Meet the Monsters
Abby Albaum, Founder
My passion for hooping began when a friend introduced me to the beautiful world of hoop dance in the summer of 2007. I hadn’t attempted a hula hoop since I was young, and I was amazed to learn how the past time had evolved. It appeared so effortless and very different than the forced movements I remembered from childhood. Hoop dance seemed more like an exotic performance art that was both fluid and natural. I was immediately captivated by the beauty, grace and style of it all. I found that it was very easy to embrace hoop dance because I genuinely loved the experience. Exercising became fun, and it made me feel like a kid again. I soon realized that it’s so much more than just a fun activity. Hooping clears your mind, enables you to lose sense of time and become one with music. It’s a breath of fresh air, an outlet, and my chosen form of stress relief. In addition, I noticed my arms getting stronger, my mood changing and I was suddenly full of positive energy. It was refreshing to learn that my new fascination was genuinely improving my body and spirit. I began designing my own hoops right away. As a recreational mosaic artist, I love color and have a deep appreciation for beautiful, hand-made items. I can honestly say that there’s lots of TLC in every hoop that I make. And as my love for hoop dance grew, so did my desire to connect with others who share the same passion. I was fortunate to meet a number of phenomenal hoopers from my region. As a result, the Monster Hoop Troupe was formed. Individually, we bring our own style and talents to the group. Together, we push eachother’s limits and strive to perfect our dance.
Michelle
Michelle began taking hoop classes in 2008 with the Hoola Monsters and was instantly addicted. Hooping brought a sense of “play” back in to her life and she found herself spending hours outside spinning barefoot in the grass. Her background in dance helped to make performing with the hoop a natural progression. Michelle is also a certified yoga instructor and enjoys exploring the fusion of hooping and yoga postures.
Kiyla
Kiyla has been on board as a Hoola Monster since the early days of backyard hoop jams and before ‘performance troupe’ was even in our vocabularies. She has been hooping for six years and loves the thrill of being on stage, in front of an audience. Kiyla has been dancing for most of her life and loves inspiring people through her teachings. She is a certified HoopGirl Workout teacher, and a full-time Pilates instructor.
Kristin
Kristin has supported Hoola Monsters since Day 1, as a dedicated hooper, friend and photographer for the troupe. In the Fall of 2010, Kristin purchased her first PSI Hoop and brought it to an electronic music festival. Caught up in an amazing flow session, she was surprised to discover that a large crowd had formed a circle around her. They were observing, cheering and showing appreciation for her incredible dance. This experience helped to unleash the performer within, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her join our performance team.
Nina
Hooping came into Nina’s life three years ago and since has been a wonderful mind, body, and spirit practice for her. It all started when she witnessed a graceful dancer moving the hula hoop from her ankles to her neck, all while performing tricks that Nina had never seen before. Immediately she bought her first hula hoop and proceeded to dance in the living room, alone and only around the waist. With time and dedicated practice, Nina transformed into a beautiful hoop dancer and performer. She became physically, mentally and spiritually stronger as a result. In her own words, “Hoop dancing brings me such bliss! As a musician has a natural talent of producing beautiful vibrations, a dancer moves his or her body to every note witnessed. Hoop dancing aided me in finding balance, becoming centered, and it helped me mold a positive outlook on life.”
Carissa
While Carissa was at a Crisis Center of Tampa Bay event in 2009 (where she is Director of Marketing & Communications), she met Abby who introduced her to a glittering yellow hoop. She got sucked in to the movement (pun intended), and started taking classes with the Hoola Monsters in South Tampa. She loves practicing at drum circles, park fountains, her front yard, airports, beaches, and random public places (especially in the rain)! Carissa’s love of travel keeps Abby busy making travel hoops so she can spread the joy of hooping to the world, including 15 hoops given to the amazing kids in Petit Goave, Haiti! Carissa’s passion for hooping and mission trips have led her to start an initiative with Abby called “Hoola for Happiness,” which starts local and goes global, where play and laughter inspire community and transcend all language barriers. Stay tuned for the adventures!
Kylie
By watching Kylie perform, you would never guess that this firecracker has been hooping for less than a year. Since her first Hoola Monsters class, Kylie has not spent a day outside of her hoop. In her own words, “There are days where it feels I breathe to hoop.” She has been practicing yoga for over 5 years and recently picked up pole dance fitness. A natural performer, her resume includes numerous forms of dance expression. Kylie aims to become certified through the HoopGirl Workout program and also obtain her pole fitness certification.
Amy
Amy began dancing at the age of three and has never stopped. Throughout the years, she has studied many forms of dance including ballet, jazz, pointe, lyrical and modern. A former coach and choreographer for several cheer and dance squads, Amy also taught hip-hop aerobics to adults. After studying with the Hoola Monsters for about a year, she officially joined the Monster Hoop Troupe. Amy’s extensive dance background, combined with flashy hoop tricks, is the perfect recipe for creative dance expression. While Amy currently resides in New York City, she flies in for special events and performances with the Hoola Monsters and remains a valued member of our troupe.
Monsters on the Move
We’d also like to acknowledge and thank our former performers, for contributing their time and talents to the Hoola Monsters Hoop Troupe: Jodie Urias, Taylor Murphy, Leda Mullendore, Shellie White, Jess Anderson, and Kelly Schiller
