy has made a commitment to sustainable fire spinning practices. Her innovative tool, The Fuel Funnel, earned a prestigious Chris Clark Fellowship from the Lansing Arts Council to pursue production and has been used as a spin-off alternative at fire circles across the country since 2020. The Fuel Funnel is lightweight, portable, and oh-so-reusable—a game-changer for eco-friendly fire dancers everywhere!
Whether she’s spinning hoops, dancing with fire, or fostering community bonds, Missy’s love for movement and play is infectious. Catch her at the next retreat and join in on the fun!
Classes:
Make Your Own Hoop
Shifts, Switches, Flips, & Folds
Intro to Fire
Reflections on MHDR
Astro - Andrea Suto
Astro loves all creative and expressive movement. Since 2018, she has been exploring various forms of circus, flow, skating and performance art, but her main loves have been aerial hoop (lyra) and dance hoop. She completed hoola-fit and cirqfit teacher trainings in 2021, led a school hoop club, and taught at her first festival in 2023. Astro loves teaching because it builds a sense of community, and allows her to share her passion in a way that encourages others to explore their connection to themselves and their prop!
Classes:
Exploring Escalators
Hoop Homies
Thumbs Up
Community Choreography
Megan Dupuy
Megan is a Professional Facilitator in Strength Training, Yoga, Nutrition, Mindfulness, and more, living in Western Michigan.
She’s an ISSA Elite Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor, and a leader in West Michigan’s Wellness Community. She Frequently holds events, retreat weekends & guest lectures on topics such as Mindfulness, Fitness, Yoga, Nutrition, Nature Therapy, and Self Care.
Fitness has been prominent in her life for over 15 years now. The apex came in 2020, when she went through a major transformation, losing 40 pounds herself! Her Motto being – “Done is Better than Perfect!” Coach Megan specializes in online/zoom weight loss strategies for busy people, so her clients can reach goals without spending hours upon hours in the gym each week.
Try out Coach Megan’s signature virtual fitness program: https://bit.ly/FitForLife20
Classes:
Cultivate Balance
Cultivate Joy
Cultivate Wisdom
Spaces
Classes/Events:
How To Find Your Unique Voice In A World Where Everyone Is Screaming To Be Heard
Flyer Than A G6: How Understanding Planes Can Level Up Your Flow
Harnessing Imagination through Flow Arts
Letter to Self 2.0
Steve
Steve & her hoops is one of the most exciting circus acts you’ll see in the mid-west. She specializes in 2 to 4 hula-hoops; preferring to work with LEDs if possible! She is also a seasoned fire performer, and an emerging aerial acrobat of multiple disciplines. Steve has been hooping for a decade, and in her free time likes to play outside, pet cats, and bake cakes.
Classes:
Intro to Circus Style Multiples
The Economics of Self Worth
Body Care for Movement Artists
Camp Games
Kim Bell
Kim has a background in hip hop dance and is passionate about flow arts including but not limited to hoops, fans, and acro yoga. She feels like movement is a very important aspect of life and that it creates an opportunity to integrate wellness and knowledge into our bodies so that it can transform into wisdom, growth and healing. She is grateful for an opportunity to share this passion with the community and hopes to inspire others to explore movement in new ways.
Classes:
Body Isolations
The Power of NO!
Regulation Station
Jennifer Dennehy
Born in Buffalo, NY Jennifer has been dancing for 34 years. Trained in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, African, hip-hop, creative dance, hoop dance and Cyr wheel. She holds a BA in Psychology from Mercyhurst College. Trained in Creative Dance @ Luna Dance Institute in Berkeley, CA and attended graduate courses in Education from Edinboro University.
About Jennifer’s work:
– internationally recognized performing and teaching artist (throughout the US, Internationally: Peru, India, Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany)
– 10 year company member of Dafmark Dance Theater
– teaches 26 weekly hoop and creative dance classes in Erie, PA,
– Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Rostered Teaching Artist,
– CEO & Lead Teaching Artist for Kinetic Creativity
– General manager of Dafmark Dance Theater
– Program Director at Dafmark Creative Arts Center
– Founder and artistic director at Lake Effect Hoop Troop
Areas of specialty within dance:
– Hoop dance: Technique, Flow, Dance Fusion, hoop choreography
– Teaching Education Standards (math, science, writing) through dance/hoop
in schools.
