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Hooping It Up for Health
M
uch more than a whimsical toy
fad from the 1950s, hoop dancing is
multilayered in its many benefits. It’s a creative ap-
proach to physical fitness, and can also be medita-
tive and centering. Hoop dancing elevates mood
through laughter and builds community: How can
you not bond when you are spinning in and out of
an oversized, weighted hula hoop?
Experience hoop dancing this summer at
various community events, workshops and classes
in the New River Valley. Wild Earth Hoops, an
educational/wellness program that teaches the art,
will be at Wonderful First Wednesdays, New River
Jammin’ Jive at
Land Trust Land Jam, Summer Solstice Festival,
Steppin’ Out, the Blacksburg YMCA (Open Uni-
Chateau Morrisette versity) and Akke’s Yoga Place.
Blues Fest
“The Hoop encourages previously introverted Founder, Becca Imbur
individuals to break out and twirl,” says Becca
O
n Saturday, July 11, the annual
Imbur, creator of Wild Earth Hoops. “Society does not encourage women to move,
Black Dog Wine & Blues Festival
dance and own their sexuality and feminine energy,” she continues. “Hoop danc-
takes place at Chateau Morrisette, just
ing with Wild Earth Hoops provides a safe space to explore that dimension of a
off the Blue Ridge Parkway between
woman’s personality.”
mileposts 171 and 172. This year’s
event brings back the Allison King Band
To learn more, visit WildEarthHoops.com or call 540-320-9185.
and also features renowned blues artist
Eric Lindell, who recently released his
newest CD, Gulf Coast Highway.
In addition to the music, festival-
Women’s Well-being a
goers can experience exceptional food
and wine in the Chateau’s spectacular
Specialty at Back Creek
Blue Ridge Mountains setting. The win-
Massage
ery offers tours of the production area
with a short history of Virginia wine
making. A wine tasting follows the tour,
M
assage therapy is known for creating
comfort and relieving pain. Lindsay
with Black Dog staff providing guid-
McKinnon, owner of Back Creek Massage,
ance on how to choose a favorite wine.
believes that nurturing, empowering and
honoring women through the rites of passage
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
during pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood is
For information and tickets, visit
her mission. “Who doesn’t appreciate feeling good
TheDogs.com or call Chateau Mor-
in their bodies?” asks McKinnon. “We help women find
risette at 540-593-2865.
relief from pain and constrictions.” Back Creek Massage provides pregnancy, post-
partum and infancy massage, as well as birth doula services.
McKinnon has been practicing as a nationally certified massage therapist for
seven years and is a certified Birth Doula through DONA. Passionate about her
work with women and partners, she honors their inner wisdom and their body’s
natural processes. “It is a rewarding, humbling and valuable experience to be in
the midst of such rich transformations with others,” says McKinnon, noting that she
appreciates her clients’ trust and willingness to invite her as a companion for their
journeys.
Contact Lindsay McKinnon at Lindsay@BackCreekMassage.com or 540-761-8022,
We are solely
or visit BackCreekMassage.com.
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Shipping is a terrible thing to do to vegetables.
They probably get jet-lagged, just like people.
support them.
— Elizabeth Berry
Southwestern Virginia
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