A grassy field, a hula hoop, some good tunes and family and friends equals fun and fitness on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Lorene Shaw of Alphabet Hoops and Laura Roinstad, of Baila Hoops, brought unique art form and fitness fun under the shade trees and open space at Laurel Park.

Lorene was so moved by the hoop dance and her friend Laura that, with the help of some videos, she started making her own hoops and sharing them. She has found peace, a way to build core strength, and time to create an exercise that promotes cardiovascular health.

Laura is a certified hoopnotica hoop dance instructor. She teaches hoop dance at Prima Ballet. She is very fluid in her hoop dance style and shows that hooping is a beautiful art form.

They will be bringing hula hoop dance into after-school programs locally this upcoming school year.

Both of these ladies are inspired to share the love of hoop dance for free, on the second and fourth Sundays at the park. Make your own hoop or support Hoop Dance in Marietta by purchasing one from Lorene.