– Teaching dance to individuals with Parkinson’s and Dementia
– Multigenerational dance
– Teaching dance to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities
– Choreography
Classes:
These Are A Few of My Favorite Things
Hoop Dance Choreography & Repertoire
Morning Movement
Creative Dance for All
Hooper of Kirkland - Alex Goodlad
Alex, otherwise known as Hooper of Kirkwood, is an Indiana-based flow artist/flow arts insturctor/performer. Their journey with flow arts started in 2017 with…you guessed it…randomly trying out a hoop! They currently specialize in circus multihooping, including both classic onbody hooping and the more recent phenomenon of hoop juggling. Hooper of Kirkwood is passionate about instructing and performing because they love to push the envelope of what is possible through years of hardcore practice.They are currently employed by Inferno Vortex; and have had the opportunity to perform at Spencer, Indiana PRIDE, Carpe Diem, FlowFest Midwest, and very recently Flow and Grow. Outside of performing/instructor, Hooper of Kirkwood enjoys the thrill of mathematics, and solving problems in that field that are harder than the tricks that they recklessly try to execute on stage!
Classes:
Hoop Physics
Intro to Plane Juggling
Kickstart 101
Marley Phillips
Florida grown. Now, a Michigan transplant deeply rooted for 2 years. Connecting with the Michigan flow community since 2018, Marley is proud to call the mitten home. They have a decade of experience in poi manipulation accumulated. “It is time to share this art more intimately.”
Classes:
Exploration of Stalls & Pendulums
Exploration of Flowers
Exploration of Hybrids
Camp Games
Kes Nagler
Kes has been flowing with intention since 2016. Hoops are her jam but she has dabbled a bit in poi and fans, and wants to explore dragon staff and double staves! She’s moved away from tech in recent years and more into a free-form flow utilizing little mistakes to try new things. She is an elementary school teacher by day, a huge sci-fi nerd and a weeb, and has three cats lovingly named The Doctor, River Song, and Vashta (Nerada). Ask her about them and you will be flooded with photos!
Classes/Contributions:
Hooping With the Senses
Recycling
Emma Synnestvedt

Classes:
Wraps & Rolls
Vendor Row
MHDR2024 Workshops
Descriptions Coming Soon!

Click through each workshop for a description of what you can expect to learn.
Hoop Classes
Community Choreography
Instructor: Astro
Community Choreography
Bring your favorite tricks starting with the letters M, H, D, R and work as a group to inspire flow and build choreography. Andrea will act as a guide, create a flexible structure and share ideas, but this session is designed to promote skill sharing, creative thinking, and community building. We will aim to create one hoop sequence as a group and have some time for additional exploration. All levels welcome!
Exploring Escalators
Instructor: Astro
Starting from the basics and working our way up (and down) to different variations on one of my favorite ticks! Learn why these work and discover your favorite variation, entrance, or exit. Beginner friendly.
Flyer Than A G6: How Understanding Planes Can Level Up Your Flow
Instructor: Spaces
This workshop focuses on how grid theory and understanding planes can take your flow to the next level. Any prop, any skill and experience level is welcome. We will be taking things from the ground up and exploring some shapes together. Extra props will be provided if you want to try something new. Participants will leave with a new perspective on planes and grid theory, as well as several new drills to take home and practice.
Hoop Dance Choreography & Repertoire
Instructor: Jennifer Dennehy
This workshop will be dedicated to participants learning segments of repertoire from Jennifer’s extensive collection of choreographed hoop dance works. This year will include choreography from two new pieces of work created during the 2023-2024 year: Clear Water and Take It Slow. If time and interest allows we will then have a discussion about what choreography is and what some of the choreographic devices/tools are that choreographers use to create original works.
Hoop Homies
Instructor: Astro
Practicing consent as we pair up and explore hoop tricks. From mirroring each others moves, to sharing one hoop, this workshop will reimagine some foundational and fun tricks as we learn to flow with another person! Tricks will be taught based on student comfort and will mostly be off body. Beginner friendly. Knowledge of isolations and chest rolls will be helpful, but not required.
Hoop Physics
Instructor: Hooper of Kirkwood
Have you ever wondered how a hoop works?–as in, how does a hoop actually work…physically? How do we rationalize a hoop’s movement through the laws of motion in physics, and can we use that understanding to unlock new tricks? In this workshop, we first give a rundown of basic physics, and the forces that govern and determine the movement of a hoop. We show how much of what the hoop does that we take for granted and/or find magical can be rationalized using the laws of physics. And then we use this knowledge to learn various walk the dog and chest roll variations I personally discovered through thinking carefully about these principles of #hoopphysics.
