Our Mission
Our Team
BringtheHoopla's team of educators is experienced and prepared. In 2023, 90% of BTH staff either hold degrees in education or related fields or are pursuing them. Our teachers use positive reinforcement and encouragement to foster persistence, self-confidence, and free expression for all students. We teach hands-on, problem-solving tactics to reach best serve each classroom and reach each student as an individual. All of our staff members have their CPR, First Aid, & ADA certifications. Our Hoopla Teachers receive rigorous in-person training, consistent professional development, and in-depth curriculum sessions.
Nicole Heriot-Mikula
Founder/Owner
Nicole was born and raised in Shelton, graduated with a BFA from The Hartt School of Music (U of Hartford) and pursued her dreams in music theatre in NYC for 10 years. She returned home in 2011 to begin a new journey that allowed her to embrace the things she was passionate about including building a small business and her community.
Nicole founded BringtheHoopla in 2011 and in 2014, co-founded Celebrate Shelton, a community arts engagement organization based in Shelton where they create high quality events that are accessible to all with their suggested donation only model.
She lives in Seymour, CT with her husband, an incredible musician, Ben Mikula, and their three super sweet girls, Magnolia, Delilah & Ruby.
"Creativity changes form and is about taking risks, ignoring any doubt you have and diving into what feels right."
Sarah Murphy
Program Director
Sarah believes in the power of self-expression, artistry, and hard work with a positive attitude. Sarah holds the position of Program Director of BringtheHoopla and has been with the company since 2013. She specializes in implementing programs for all ages from early childhood to adults, training and guiding staff, and building a team working environment. Sarah is also a professional Hoop Dancer and Fire Dancer performer under the name Sarotonin Flow Performance Art.
Her expertise and success in performance demonstrate the skills attainable with continued dedication to hoop dance. Sarah has taught countless of people how to hula hoop and finds joy in sharing something she truly loves with the world.
She has been featured on Local and National TV to educate about the fun fitness benefits of this unique activity. When not spinning circles, enriching students in the classroom, or helping manage staff she can be found relaxing with her chihuahua Nacho, singing in her band Haunting Titans, or enjoying a fine chocolate dessert. Sarah lives in Southern Connecticut and is currently pursuing higher education in Child Studies.
Our Partnerships
Newsroom
The Calorie Burning Benefits of Hula Hooping - The Doctors, 2021
Do You Hoop? - Chester Essex Patch, 2021
Jumping Through Hoops - Seasons Magazine, 2020
What's All The Hoopla - Peralta Design, Mission CTRL Podcast, 2021
Sustaining Creativity Podcast - Buzzsprout, 2021
Modern Problems Radio Show, 2021
BringtheHoopla Celebrates 10 Years - Macaroni Kid, 2021
Listen to a Christmas Carol - New Haven Indy, 2020
WFSB Wellness Wednesday - Channel 3 CT, 2019
Entrepreneur Jumped Through Hoops to Build a Company - New Haven Biz, 2019
What is Hula Hoop Yoga? - Shelton Herald 2016
Hula Hoop Business Brings Shelton Native Full Circle - Shelton Daily Voice, 2016
What's all the Hoopla? - Republican American, 2016
BringtheHoopla! - Circle of Love, 2013
BringtheHoopla offers a new twist on exercise, fun - CT Post, 2011
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