MariLoop
Maria Laura Annunziata - Naples, Italy
My name is Maria Laura (Mary for friends!) and I first started hooping in June 2018.
Since I was little, movement and sports have been such crucial aspects of my life and my well-being but after 10 years of competitive gymnastics, I had to quit because of a bad knee injury. I had to get 3 surgeries, which forced me to live a very sedentary life for years. That was until I discovered hula hooping! The moment I picked up a hoop, I immediately knew that it was going to spark my love for movement and self-expression right back! Since that day, my life has changed in the best way possible – I’m the happiest, most motivated, most creative version of myself, and my love and dedication for it just keeps growing. Early on in my journey, I started performing with a circus company but that only lasted until I discovered my passion for teaching. Teaching fills my heart in ways that nothing else does and I can’t wait to see where this journey will take me, both as a teacher and as a student!
My goal for 2022 is to finally get better at multi-hooping, hoop juggling, 3 hoops manipulations and on-body advanced skills. I also want to get back into my hat manipulation practice.
q & a
My main specialty will forever be the hoop. Other things I’m passionate about are hat manipulation, juggling in general but also acrobatics and gymnastics. My goal is to also improve with my leviwand, as well as my silk fans.
Early on in my journey I thought performing was going to be my main thing, but as time went on I felt a much stronger pull for teaching as I'm very passionate about giving back to the community! I’m currently a Patreon creator, as well as an instructor to both in-person and online students!
The internet is full of inspiration. No matter your preferred learning methods, you will find something that works just perfectly for you. Beside all the online material for beginners (e.g. on DeanneLove and Michele Mccoy’s platforms) it’s really useful to take private/group in-person classes.
I would mainly describe my flow as techy and flowy. I love exploring and creating when it comes to tricks and combos so that my style can be the as unique and distinguishable as possible.
I’m fortunate enough to have big indoor spaces in my house that allow me to practice whenever I want.
I started hooping in June 2018, when a girl named Zaira showed it to me for the first time. It happened at a flow artists/jugglers training session and I was completely amazed by all the talent. Zaira saw me in awe and invited me to try some hula hooping. I’ve never stopped since that day!
Being part of the community, both in-person and online, has changed my life forever. I’ve been given incredible opportunities, it has brought amazing people into my life and it has helped me explore deep aspects of myself! Since very early on, I’ve been doing my best to give back to the community through content creation, tutorials, workshops, private classes, etc.