Unlocking Your Flow State

Are you looking to explore a creative and mesmerizing form of self-expression? Look no further than the magical world of flow arts! Flow arts is a dynamic and immersive art form that combines movement, rhythm, and prop manipulation to help individuals achieve a state of flow. In this post, I will delve into what flow arts are, provide a list of different types of flow arts props, discuss how to get started, explain the concept of the flow state, explore the vibrant flow arts community, offer tips on how to learn, and even provide resources for purchasing flow props. Want to feel like a magical unicorn goddess or an airbender sent from above to bless us with your awesomeness? Well you came to the right place, so let’s get into it!

What Are Flow Arts?

Flow arts encompass a wide range of disciplines that involve continuous movement and manipulation of objects (known as props) to create visually captivating performances. These art forms focus on seamless transitions, rhythm, and personal expression, allowing the artist to enter a state of “flow” – a mental state of complete immersion and engagement in the present moment.

Types of Flow Arts Props

Flow arts offer an impressive array of props to choose from, each providing its own unique opportunities for self-expression, this is why many flow artists pick up more than one prop along their journeys. Some popular flow arts props include:

1. Poi: Poi consists of weighted objects on the ends of strings or chains, creating mesmerizing patterns when spun around the body. See Poi in action: DrexFactor Poi on Youtube
2. Hoops: Hula hoops are not just for your waist! They’re also not just for kids. Hoop performers showcase mind-bending tricks and create beautifully fluid movements with single hoops or multiple hoops. I’m a bit biased, as I’m a hooper! Hooping exposed me to the magical world of flow arts 7 years ago! I have an in depth post on how you can start hooping! Hula Hoops in action: Zoe Joy Black on Instagram
3. Staff: A long rod spun and manipulated with precision and elegance, the staff allows for a wide range of tricks, ranging from spins to intricate contact moves. There are different staffs to choose from including contact staff, freestyle, bo staff, and dragon staff. Staff flow example: Michelle C. Smith on Instagram
4. Fans: Flowing gracefully with fans in hand, practitioners create stunning visuals and incorporate dance-like movements into their performances. Fans include metal fans and silk fans and come in a variety of sizes. Fans Flow Example: Zoe Joy Black on Tik Tok
5. Juggling: Beyond classic juggling, flow artists embrace a more organic and rhythmic style of juggling, using various props like balls, clubs, or rings. Juggling Example: Taylor Tries on Youtube
6. Levitation Wand: This prop creates an illusion of a floating wand, as performers manipulate it with enchanting and magical routines. It’s super cool to watch! See Levi Wand in action: Juniperaumon on Tiktok
7. Contact Juggling: Known for its captivating illusions, contact juggling involves manipulating spherical objects, like crystal balls, with deftness and control. Contact Juggling Example: Liquid_Circus on Instagram
8. Pixel Whip: A sensual prop that creates a beautiful light show with led fibers moving across the body. See Pixel Whip in action: Madamefleurnoire on Tiktok
9. Orbiters: An Led disk between two strings that creates shapes and trails as the user pulls the strings. See Orbits in action: Ultimate Flow Objects on Youtube
10. Rope Dart: A chinese martial art weapon utilized by flow artists to create a body contact flow. Rope Dart Flow example:
    Flow Mayhem on Youtube
11. Buugeng: S-Shaped props that can be spun, tossed, or manipulated to create mesmerizing illusions. See Buugeng in action: Gustavo Ollitta on Youtube
12. Flags: Flag spinning or flow fags feature a beautiful movement with patterned fabric. See flags in action: Porscha Zoom on Instagram
13. Sunwheel: A rotating prop that uses momentum to spin vertically or horizontally for a beautiful display of rope petals spinning about. See a sunwheel flow: Soul.flare.flow on Instagram
14. Gloves: These are no ordinary gloves, they feature Led lights on the fingertips for a bewitching visual experience. See gloves in action: The Lighthouse on Youtube
15. Led Props: Most of the mentions props come in LED form for a magical light show display. LEd Flow example: Zoe Joy Black on Youtube
16. Fire Props: For the adventurous souls, fire props take flow arts to the next level. Fire poi, fire staff, and fire fans provide an exhilarating experience. Safety precautions are essential, so make sure to learn from experienced practitioners and follow safety guidelines. Fire Flow example: Zoe Joy Black on Instagram

