Remember when you were a kid and found pure entertainment playing outside with a jump rope, chalk or piece of mulch to create hopscotch, or with a hula hoop? I hold many fond memories of giggling with my friends while playing these simple, fun games and getting some exercise at the same time. No, I did not know or care that I was burning those popsicle calories, but my large muscles were getting used and it was fun!
This summer I was invited, by one of our favorite advertisers at Charlotte Smarty Pants, to a FABULOUS and FUN birthday party that she was hosting. Cara Zara is a Hoop Dance Entertainer & Teacher. She performs at festivals, parties & corporate events throughout the Southeast. She also teaches the art & fitness of Hoop Dance to children in her after-school and summer camp programs.
This birthday party was held at Olde Providence Racquet Club for Ava Parks, who turned 7. It was a blast to watch all these children hooping to fun music, laughing and having fun! Now I am sure you are thinking, “There is no way this will be enjoyed by my child, they are too into itouch, DSI, dolls and other toys”. Smarties, you would be wrong! You will love watching them swing their hips to the music and with the same hula hoop that we all enjoyed endlessly.
When I arrived at the party, the children were getting tattoos painted on their arms with elaborate decorations, the birthday girl was hooping away center stage while her friends were getting blinged out. I was quite impressed with Miss Ava’s skills! In all my years of practicing at the hoop, I never could swing my hip like this chick and keep a hoop going around my waist. Her mother shared the secret with me, Ava took hooping with Cara Zara at her school. After getting adorned with beautiful tattoos, the kids began hooping. First, a few rules to keep everyone safe and then the real fun began. The music was so energetic, I wanted to jump up and dance! Anyone that knows me knows that I was truly biting my nails not to get up and bust a move! The children were taught how to move their hips, do tricks, hold their hoops and improvise to make everyone’s experience an unforgettable one!
Another thing that stood out was that Cara Zara was having a great time. I asked if she ever worked with active older adults as a form of exercise. She told me she really prefers working with the kids because it is much more fun for her and she loves to see the smiles and hear the laughter that comes along with her job! Awesome job Cara Zara and thanks for including me. We are fortunate to have the support of great advertisers in the Charlotte Smarty Pants family and it was an awesome experience to see one in action. Cara Zara has definitely earned our Smarty approval!
Cara Zara, Hula-Hoop Entertainer and Teacher
704-540-1456
Charlotte NC
Email: cara@carazara.com
3 comments
We saw her 2 years ago (maybe even 3?) at the Matthews festival and my daughter STILL tries to imitate what she did with hula hoops. She completely because obsessed with hula hooping after watching Cara one time. She’s awesome! What a fun party idea!!!
Cheryl, I’m so happy your daughter was so motivated by watching me hoop at Matthews Alive. I fortunately had the opportunity to performed there again this year. Hooping is a fantastic way for kids to be fit. They move and groove and don’t even realize they’re exercising because they’re having so much fun. I hope she continues to get her hula-hoop out to play. Thank you for your sweet words. They made me so happy this morning. All my best, Cara Zara
Very cool and different. Might have to pull that out when my daughter turns 4!