Join us for the 11th annual Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat August 6-9, 2026 for an unforgettable weekend!
Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat
2026 Workshops & Instructors
2026 Instructor Line-Up
Click through each name to learn more about each of our instructors and the workshops they are offering.
Jennifer Dennehy
Born in Buffalo, NY Jennifer began her dance training at the age of 3. Trained in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, African, hip-hop, hoop and creative dance. She hold a BA in Psychology from Mercyhurst College. Trained in Creative Dance @ LUNA Dance’s Summer Institute in Berkeley, CA. For the past 14 years Jennifer has danced with the oldest professional dance company in Erie, PA, Dafmark Dance Theater. She teaches 6-10 weekly dance classes in Erie and is a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Rostered Teaching Artist. Jennifer was awarded the 2015 Bruce Morton Wright Artist of the Year Award and received an Artist Fellowship from Erie Arts & Culture in 2018. She is currently the Community Outreach Programs Director at Dafmark Dance Theater where she created, designed and implements a year round after school arts program that has served over 100 youth annually who live in public housing since 2021.
Jennifer is an internationally recognized hoop dance performer and teaching artist. She has performed and taught in across the US, Peru, India, The Netherlands, Canada, and Germany. In January 2019 Jennifer traveled to New Diehl, India to teach hoop dance and a piece from her repertoire at Neeti’s Dance Studio ran by Neeti Ahuja. When Neeti was asked why she wanted to bring Jennifer to teach her students she said “Jennifer is a great artist with outstanding skills and innovative concepts of choreography. There are very few people who can combine dance with hoop and fuse a rhythmic routine, Jennifer is one of them.”
Jennifer works with various schools to connect dance education with curricular goals of reading, writing, science, and/or math. She also works with various social service organizations and community centers to bring dance to under-resourced communities. She specializes in bringing dance to all people regardless of age, ability or socio-economic status. She develops customized programs to address the educational, physical, and social/emotional goals for schools, community centers and social service organizations.
Classes:
Let’s Learn Some Choreography: (Hoop Workshop – All levels)
Morning Movement Warm-Up (No Prop)
Creative Dance for All
Jenny Wags
I am a Flow Obsessed, Juggling, Hoop Addict spreading my love of hula hoops. And I love yoga. So I combined the two and created YogaRoundNow, where your hula hoop will become not just your favorite dance partner, but your favorite yoga buddy. Try a class and experience how this beautiful plastic circle can support you in your practice whether it be helping you find your balance, alignment, or encouraging smooth somatic movement. I’ve been hula hooping since 2011 and when I received my 500HR yoga certification in 2021, I recognized the full circle connection. I hope you join me in getting outta your head and into your hoop at Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat!
Classes:
YogaRoundNow
Kaitlin Robinson
I am a Flow Obsessed, Juggling, Hoop Addict spreading the love of flow wherever I go!
Originally from Louisiana but in and out of Michigan for the last 11 years.
I fell in love with hooping while being surrounded by the (LED) hoop troupe at my first festival, Electric Forest 2015.
The summer 2016 I became a hooper.
Poi was my second love come 2018 leading to a want to manipulate it all!
In 2019 I started Performing at festivals across the US & began my juggling journey. I have been teaching flowarts at festivals and events since 2021.
Flowarts has became my biggest passion it has brought so much joy and confidence into my life. It’s a mission of mine to show others they very much can too💜
Classes:
Building Boxes
Throwing Elbows
Quads Are Just…Double Doubles!
Sophie (Squeaky) Camden
Sophie aka Squeaky is a 3rd grade teacher by day and clown 24/7. She fell in love with flow about 10 years ago (around age 15) with hoops but please don’t watch her hoop she’s not very good. But, she does invite you to watch her juggle! She learned to juggle 4 years ago and hasn’t ever stopped! She believes she can teach anyone to juggle! And even more importantly how to be a silly clown!
Classes:
Juggling 101
Down to Clown?
Jae Cosmic
Jae started her flow arts journey as a form of therapy in 2020 and quickly fell in love with prop dancing and fire manipulation. In 2022, she decided to follow her dreams and pursue performing full time. She loves being a part of the magic that makes an event memorable. Putting on a show that is both fresh and unique, her goal is to entrance an audience and pull forth emotion through her movement. Her passion for flow arts and performing drives her to always continue working on her knowledge and skill set. Her hope is that by teaching and sharing her art, she can help to inspire others to do the same.
