Mickey @ SolFest tomorrow

From Market Wire:

Hoop Dance Pioneer Betty Hoops to Perform at SolFest

BROOMFIELD, CO -- (MARKET WIRE)
-- 08/19/2005 --

Betty Hoops, the Dance Hoop pioneer and creator of Gaiam's "Dance Hoop Workout," will appear at SolFest in Hopland, Calif., on Saturday, August 20, and Sunday, August 21. Her presentations and classes will bring a health-conscious new twist on a classic pasttime to thousands of people looking for ways to live with more awareness.

On Saturday, Hoops will conduct impromptu demonstrations all day around the grounds of the event, including outside of Gaiam's Yoga D'Om. That evening, she will perform at 10:30 during the Moondance party on the Main Stage. On Sunday, Hoops will teach a class at 11:00 a.m. outside the Yoga D'Om, and again from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Family Stage.

Hoops began teaching hula hooping as a dance and fitness workout in 1998. She has since combined her experience as a Usui Reiki practitioner, Iyengar yoga instructor and massage therapist to create her new "Dance Hoop Workout" method.

"I am thrilled to be teaching at SolFest this year. I think people will appreciate the fact that hooping is a whole mind-body experience, much like yoga is," said Hoops. "Plus, it's fun, and makes you feel alive," she added. Hoops has been featured on the ESPN X Games, NPR, "Good Day New York," "The Caroline Rhea Show" and many other shows.
Hooping has regained popularity since its heyday in the 1950s, but Hoops has changed it up a bit. She uses a weighted, adjustable hoop she designed to be more substantial than a conventional hoop, making it much easier to move around the hips and more customizable to each person's individual physique. Her uniquely designed hoop is included in her Gaiam "Dance Hoop Workout" kit, and she will be showing how to use it at SolFest.

Organized by the Solar Living Institute, SolFest features many well-known experts in the fields of renewable energy, social responsibility, healthy living and sustainability, along with a variety of live entertainment. More than 10,000 attendees are expected at this year's 10th annual event. This year's speakers include Amy Goodman, a leader in independent media, author Mike Ruppert, and L.Hunter Lovins, president of Natural Capitalism, Inc., among others. Musical guests include Holly Near, Rhythm Village with Mickey Hart, and many more.

The Dance Hoop Workout kit, which retails for $29.98, is available at www.gaiam.com or by calling 1-800-869-3603. More information on SolFest can be found at www.solarliving.org.
About Gaiam

Gaiam, Inc. (NASDAQ: GAIA) is a multi-channel lifestyle media company dedicated to providing solutions for the many facets of healthy, eco-conscious living. Gaiam has earned its place as the market leader with award-winning mind-body health programs, the highest-quality certified 100% organic cotton furnishings and apparel, renewable energy solutions and more. For more information about Gaiam, please visit www.gaiam.com, or call 1-800-869-3603.

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Lisa Elia
Phone: 310-393-9547
Fax: 310-393-7918
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