The Northcliff Melville Times had the chance to meet international hula-hooping sensation Sophia Seidl during her vibrant performance at Mimosa School in Auckland Park.
This event left the wide-eyed children inspired and asking: How did she do that?

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Visiting from the UK, Seidl brought a burst of festival energy to the school grounds, dazzling learners with a blend of circus artistry and record-breaking skill. “I started hula-hooping when I was seven,” she said, as she recalled the festival in Britain where she first fell in love with the craft.

Fifteen years later, what began as a simple hobby has grown into a flourishing career, complete with circus tours, performances at weddings, and shows across the UK.
Her achievements, however, go beyond just being about entertainment. Seidl holds multiple hoop-split world records (spinning up to seven staggered hoops on different parts of her body without them touching).

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These endurance feats were earned through a year of intense training, proving that circus arts demand far more discipline and strength than many imagine. While hula-hooping remains her greatest passion, Seidl also enjoys aerial arts and slacklining. Her self-taught flexibility and determination shine through every performance.

During her visit to Mimosa School, the children’s awe was her favourite reward. “Their reactions were amazing,” she said with a smile. She goes back to the UK soon, but her stop in Auckland Park left a memorable spin of inspiration behind.

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