Classes:
Intro to Fans
FANtastic Combos
Shoulder, Hip, hip, Hooray! Fan Reels
Aurora Star
Aurora Star, aka Remy, is a multi-disciplinary flow artist, insured fire performer, and aerial enthusiast, known for her levitation wand. She began delving into flow and prop manipulation in 2018 with leviwand, and has since become a lover of hoop, staff, silk props, and more! Remy has fostered a life-long passion for performing, starting with dance and acting as a child. She began performing as a flow artist in 2019, and attending and teaching at flow festivals in 2021. Remy is an enthusiastic member of the Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat planning committee and has returned as a resident instructor every year since ‘21. She is also proud to be a part of the GLF Festival team as their stage manager for the instructor showcase. In her spare time she designs and sews performance wear/costumes, performs, practices new skills, and loves spending time with family and friends. Besides theatre, dance, and costume design, she is also passionate about intersectional feminism, racial justice, and radical reform.
Classes:
Beginner Levi Wand
Braid Buddy
Head 2 Toe Hoop Dance
Deer Woman
Classes:
Total Isolation
Triple Hoop Foundations
Colleen DeLacy
Colleen, aka Emerald Hooper, is a Michigan native who began hooping in December 2014. With a lifelong love of music, dance, and movement, hooping helped her reconnect with the creative part of herself that had been pushed aside by career and life. Since first arriving at Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat, Colleen has never missed a year. From the moment her feet hit the ground at retreat until she leaves on Sunday, she is already yearning to come back. MHDR has become a place of connection, growth, play, and community — a place that continues to remind her who she is and who she is still becoming. Known for organizing chaos, managing mayhem, and somehow having a kit for everything, Colleen brings heart, humor, and behind-the-scenes support to the retreat. While she is not a professional performer or instructor, she is deeply passionate about the community and the work that goes into making MHDR feel like home year after year. Each year, she hopes to help hold the magic together — while also remembering to sit down, breathe, and enjoy it.The Wisdom We Carry
Kay Rockafellow
Hi hey hello. My name is Kay also known as Fluid Unity. I am a 9 years seasoned diverse circus arts performer and I absolutely LOVE that I can create things for others to enjoy. I dabble in Hula Hoop, Fire Spinning , Fire Eating , Fire Bubbles, Dragon Staff, Juggling, Silk Fans, Hammock, Lyra, Pole, Acro Yoga, Contortion the list goes on whatever I can get my hands on I will do. Not only do I perform but I also teach a number of classes such as Hula Hoop Fitness, Acro Yoga, Fire Eating, Pole, and chair and absolutely cannot wait to share the classes I have for you this year.
Classes:
Intro to Fire Palm Torches
Get Into It (Single Hoop)
Flow Into Acro with Kay & Jovann
Jovann Burgos
Juune Bugg is a sassy and sultry queer performer from Michigan.
Rhyna Simmers
Hey! My name is Rhyna. Flow artist as Sunny Dayze. I started my flow journey with yoga in 2015, taking classes and eventually getting my teaching certification in 2023. I have been hooping since the pandemic of 2020 shut out world temporarily down and I haven’t stopped since! My Native American ancestry via my tribe, the Catawba, has inspired me recently to incorporate Native hoop dance in my flow. I am very passionate about educating others and learning together as we live and flow and I am so excited to work with you soon!
Classes:
Full Body Locks
Draw A Flow
Gentle Morning Flow Yoga
Nicole Raye
Nicole Raye
Hoop Dance Artist | Instructor | Founder of MO Movement & Music LLC
Nicole Raye is a seasoned hoop dance performer, instructor, and community builder based in Missouri. She began her hoop journey in 2012 and has been teaching since 2014, offering classes, workshops, and jams that welcome all ages and experience levels. As the founder of MO Movement & Music LLC and the lead of the family performance troupe Flow Raye Me, Nicole blends expressive hoop dance with storytelling, theatricality, and musicality.
Nicole is also the organizer of World Hoop Day Missouri, a free annual event focused on inclusivity, movement, and connection through the flow arts. She has taught and performed across the U.S. and in Mexico, sharing her playful, heart-led style everywhere she goes. Whether she’s teaching a quirky combo, leading a group choreography, or clowning around mid-spin, Nicole’s mission is to create joyful spaces where people can move freely, express fully, and belong completely.
Follow her journey: @nicoleraye.mo
Classes:
Double Trouble Hoopography
Camp Games
Community Life And Play
Becky Smith
Hello, I’m Becky! I have photographic proof of my coming to MHDR since 2020, but it feels like I’ve been coming the whole time. You’ll still find me behind the camera capturing your best hoop moments, but this year I’m also leading Make Yourself Smile, a card making workshop where we’ll play with paper and make something joyful together.
Classes:
Make Yourself Smile – Card Making
Missy Cooke
Founder and host of the Michigan Hoop Dance Retreat, Missy Cooke is a teaching artist, fire dancer, and all-around creative from Mid-Michigan. She has been practicing movement arts in various forms since 1996.
Classes:
3 Rules of Hoop PEACE
Fancy Pickups
Chrys
Class:
Protecting Your Peace
MHDR2026 Agenda
Click through each workshop for a description of what you can expect to learn.