Hooping With The Senses
Instructor: Kes Nagler
In this class we will activate the different senses and get creative with our flow. How do you hoop to the smell of bread baking? The sound of rain on the roof? The sight of a dazzling sunset? The beating of your own heart?
Intro to Circus Style Multiples
Instructor: Steve
Want to learn how to hoop in ways that make people ask why you’re doing it, rather than how??? This is the class for you! Steve will take you through the conceptual building blocks of circus hooping as she understands it. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, and brainstorm ideas during this interactive and exploratory session. Best suited for hoopers already comfortable using 2-hoops in one hand, or with a strong leg-hooping practice.
Intro to Plane Juggling
Instructor: Hooper of Kirkwood
Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with juggling (with hoops or anything else)
In this workshop, we’ll learn to juggle three hoops in all the different planes, i.e. wheel plane, wall plane, and pizza toss (aka horizontal) plane. And if there’s time, we may even go over some wacky plans like diagonal plane. We’ll mainly center this workshop around the 3 object cascade in the different planes, though as time allows, we may go over the reverse cascade. For each plane, we’ll learn this by starting with a 2 ball hoop drills to practice the mechanics of the cascade followed by the practice of doing a cascade for as many cycles as possible.
Iso Pops & Extensions
Instructor: Remy Darnell
Make your flow POP! In this class we will begin with an Iso-pop, and work our way through variations involving plane changes, speed, and direction. Our goal is to expand on a single move and explore the many ways we can change it to diversify its use in our flow.
Kickstart 101
Instructor: Hooper of Kirkwood
Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with knee hooping
To kick start this workshop, we’ll drill some knee hooping fundamentals and I’ll give you some pointers that will refine and level up your knee hoop technique, regardless of what your skill level was prior to the workshop. We’ll then learn a few possible variations of the kickstart and break down the different standard ways to do it. We’ll break down the various ways to get the hoop spinning smoothly on your ankles so that it’s ready for that kickup, including ways of doing it that (believe it or not) WON’T bruise your ankle! Then I’ll break down the finishing touches of how to kick up the hoop (with either foot!) so that it elevates to your knee (or higher!) and stays spinning! As time allows, we’ll go over a few of the more advanced variations so that you’ll know where to level up next once you unlock the kickstart. And I can’t wait for you to leave that workshop with knowledge on how to get a hoop from off the ground to spinning on your body.
Make Your Own Hoop
Instructor: Missy
Decorate your own hoop to keep! There’s nothing quite like adding your own flair and personality to a hoop. First come first serve.
Saving The Day With Recovery Moves
Instructor: Remy Darnell
Hooping can be difficult when you’re beginning your flow journey. Dropping and throwing the hoop is part of the learning process but it can be frustrating. In this class we will learn some of my favorite basic tricks to get your hoop back from the ground and correct wonky momentum that can throw you off your groove!
Shifts, Switches, Flips & Folds
Instructor: Missy Cooke
This workshop will challenge the way you think about your hoop – how it moves through the air, the way it lands in your hands, and how you pass it around your body. Rather than focus on trick completion, this class emphasizes your ability to direct your hoop using momentum, breaks, and purposeful plane changes in order to create a fluid and uninterrupted state of flow that helps you glide effortlessly between tricks without thinking.
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things
Instructor: Jennifer Dennehy
In this workshop Jennifer will teach some of her favorite unique tricks and techniques that she has cultivated during her 14 years of practicing hoop dance. Participants will walk away with fun exciting techniques they can add to their flow.
Thumbs Up (Grip Changes)
Instructor: Astro
Exploring the thumb grip change and how it helps to transition and link tricks together. We will get a feel for this with one hoop in an infinity lasso, then apply it to a couple more technical doubles tricks, including a 3 beat weave. Prerequisite: 2 beat weave.
Total Isolation (Doubles Edition)
Instructor: Mya Crampton
Total Isolation (Doubles Edition) is a workshop focused on different ways we can incorporate isolations into double-hoop flow. We will explore variations of linear, horizontal, and floating isolations. This workshop is aimed towards intermediate hoopers and/or those who have beginner experience with double hoops.
Wraps & Rolls
Instructor: Emma Synnesvedt
Wraps and rolls are two fundamental types of moves for breaking planes and mixing up your flow! In this class, we will go over some basic wraps and rolls such as the chest and back roll, the chest roll pop, c rolls, k rolls, waist wraps, booty wraps, and more! No prerequisites are required for this class. We will end the class with a fun combo that utilizes some of the moves we learned.
