Hula Hola

My hoop arrived today in the biggest parcel I've ever seen - albeit a touch on the flat side. I couldn't wait to shake my booty.

I am hooked. Having been using my son's £1 from Tesco version up to this point, I now realise I have been attempting to wiggle the equivalent of a toddler's bicycle around my grown up hips. This hoop is huge and heavy and it don't fall down. You just shake your hips and round and round it goes.

Soon I was performing my first tricks - just a few bends to start, then a little walk around. The pounds started to drop off, the hoop span faster and faster and faster. Beyonce asked me to stop because I was ruining her reputation. Then, a knock at the door and Cirque du Soleil implored me to run away and join them...

Well, you know I'm a mother. I have responsibilities and a mortgage, but in the end they asked so nicely that I offered them a 'one night only' performance which you can see on this YouTube link above. What lovely people - and they even provided extra hoops.

In all seriousness though, if I could hula like this chick below, I'll be a happy bunny

Cirque

Have you ever been to see Cirque du Soleil? It's like watching the most incredible Hollywood effects but they are real. Your eyes and brain start up arguments about what exactly they are seeing and debate how these artists could possibly perform the most intricate of moves. The colours flow like paint and the costumes swirl and all the while this incredible haunting music floats around you like silk, wrapping you and mesmerising you with its spell.

This is my tribute to the colourful performers and my entry for Inspiration Avenue's Circus challenge. I've been looking forward to painting it all week - as soon as I saw the prompt, it just popped in my mind and I just knew. I've dibbed and dabbed all evening with a somewhat varied soundtrack. It started with coverage from Glastonbury and finished with a spot of flamenco. Make of that what you will! The paint isn't even dry yet, so I've photographed which leaches a bit of the colour out - I really went for vibrancy.

Now, shall I run away and join the circus or just go to bed... Decisions, decisions...

Acrylic on canvas paper.