Stina Sparkle (real name Christina Riley) has been passionate about dance since the age of 6 and has experienced many different dance styles on her journey. In 2003, she qualified as a primary school teacher in the UK and made it her mission to generate passion and enthusiasm for dance and movement in students in schools in her local area. She added sparkle to schools by teaching after school dance programs, establishing dance curriculums and links between schools and professional dance companies, and working with her students to perform at local theatres.

In 2006, Stina moved to Japan to teach at an international school. In Tokyo, she was inspired to try hoop dance with the beautiful Deanne of Hooplovers, who passed on her skills and passion for this beautiful art-form. After whipping up a hooping storm in classes, local parks and outdoor spaces, Stina was invited to join a hoop dance group. As a member of the 'Tokyo Hoop Stars', Stina performed alongside other sparkling Tokyo hoopers including Deanne Love, Melichan, Tink in Tokyo, Spanky and Mandy Eyecandy at prestigious venues like Womb and The Mado Lounge. She also performed with a Tokyo hoop trio called 'The Spinbirds', who performed at events and organised hooping workshops in the Tokyo area.  Despite living in three different locations around the world, 'The Spinbirds' still dance together via the internet!  Stina also performed and ran a workshop at Spin Matsuri, Japan's first hoop camp alongside hoop dance legends like Bunny Hoop Star, Beth from Hoop Path, Miss Rose and Deanne Love, and she performed the World Hoop Day Dance 2010 at Hoop Camp Retreat 2010 alongside Deanne Love and Tink in Tokyo. 

In March 2009, Stina became a certified hoop teacher so that she can share her hooping enthusiasm, skills and knowledge with everyone and anyone who wants to learn! As a qualified primary school teacher from the UK with a multi-style dance background and years of dance education experience, Stina can cater her classes and workshops to any age group or ability.  Stina Sparkle looks forward to hooping with you in the future :)