Auxiliary Flow
Beginner Levitation Wand
Instructor: Remy Darnell
No prior experience or knowledge needed. This workshop introduces the basics of levitation wand to those who know nothing of levitation wand as well as those who are looking to polish their beginner wand flow. We will cover the basic anatomy of the leviwand, four foundation moves (floats, stalls, circles, and spins), and the use of levels to enhance your flow! A few wands will be available for participants to practice with but it is encouraged that participants bring their own.
Exploration of Stalls & Pendulums
Instructor: Marley Phillips
Poi focused but theory translates to other props. Learning the basics of stalls and how to create variety with and transition to other stalls. Covering the concept of 9 square grid and expanding the grid into a 3d cube 3x3x3 (16 grid is also works) how stalls can happen anywhere along these gridlines. The class is designed to have any experience level attend. I want to share these moves because they give me time to think when things get really hot in the fire circle.
Exploration of Flowers
Instructor: Marley Phillips
Poi focused but translates to other props. Covering in-spin and anti-spin flowers. “What is a petal?” “What is a triquetra (Mercedes)?” The contrast between continuous movement through the arm path and pausing briefly at each petal. Learning the basics of flowers and how to create variety and transition into other flower patterns by turning, using stalls, or pendulums. Experience level, any.
Exploration of Hybrids
Instructor: Marley Phillips
Poi focused but translates to other props. “What is a hybrid?” Teaching the basics of hybrids and how to create variety and transition in and out of several hybrids through turning, stalling or pendulums (maybe even some tosses). “What are caps?” What is a “1.5”? Cap vs pendulum, triquetra v pendulum, “what is a full extension?”, flower variations v full extension. Potentially expand on more advanced concepts by adding turning and reversing directions or introducing “ground plane” and exploring 3d space. Experience level is recommended to have attended at least one prior class or have existing knowledge of flow arts, intermediate-advanced. However, all welcome, will take some questions at the end for those needing more time.
Prop Mods For Your Rockin' Bod
Instructor: Colleen DeLacy
It’s not you, it’s your prop! Colleen is the queen of prop mods. Instead of trying to modify yourself to fit your prop, come learn how to modify your prop so it fits your body!
S-Relation Sequence For Fans
Instructor: Mya Crampton
In this intermediate workshop we will explore various moves in s-relation with Russian and/or tech-grip fans. Throughout the workshop we will build a coherent sequence that you can add to your flow, or you can pick and choose which moves resonate with you. Although this workshop is considered intermediate, all skill levels are encouraged and welcome to join; there will be intentional time for troubleshooting.
Dance & Stretch Flow
Body Isolations
Instructor: Kim Bell
This will be a prop-free dance isolation class where we will explore isolation techniques that can be incorporated with any flow prop. A body isolation is where we focus on one part of the body at a time in order to emphasis that movement. We will cover head to toe body isolations with a combination of break downs and or follow along choreography. Level up your performance by combining techy prop skills with techy body movement or fluid prop skills with fluid body movement.
Creative Dance for All
Instructor: Jennfier Dennehy
This workshop is to encourage people to explore moving their bodies in new ways. It is designed for people of any skill level, with or without previous dance experience. Creative dance is a fusion of the mastery of movement with the artistry of expression. Dive into dance exploring the elements of dance; space, time and force. This class will begin with the BrainDance as a warm-up followed by interactive explorations and improvisations. This is a great way to connect with others as there are partnering, small group and large group exercises.
Cultivate Balance
Instructor: Megan Dupuy
Beautiful & Challenging Yoga Class, Mini Yoga Nidra Session included
Cultivate Joy
Instructor: Megan Dupuy
World Beat Dance & Intuitive Movement With Props
Harnessing Imagination Through Flow Arts
Instructor: Spaces
Although prop manipulation is often the focus of a flow arts performance, overall stage presence comprises far more than our hoop related skills. Through a visualization and imagination based approach, join Spaces in exploring the place where character and body language intersect. Several team-based and individual activities will challenge participants to think outside the box with their flow. Guests will take home new practices for creativity that can be applied to their flow.
Morning Movement
Instructor: Jennifer Dennehy
This warm-up is inspired by the artistic director of Dafmark Dance Theater, Dafna Rathouse-Baier. These movements are some of the ways in which we as a dance company warm-up prior to rehearsals. It is a fusion of ballet, modern, yoga and Pilates. It is a fluid moving beautiful way to begin your day.
