Students taking a hula hoop lesson in Austin (Credit: Misty Smith)
If you’ve ever taken a stroll by the capitol building on a balmy Tuesday night, then you may have witnessed something interesting. From a distance, it appears to be collection of multi-colored lights, twirling chaotically. As you approach, the outlines of people become clearer.
You see people manipulating the lights with their hands and various parts of their bodies. There is a singular source of music, providing atmosphere for these dancers who beg no witnesses, but usually attract some kind of audience anyway. They look like they’re having fun. But, what are they doing?