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THIS WASN'T YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S TEA PARTY.
On October 4th, 2026, we made HOOPLA!
The inaugural HOOPLA Tea Party brought together artists, performers, and community members for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating wearable art, creative reuse, and the radical act of taking up space.
From larger-than-life wearable sculptures and improvisational dance to spoken word,
interactive art experiences, and the runway debut of the very first HOOPLA Rising artists,
this was an afternoon where art refused to whisper.
And we're just getting started.
HOOPLA Rising
Runway Showcase
Meet the inaugural HOOPLA Rising artists!
After weeks of dreaming, designing, and creating, these emerging artists took to the runway to debut their original wearable sculptures made from reclaimed materials.
Each artist shared their unique vision, creative journey, and what taking up space means to them.
The first generation of HOOPLA Rising has officially taken up space!
HOOPLA Improv Dance
At the inaugural HOOPLA Tea Party, five improvisational dancers brought the history and
power of the hoopskirt to life through movement!
Accompanied by a powerful spoken word performance by Shana Yadid, who brought
Perrin Marie's original poem about the history and significance of the hoopskirt to life, the dancers explored themes of presence, empowerment, and self-expression,
each offering their own interpretation of what it means to take up space.
The performance was captured on video, featuring an additional voiceover by
HOOPLA Rising alum Argo Eriksen, sharing what taking up space means to them.
Featuring dancers:
Chloe Carter-Shafter, Jenny Hubert, Joan Varini, Leslie Tello, and Shana McAlexander
Spoken word performance:
Shana Yadid
Video voiceover:
Argo Eriksen
Videography:
Chrystal Kelly
Photography:
​Ezra Croft
HOOPLA Tea Party Performers
At the inaugural HOOPLA Tea Party, four incredible performers reminded us that
taking up space isn't just about being seen.
It's about being heard!
Through powerful spoken word performances, Joan Varini and Shaq Grant shared their unique voices, perspectives, and personal expressions of what it means to take up space.
Shana Yadid brought Perrin Marie's original poem exploring the history of the hoopskirt and its significance as a symbol of empowerment to life, accompanying an improvisational dance performance.
Leslie Tello invited the audience to find their own voices through a beautiful community song circle, transforming individual expression into a shared experience.
Together, these artists celebrated the power of storytelling, self-expression, and collective creativity, reminding us that every voice deserves to be heard!
Featuring performers:
Joan Varini, Shaq Grant, Shana Yadid, and Leslie Tello
Photography:
Ezra Croft
SUFFRAGETTE WHITE COLLECTION
HOOPLA's latest collection in progress, SUFFRAGETTE WHITE, draws inspiration from the suffragettes who wore white while fighting for the right to vote.
Their white clothing created visual unity and gave form to voices society sought to silence.
Together, they became impossible to ignore as they demanded a voice, a vote,
and the right to take up space.
The Suffragette White Collection carries that visual language forward, honoring their defiance and calling that power into the present.
At the inaugural HOOPLA Tea Party, guests witnessed the debut of the first pieces in this evolving collection and became part of the creative process, helping assemble one of the wearable sculptures!
The collection remains unfinished, which honestly feels fitting.
Because so is the work.
Audience collaboration filmed by Chrystal Kelly.
Funding Partners
Thank you to the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose financial support make
HOOPLA Rising possible.
Take Up Space Sponsor
Karen Kratz
Get Loud
Sponsor
Mike Potts
HOOPLA
Ally
Chris Bendoot
HOOPLA
Friend
Joe Williams
Jenny Hubert
Community Partners
HOOPLA is grateful for the organizations, businesses, and community partners who help make this work
possible through collaboration, donated services, venue support, and in-kind contributions.
Shared Visions Foundation
Silent Auction Donors
The silent auction is made possible by the generosity of local artists, businesses, and organizations who believe in creativity, community, and supporting artists.
Become a Sponsor
Interested in helping make the HOOPLA Tea Party possible?
We’re seeking sponsors and community partners who believe in creativity, sustainability, and creating opportunities for the next generation of artists.
Sponsorships help support the Tea Party, HOOPLA, and HOOPLA Rising while connecting your business or organization with a one-of-a-kind community arts experience.
Questions?
Get in touch!
