Have you ever heard someone talk about entering a flow state? In psychology, flow refers to a deep level of mental or emotional focus on a specific project, subject, or problem.
Nothing else occupies the mind of a person in flow, and it’s hard to distract them from what they’re doing. Performing flow arts is a way to take this level of meditative focus and apply it to fluid physical movement.
How can you get started with flow arts? Read on to learn everything you need to know as a beginner.
Watch Experienced Flow Artists
Before you can give the flow arts a shot, it’s important to understand what flow art is. Simply put, flow art is a form of creative expression that combines light, object manipulation, and movement (often dance or a form of martial arts).
It’s useful to watch experienced flow artists in action to get a sense of how they use their objects (flow toys and flow tools) as an extension of their bodies. Remember, you’re not trying to learn another artist’s technique beat by beat. Instead, you’re learning to appreciate the flow arts and noticing what stands out to you.
Give Different Flow Toys a Try
If you’ve ever seen someone performing flow arts at a festival, you may have noticed that they were using tools like a fire staff or fire poi. As tempting as it may be to light something on fire and start dancing, you should always start with LED flow toys. They’re still fun, but they’re a lot safer, especially for beginners.
Use the early stages of your flow practice to give different flow toys a try. You’re going to have a much different experience with poi balls than you are with a hula hoop, LED gloves, or a pixel whip. Each type of flow toy is going to create a unique experience and require unique skills, so try out a few to find what moves you the most.
Find Your Flow Wardrobe
What you wear can have a big impact on your overall flow. No matter what your flow style is, you’re going to want to wear something with a close fit and a good stretch. The last thing you want is for your flow toys to get stuck on your clothing.
Depending on the type of flow arts you perform, you may also need protective eyewear. While LED gloves aren’t likely to hit you in the face, poi sets and pixel whips certainly can!
Test Out Different Playlists
As you may have guessed by now, flow isn’t about learning and executing a routine. It’s about freedom of expression and moving your body and tools so that you become one with the music.
Make a few different playlists that each have their own vibes, speeds, and genres. In the earliest stages, you may find it easier and more soothing to flow along with slower beats. As you unlock your own creativity, it can get easier to slip into a flow state to a faster tempo.
Record Yourself Performing Flow Arts
How flow feels and what it looks like don’t always align. At the end of the day, flow arts should make you feel good, and it doesn’t matter as much if they look good. That said, if you’re hoping to improve, it’s time to break out your phone and start recording yourself.
You can also practice in front of a mirror, but trying to watch yourself in real-time can break your sense of flow. Recording allows you to move and stay in the moment without missing anything later. Pay attention to your execution of new moves and tricks and see where you stand to improve.
Join a Flow Arts Community
People flock to the flow arts because they’re a form of meditation that involves the mind and the body. This is a deeply personal experience, but that doesn’t mean it should exist in isolation. The flow arts community is a great place to meet friends, connect with like-minded people, and try out new things.
Joining a flow arts community can take your practice to the next level. This is a great way to try flow toys you don’t have, learn tricks you’ve never seen, and get used to performing alongside other performers.
Practice Your Performance
Any new skill or hobby requires practice, and flow arts are no exception. Skilled performers might make flow look easy, but the second you pick up a set of poi balls and start dancing, you’ll realize how hard they’ve worked to get there.
The first few times you attempt to flow, you may find it hard to get out of your own head or let go of the thoughts that are keeping you out of the present moment. Practicing gives you an opportunity to strengthen your meditative and mindfulness abilities alongside your skills and tricks.
Learn Fire Spinning the Right Way
If you’ve been working with flow toys but fire tools are still calling your name, proceed with caution. Unlike flow toys, fire tools aren’t safe to operate inside. You’re also going to need some instruction and supervision from the start.
This is where joining a flow arts community can really come in handy. If you know someone in your community who is experienced in fire spinning, ask if they’re willing to pass on their knowledge. You can also sign up for group or one-on-one classes through many festival circuits and performing arts centers.
Turn Your Flow State into Creative Expression
When most people talk about flow, they’re talking about the state of unbroken concentration that allows them to grow in their trade or craft. Performing flow arts is a great way to apply that same principle to the union of the body and mind. Use this guide to start nurturing your inner flow artist.
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