Hoop Convergence 2011: Monday 12:34am

[For those of us who are not at Hoop Convergence, and the internet addicted who are, live blogging from the event continues and will run throughout the weekend with Hooping.org columnist Lara Eastburn.]

Previously posted: Friday 1:18am, Saturday 12:33am and Sunday 2:28am.

Today may have been the last full day of hoop convergence, but it was certainly not a day of leftovers! Even those who’d stayed up to the wee hours of the morning arose ready and raring to go, even if they weren’t the first to rise. The rest of us, first in line for breakfast, learned that the kitchen would be pulling out all the stops on this sunny (finally!) Sunday. They had planned a day of Thai-themed meals. The Mango Lassi, Strawberry Basil lemonade and brownies with fresh Chai-flavored whipped cream were clear highlights.

Malcolm Stuart arrived to his morning class in full makeup, armed with intense drills designed to increase the hooper’s awareness of, and comfort with, being seen and watched. Jewels’ workshop overflowed the tent and filled the clear blue sky with the hoops of those who came for her detailed breakdown of the art of twin hooping. But, once again, I was irresistibly drawn to the workshop led by two delectably charismatic Boston Hoop Troop-ers, Little L and Lollihoops, with the winning title “Storiography.” We were given roles to play while hooping to 30-60 second music clips. You’re a five year-old opening your Christmas presents, now a male, mustachioed photographer, now a student cramming for the SATs, now a horny driver forced to pull over for immediate satisfaction. Riotous, unbridled fun, and the best photos I got all weekend!

At lunch, we learned we were in for more than a culinary treat. Gail O’Brien and Emma Kerr would be hosting an impromptu workshop before dinner. So, after Marria Grace Kee’s full-to-the-brim Hooping Acrobatics and Valentina Unity’s Bellydance classes, every single hooper that had heard the call, surrounded the two UK spit-fires for some across-the-pond schoolin.’ These ladies define charisma, hands-down. And they are consummate entertainers. Gasps and cheers echoed throughout the entire camp, and when the dinner bell rang, I think the whole camp was ready to jump a plane to follow them home for more!

Meanwhile, Revolva was busy organizing everyone for the evening’s unscheduled “Renegade Show.” As I packed up as slowly as I could, folks were busy decking out the pavilion with lights. A yummy bass-heavy live band set up and started sound check. Even in these last hours, folks were putting on yet another costume and planning to enjoy every single, final second of our time together. I drove away just after the sun went down to begin my 2-day drive home … and could feel the music pulsing, see the sequins and body glitter reflecting the last light, hear the enthusiastic ‘goodbyes!’ calling after me, and could sense the deep satisfaction in my cheeks — giddily sore from 78 straight hours of smiling. And okay, there MAY have been one happy little tear.

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