Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/320391
art & soul I t was diffi cult to imagine how a fi lm about hula hoops could have anything to do with… well… anything. That, as it turns out, was a shortcoming of my own imagination. Hooping, in its renaissance (it started in the 1950s), has dropped the "hula" and evolved into an art form, a dance, a way to get in shape and to keep kids off the street, and even, for some, an almost spiritual path or calling. It's brought people together to create community, inspired successful businesses and become an in- ternational source of entertainment, both active and passive. In fact, the fi lm is so persuasive that I'm ready to go out and buy a hoop myself. This sweet fi lm dips into the stories of eight whose lives have been changed by hooping. Interspersed with quotes from one-time hoop promoter Art Linkletter, the stories are personal and charged, and we fi nd ourselves caring about their fates. From the acknowledged trendsetter Anah looking for a biode- gradable hoop (at present all are plastic) to a minister's son, from a hula-preneur (with two masters degrees) to a bully pre- vention consultant, each has created a unique way to make a life of hooping. As one devotee said, "Moving the body is like religion and the hoop is my portal to that place." Although Burning Man is heaven for the hoop community, its ap- peal has broadened as an art form even as far as Vegas, where Karis, a talented androgy- nous male dancer from a gang neighborhood, entertains high-paying crowds. Karis was also featured (in high- heeled boots, no less) at Fashion Week. You'll fi nd surprising sweet spots in this fi lm; also drama, struggle and some success. Don't judge 'til you've seen it—it just may convince you to buy a hoop. (Span Productions) —AL The Hooping Life Producer/Cinematographer: Amy Goldstein FILM While You Were Sleeping Jose James M usicians breaking molds have always caused both re- nown and consternation. Bob Dylan at Newport; Miles Davis on Bitches Brew, as well as the lesser-known On the Corner. Jazz singer José James was never just a jazz sing- er. His collaboration with pianist Jef Neve and early tracks like "The Dreamer" certainly fell into that context, but by his sec- ond album, Blackmagic, he was diving deep into R&B hooks and hip-hop rhythms. His latest album stretches the fabric; the electric guitars on "Angel" and "Anywhere U Go" remind one of Mos Def's rock transformation with his "Black Jack Johnson" project. Yet this album is so much more: the eerily beautiful strains of "Bodhisattva," the melancholy sweetness of "Dragon," and the jazzy balladry that makes you love James in the fi rst place on "Simply Beautiful." The man is one of the most dynamic singers in our world today. (Blue Note Records) —Derek Beres Coming in August/September Our annual Yoga & Transformation issue Call now to reserve your space! 310.425.3056 MUSIC 32 wholelifetimesmagazine.com WLT-JUN-JULY-26.indd 32 5/26/14 2:10 PM