Hoop Classes
2 Hoops 1 Hand
Instructor: Jovann Burgos
Building Boxes (with circles)
Instructor: Kaitlin Robinson
Double Trouble Hoopography
Instructor: Nicole Raye
In this double hoop choreography workshop, we’ll use clear 8-count phrasing to build a cohesive, performance-ready sequence. This class focuses on connecting movements smoothly, understanding musical timing, and creating transitions that feel intentional and clean.
We’ll layer foundational double hoop patterns into a structured combination that’s broken down step-by-step, drilled, and then woven together. The goal is to move beyond isolated tricks and into confident, controlled flow.
Expect repetition, encouragement, and space to make the choreography your own.
Prerequisite: Comfort with basic double hoop foundations.
Draw A Flow
Instructor: Rhyna Simmers
In this class we will draw from a jar of 10-15 “commonly” used hoop tricks that we curate together as a class team to put together 1-2 new flows for your own use. Let’s get silly and creative!
Fancy Pickups
Instructor: Missy Cooke
Looking for something cool to add to your latest choreography? Wanna make a mistake look like you did it on purpose? Back aching from picking up dropped hoops?
Learn several ways to pick up your hoops without bending over. These are great for choreographies, when you’re drilling tricks, or to recover after a mistake.
Full Body Locks
Instructor: Rhyna Simmers
In this class we will pick up 2-6 hoops, some provided, to learn on body locks. After learning a few locks we will discuss ways to incorporate these into your flow with sassy embellishments that will leave your audience jaw dropped.
Get Into It
Instructor: Kay Rockafellow
Head 2 Toe Hoop Dance
Instructor: Aurora Star
Let's Learn Some Choreography
Instructor: Jennifer Dennehy
Quads are just.. Double Doubles!
Instructor: Kaitlin Robinson
Throwing Elbows
Instructor: Kaitlin Robinson
Total Isolation
Instructor: Deer Woman
Triple Hoop Foundations
Instructor: Deer Woman
Ready to add another hoop (or two) to your flow? This workshop is all about getting comfortable with three hoops and building confidence with the fundamentals of triple hoop tech. We’ll explore foundational patterns, transitions, timing, and coordination while breaking movements down into approachable, bite-sized pieces.
Whether you’re brand new to triple hoops or looking to clean up your technique, this class is designed to help you feel more comfortable, more capable, and more playful with three hoops. Come ready to challenge your brain, laugh through the tangles, and discover just how fun triple hooping can be!
Auxiliary Flow
Beginner LeviWand
Instructor: Aurora Star
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.
Down to Clown?
Instructor: Sophie (Squaky) Camden
Want to be a silly clown? Want to add some whimsy to your life? Come hear what Clowning means to Squeaky and let’s create a safe place to be as silly as you want! Also you will walk away with a free squeaker to make life a little bit Squeakier!
FANtastic Combos
Instructor: Jae Cosmic
Intro to Fans
Instructor: Jae Cosmic
Juggling 101
Instructor: Sophie (Squeaky) Camden
Have you always thought juggling was so cool? Have you ever thought “I wish I could do that?” Well Squeaky is here to make all your juggling dreams come true! Come learn the basics of juggling! No experience is necessary, all that is needed is an open mind and willingness to try!
Shoulder, Hip, Hip, Hooray! Fan Reels
Instructor: Jae Cosmic
Dance & Stretch Flow
Creative Dance for All
Instructor: Jennifer 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. A great opportunity to meet and connect with the other MHDR attendees!
Flow into Acro with Kay and Jovann
Instructor: Kay Rockafellow & Jovann Burgos
In this class we will be starting in a guided partner stretch and then move on to learning acro moves such as bird, Assisted Cartwheel, Whale and more that we can incorporate into a sequence that we can use while performing .Be prepared to dance and play with others as we make shapes and magic in this fun filled class.
Gentle Morning Flow Yoga
Instructor: Rhyna Simmers
Let’s wake up and stretch our bodies! This gentle morning flow will allow us to tap into our bodies, hearts, and mindfulness as we stretch and set up an intention for our day.
Morning Movement
Instructor: Jennifer Dennehy
This is a feel good way to enter the day. 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 and get ready for all the movement of the day.
YogaRound Now
Instructor: Jenny Wags
This class is beginner friendly, where you can expect slow movements to softly stretch the body and gear you up for the rest of your active day. Join me to slow it down, breathe, and find a yoga practice where we will use our hula hoops to support our movement. Feel free to bring a yoga mat or practice on the grass.
Wisdom Talks
3 Rules of Hoop PEACE
Instructor: Missy Cooke
I’ve been teaching the 3 Rules of Hoop PEACE at hooping events for over 10 years. Somewhere along the way, I started applying those same rules to my everyday life. It wasn’t intentional; it was more of a slow “aha!” that unfolded over time. Eventually, I realized that everything I ever needed to know about life, I learned while playing with hula hoops.