Twerkshop
Instructor: Chrys
Wisdom Talks
Body Care for Movement Artists
Instructor: Steve & Marley
Do you love your body? Do you feel you could know more about caring for your meat-suit as a movement artist? Then this class is for you! With over 7 lifetimes of pain, and suffering between them; Marley & Steve want to share their body-care expertise with you. Come learn some of our favorite techniques, and participate in discussion around the importance of caring for your physical being.
Braid Buddy
Instructor: Remy Darnell
Braiding hair can be a difficult skill to acquire without direction and practice, but never fear! In this class we will pair off/break into smaller groups and practice braiding on each other. We will go over a basic 3-strand braid, a French braid, a Dutch braid (also known as a corn row), a 2 strand twist, and a fishtail braid. I will also share tips, tricks, and techniques for tight braids that last.
Cultivate Wisdom
Instructor: Megan Dupuy
Self Compassion, Feminine Cycles, Plant Medicine Practices
The Economics of Self-Worth
Instructor: Steve
Spend some time with Steve pondering how we relate to ourselves compassionately in a capitalist society. Prerequisites? An open mind, and heart.
History of Flow Arts
Instructor: Mya Crampton
In this deep-dive into the history of flow and movement arts we will pay homage to the various cultures who created (or added to) the pastime we all know and love. We will explore the origins of hoop-dance, poi, staff, silk fans, and the cultural relevance to the peoples who created these prop-oriented styles of movement. Learning the origins and history of flow arts allows us to honor and respect those that brought these beautiful artforms into our world. The hope for this workshop is to expand our understanding of the cultural significance of our craft.
How To Find Your Unique Voice In A World Screaming To Be Heard
Instructor: Spaces
As artists, how do we align with our artistic identity when social media is constantly telling us who (or what) we should be? Spaces will guide guests through conversation and activities designed to help you develop a better understanding of your ideas, goals, and voice, and who you want to be as an artist
Inclusivity & Diversity DIscussion
Instructor: Chrys
Sit down with MHDR Inclusivity & Diversity Ambassador Chrys to discuss how we can improve and approach inclusivity and diversity in the flow community.
Letter to Self
Instructor: Spaces
The Power of NO!
Instructor: Kim Bell
This will be a discussion and reflection based workshop focused on boundaries and following our inner compass. We will explore what a F#$% Yes or No feels like and practice saying no even when it feels challenging. In today’s society, as flow artists, and or as people pleasers, saying no can be challenging. We can make listening to our bodies easier and only do the things that light us up and bring us joy. Bring your journal, if desired, and let’s learn to identify and express or true yeses and nos.
Regulation Station
Instructor: Kim Bell
Fire Stuff
Intro To Fire
Instructor: Missy Cooke
Are you interested in playing with fire but a little intimidated to jump straight into the circle at night? Join Missy as she explains the basics of fire spinning and how to stay safe. We’ll cover fire hoop basics, fleshing, and transfers all in the light of day and go over any individual questions you have about lighting up a prop for the first time.
Events You Don’t Want to Miss!
Camp Games
Host: Marley & Steve
Come get in the spirit with Marley & Steve! MHDR is all about fun & games and we’ve got the best ice breakers for you. Say hello to old friends and meet new attendees at our first ever camp games mixer!
All Camp Flow Jam
Join us at the fire circle for an all camp opening flow jam. Let’s reconnect with our hoops, our bodies, and each other in music, dance, and movement.
Fireside Chat
Host: Missy
Get to know MHDR friends new and old as we share stories of “how we got here”, what we have learned, and what’s on the horizon for the future of Michigan Hoop Dance.
Karaoke
Host: Chrys
Ready to share what you’ve got? Join Chrys for Karaoke and show tunes. You don’t want to miss this!
Meet the Family
Join your host, Missy Cooke and the rest of the MHDR team, to go over important info you’ll need to know for the weekend, meet the old (and new!) members of our hoop fam, and play some fun intro games. Wear your play clothes. You never know what will happen when family gets together!
Lip Sync Smack Down
Hosts: Remy & Mya
Returning for it’s second year, we have Mya and Remy’s fabulous LIP SYNC SMACKDOWN! Come lip sync the night away as a solo performer or a duo act. This activity is meant to feel silly and fun; it’s giving dance party in the living room with your cousins. Come to get goofy and lip sync the night away with your MHDR family.
Closing Circle
Leader: Missy
Join Missy as we reflect on our weekend and experiences and share in one last moment of caring, love, and kindness before we head back home.