Caroline P. Cárdenas, Ph.D., MSN, MA, RN, CBCN, RYT 200 hr
Dr. Caroline Cárdenas is the creator of The Hula Hoop Girl, guiding helping professionals through body and movement play to evoke joy and foster emotional and psychological well-being. Dr. Cárdenas achieved her Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Meridian University in 2022. Her Dissertation titled, The Significance of Play in Restoring Compassion, examined helping professionals experiencing symptoms of compassion fatigue and the transformative potential the activity of body and movement play has on restoring compassion. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing, a Master of Arts in Psychology, is a Certified Breast Care Nurse, and a Registered Hatha Yoga Teacher.
She has been hoop dancing for joy replenishment for over 17 years. Her hoop dance flow has been described as mesmerizing, inspiring, whimsical, and Graceful. Her teaching style is authentic, nurturing, playful and empowering. Dr. Caroline P. Cárdenas is a psychologist, an oncology and hospice nurse, an advisor and counselor, a poet, dancer, play researcher, consultant, educator, and facilitator. Through her play workshops, Dr. Cárdenas guides transformative learning experiences to evoke joy, foster the imagination, restore empathy and compassion, nurture emotional and psychological well-being, and cultivate a healthier and more harmonious society.
I am thrilled and honored to be co-facilitating the Elemental Hoopdance Teacher Training program with Laura Blakeman (Shakti Sunfire). The five elements, the four cardinal directions, and the cycles of the seasons will serve to guide and nourish your soulful delivery for your students to feel the transformational power of play. I am joyfully dedicated to supporting and guiding you through your journey into finding your voice as leader, taking your seat as teacher, and serving as movement guide within your communities in offering up your unique gifts as an inspirational Elemental Hoop Dance Teacher.
Get ready to have some major fun! This leadership training is like no other!
With Joy, Caroline xo
Laura Blakeman (Shakti Sunfire)
An internationally recognized leader in the hoop dance movement, Shakti Sunfire blends her deep love of the wisdom of the body, the intelligence of the Earth, and the power of transformative education in her teaching and mentorship. Founder of One Hoop One Love, The Rhythm Way, The Elemental Hoopdance Teacher Training Program, and The Red Thread, Shakti has been teaching, leading, and inspiring men and women in the yoga and dance world for over ten years.
You might have seen her dancing on the Wanderlust Festival main stage, or on the cover of Yoga Journal. A true rolling stone, Shakti teaches workshops, and leads retreats all over the world.
I wholeheartedly welcome you into this circle of leaders and educators. I couldn't be more honored to be your guide on this journey - one that has been very central to my life so far. I've spent the last 10 years committed to exploring the mysteries of the body, the wisdom of the earth, and the healing power of dance. This journey has taken me all over the wilds of this world, both inside, and out. If you are, we share this passion, and are kin. Along the way I've learned from many inspiring teachers in diverse disciplines from spirituality to yoga, to somatic movement. I offer it all up for you in this training with the intent to gift along what I now know, so that you can take what inspires you and build your own Way. I'm looking forward to sharing this path with you!