These three simple rules have become the foundation of my hooping journey. They’ve helped me unlock more tricks, more flow, and more confidence than I ever imagined possible. But, more importantly, they’ve helped me connect with myself – my inner wisdom, my compass, and my direction.
If these principles can transform the way we move, what can they do for the way we live? Join me as we explore the 3 Rules of Hoop PEACE and discover simple, playful lessons that can help you create a more peaceful, grounded, and intentional life.
Your life can be more PEACEful. Come find out how!
Community, Life and Play
Instructor: Nicole Raye
Community, Life, and Play is an interactive workshop designed to bring people together through laughter, reflection, meaningful conversation, and shared experiences.
We’ll explore what it means to build authentic community using a mix of engaging group games, call-and-response activities, and hands-on experiences.
This workshop creates space for connection, curiosity, and belonging. Come ready to participate, share your perspective, and leave with new insights and a renewed sense of community.
Make Yourself Smile
Instructor: Becky Smith
Make a card. Mail it to yourself. Smile later. In this 30-minute workshop, you’ll design your own “Hello” card — choose your greeting, pick your colors, and layer them into a little piece of art that’s all yours. Then write yourself an encouraging note, address it, stamp it, and let it go. Two months from now, when the retreat glow has faded, your card will show up in your mailbox with your own words waiting inside. No experience needed. Just come play.
Protecting Your Peace
Instructor: Chrys Jenson
Protecting Your Peace is an act of intention and self-leadership. This interactive workshop invites participants to explore what it means to create healthy boundaries, navigate difficult relationships, and gracefully respond to life’s challenges without getting lost in the process.
Together, we’ll explore how to honor our values, care for our well-being, and show up authentically for ourselves and our communities.
Come ready to reflect, connect, and leave with strategies you can use to protect your peace long after the workshop ends.
The Wisdom We Carry: A Community Conversation
Instructor: Colleen DeLacy
Fire Stuff
Fire Hooping 101
Instructor: Jovann Burgos
I will be going over fire safety including safety equipment, fuel, clothing, etc. I will be teaching beginner/basic hoop moves that are a little intimidating for someone new to spinning fire, as well as teaching a full sequence
Experience: Beginner and intermediate hoopers!
Intro to Fire Palm Torches
Instructor: Kay Rockafellow
Beginner/intermediate
(You will need your own palm torches but if you want to practice without you are more than welcome to join.)
In this class I will be teaching you a dance routine you can do with palm torches that’s very sassy and sexy. We will be learning fun creative ways to light each palm torch while beginning your performance and we will also be using all our space in this class to create a very dance based act expect a lot of floor work and sensual movements as we move and groove to feel confident in performing with palm torches.
Events You Don’t Want to Miss!
All Camp Flow Jam
Join us for an all camp opening flow jam. Let’s reconnect with our hoops, our bodies, and each other in music, dance, and movement.
Braid Buddy
Host: 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.
Closing Circle
Host: 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.
Camp Games
Host: Nicole Raye
Come get in the camp spirit with Nicole Raye! MHDR is all about fun & games and we’ve got the best ice breakers for you. Say hello to old friends, meet new attendees and laugh until your belly hurts!
Friday Night Fancy
Host: Mya & Remy
Mya & Remy bring the sass as they kick off an unforgettable evening of performance! Friday Night Fancy showcases our instructors, staff, and seasoned hoopers as they light up the stage with polished, creative, and inspiring performances. Expect big moments, bold artistry, and plenty of hoop magic you won’t see anywhere else.
Karaoke
Host: Remy & Mya
Ready to share what you’ve got? Join Remy & Mya for Karaoke and show tunes. You don’t want to miss this!
Meet the Family
Meet the old (and new!) members of our hoop fam, play some fun intro games, and get to know your campmates for the weekend. Wear your play clothes. You never know what will happen when family gets together!
Pot Lock Brunch
Back by popular demand: the Sunday Potluck Brunch! 🥐☕
It’s been a few years, but this fan favorite is finally making its return. Join us Sunday for a laid-back, community-style meal. Some bring fresh, homemade dishes, others offer up weekend leftovers—and everyone brings good vibes. It’s the perfect way to relax, connect, and share a few last memories before we say goodbye for the year.
Saturday Spectacular
Host: Missy & Colleen
Everyone starts somewhere, and Saturday Spectacular is all about celebrating the courage to share your flow! Whether it’s your very first performance or you’re simply looking for a fun, supportive space to try something new, this showcase is for you. Cheer on your fellow MHDR hoopers as they step into the spotlight, celebrate their progress, and remind us that the magic is in showing up.