Founded 2011  ·  Connecticut-Based  ·  15 Years Strong

Movement is more than exercise. It’s how kids learn to believe in themselves.

BringtheHoopla is an educational fitness company that transforms the hula hoop into a powerful tool for learning, confidence-building, and joyful self-expression — built for schools, camps, libraries, and families.

BY THE NUMBERS 

  • 15 Years serving communities
  • 1000+ Schools & organizations 
  • 150,000 + students reached
  • 4 SEL Pillars
  • 3 National Standards Frameworks

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OUR STORY

A hoop. A big idea. Fifteen years in the making.

In 2011, three friends in Shelton, Connecticut, asked a simple question: What if the hula hoop could be more than a toy? Drawing on their backgrounds in education, movement, and the arts, the three friends created a program that uses hooping as a vehicle for fitness, creativity, and confidence. They started with handcrafted hoops and small classes. Word spread quickly.

Today, BringtheHoopla is a trusted partner for school districts, after-school programs, libraries, camps, and community organizations across the region — with a curriculum built by experienced educators, aligned to state and national standards, and designed to make every child feel seen, capable, and celebrated.

WHAT EDUCATORS ARE SAYING

Trusted by schools across the region

“BringtheHoopla has been a phenomenal programming partner. The entire team is experienced and professional — a hit with our kids and families, and they can fit any budget and schedule.”

— Middletown Public Schools, 21st Century After School Programs

 

“Our students not only learn to hoop but participate in many fun games and learning activities. We love seeing the Connecticut learning standards incorporated into every session — it exercises children’s bodies and their minds too.”

— Kokopelli Discovery Center

 

“The program incorporated social-emotional learning by discussing that you should never give up on yourself and that you should keep trying. One student who couldn’t hoop at the beginning worked diligently until he was pretty darn good. You could see how happy it made him.”

— Windham Center School

 

“Sarah and Victoria are lovely, high-energy instructors who are able to engage students and connect with them at their level.”

— Mary E. Griswold Elementary School

 

“Energized, motivated, and happy!”

— Mary E. Griswold Elementary School

OUR PHILOSOPHY & MISSION

We believe every child deserves to feel capable, seen, and celebrated.

At BringtheHoopla, our mission is to inspire joy, creativity, and connection through playful, inclusive experiences that support children’s development. We are committed to providing safe, engaging environments where children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and express themselves — while building confidence, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning.

Through meaningful play, collaboration with families, connections to the community, and respect for diversity, BringtheHoopla celebrates every child’s unique strengths and potential.

VALUES:

  • Every child belongs — Inclusive, student-led environments where individual strengths are celebrated, not compared.
  • Confidence through movement — Kids build real self-belief when they see their own progress, one hoop revolution at a time.
  • Standards-aligned curriculum — Every program maps to state and national learning standards.
  • Community at the core — We partner with families, schools, and organizations to create lasting impact.

    Ready to BringtheHoopla to your school?

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MEET THE TEAM

Educators first. Hoopers always.

Our staff members are experienced, highly trained educators, many of whom hold degrees in education or a related field, and who show up with energy, warmth, and a genuine belief in every child’s potential. We emphasize positive reinforcement, inclusive environments, and student-led learning in everything we do.

Nicole Heriot-Mikula
Founder & Owner

Nicole was born and raised in Shelton, Connecticut. A graduate of The Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford (BFA), she spent a decade pursuing her passion for musical theatre in New York City before returning home in 2011 to begin a new chapter — one rooted in creativity, community, and entrepreneurship.

That same year, Nicole founded BringtheHoopla. In 2014, she co-founded Celebrate Shelton, a community arts engagement organization that produces high-quality events accessible to all through a suggested-donation model.

Nicole lives in Seymour, CT, with her husband Ben Mikula, an incredible musician, and their three daughters: Magnolia, Delilah, and Ruby.

“Creativity changes form and is about taking risks, ignoring any doubt you have, and diving into what feels right.”

Sarah Murphy
Operations Manager

Sarah holds a Bachelor's Degree in Child Studies and believes in the power of self-expression, artistry, hard work, and a positive attitude. She has been with BringtheHoopla since 2013 and specializes in implementing programs for all ages, training and guiding staff, and building a strong team culture. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Studies, with a strong foundation in child development, education, and supporting the growth and well-being of children.

Sarah is also a professional Hoop Dancer and Fire Dancer under the name Sarotonin Flow Performance Art. Her expertise in performance is a living demonstration of what dedication to hoop dance can achieve, and she finds deep joy in sharing that journey with others. She has been featured on local and national television to educate audiences about the fitness and wellness benefits of hula hooping. 

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