Getting into Flow Arts: Where to Begin

Embarking on your flow arts journey can be both exciting and a little overwhelming, but fear not, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Here are a few key steps to get you started:

1. Explore Different Flow Arts Props: Flow arts offers a wide range of props to choose from. Experiment with various props such as poi, hoops, staff, fans, juggling props, levitation wand, contact juggling, pixel whip, and many more. Allow yourself to be drawn to the prop that resonates with your style and passion.
2. Find Flow Arts Classes and Workshops: Learning from experienced teachers can accelerate your progress and help you build a strong foundation. Seek out flow arts classes and workshops in your local community or online platforms. You can even join forums and social media groups dedicated to flow arts to connect with other enthusiasts and find valuable resources.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any skill, mastery in flow arts requires practice. Set aside dedicated practice time regularly, focus on building muscle memory, and explore different movements and techniques. Remember, progress is a journey, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Embrace the learning process and enjoy the flow.

Understanding the Flow State: Entering the Zone

One of the most enthralling aspects of flow arts is the experience of entering the flow state – a state of optimal consciousness where you are completely absorbed in the activity at hand. At the heart of flow arts lies the enchanting concept of the flow state. Coined by psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, this immersive state of mind is characterized by complete absorption in an activity. Time becomes irrelevant, self-doubt disappears, and you are fully present and engaged.

Achieving this level of connection in your flow takes practice. The more you practice with your prop, the more it becomes a part of you and movements become “automatic” as you enter into somewhat of a trance. Flow is in everything, prop or not, you’ve definitely experienced flow in your lifetime, everyone has. But we as flow artists have the pleasure of making it a consistent practice.

The Flow Arts Community: A Thriving Tribe of Artists

Flow arts has fostered a vibrant and welcoming community of artists from all walks of life. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned performer, this community embraces and supports individuals on their unique journeys. By joining the flow arts community, you open the door to a network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for self-expression, creative exploration, and personal growth. Engage in forums, attend workshops and festivals, and connect with fellow flow artists to expand your knowledge and foster meaningful connections. you can also check out flow jams in your city as well as online groups such as Amazing Flow Arts

Where to Find Props

1. Amazon: My Recommendations
2. Hoopologie (www.hoopologie.com) Hoopologie carries a wide range of hula hoops as well as supplies to create your own hula hoops
3. Moodhoops (www.moodhoops.com): Moodhoops is renowned for crafting high-quality LED hoops that will illuminate your flow arts performances with mesmerizing lights and colors.
4. Flowtoys (www.flowtoys.com): Flowtoys is a hub for flow artists, offering an extensive selection of LED props including poi, staffs, juggling balls, and more, designed to enhance your flow arts experience.
5. Trick Concepts (www.trickconcepts.com): Trick Concepts specialize in fire props. I had the pleasure of meeting this family in person at their warehouse in Torrance Ca, they took the time to set me up for my first burn and they are the sweetest!

Support small/ local businesses:

• Etsy (Etsy.com) Shop Small, search for your desired props made by handmade artists.
• Shani Anne Marvelous: (www.Shaniannemarvelous.com) Beautiful Handmade Hoops

Conclusion

It looks like you’re a flow artist now! Welcome to the family! I hope this article helps you along your flow arts journey. If you’re here, that means you’ve caught a glimpse of flow arts magic and you want some for yourself. I would encourage you, take the leap, get the prop, take the class, you wont regret it! I know I didn’t! If you would like support and guidance in your flow arts journey, you can check out my tutorials, classes, and courses. Get tips, tricks, and tutorials all in one place. Well, you magical unicorn you, please share what brought you here, as well as what prop you’re interested in learning. And as always, if you have any questions, ask away! Happy Flowing!

xoxo,

Zoe Joy

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Zoe Joy Black is a movement coach, dancer, performer, writer, and flow artist.  She has a passion for helping people find freedom and inner power through movement and dance. With over 6 years of experience in movement  arts  such as hula hooping, fans, dragon staff, and roller skating. Zoe has learned to use the concept of flow as a tool for personal growth and mindfulness. She teaches workshops, courses and classes for hula hooping, fans, and intuitive dance to students all over the world. Connect with Zoe on Youtube, Instagram, and Tiktok.