If you can make it down to Boston there's tons of hoopers here! Some of the best I've ever seen. Boston Hoop Troop (www.bostonhooptroop.com/) represents a lot of them. Good videos on their site for inspiration.

Well I know those dvds are advertised as sexy and sometimes they are quite corny but i think they are effective tools in learning hoop dance. I started out w/ hoopnotica dvds and then bought hoopgirls. I live in RI and resources are limited here too. I actually am trying to get a class going myself. its so frustrating to want to learn but having to teach yourself is not as much fun. you tube helps alot too. hoopers like safire and caroleeena have some great tutorials. i bought a portable dvd and took the dvds and downloaded videos outside. space usually is an issue to in learning too as you need to have some sort of media going if your teaching yourself. good luck! wildfire retreat is in conn. in june, its a spinning and fire performing retreat. hoops, poi, etc!