After hearing of a burgeoning hooping scene in California, Mercedes Gomez founded the company Chicago Hoop Dance last November with the intent of exposing the city to hoop dancing as a new form of exercise and moving meditation. “It’s more about developing a connection and union with the hoop, rather than making it do what you want,” Gomez said, “You become one with it.” Heather Crosby, another Chicago hooping instructor who has performed with the Windy City Rollers, told the Chicago Daily Herald, “Hula hoops are magnets. People see them and are smiling instantly.” We couldn't agree more!