Building A Flow Arts Team – Part Three – Flow Arts Equipment

Flow Arts Equipment and Props 

You’ve got the people, and they’re interested in performing as a professional team. Some may have experience, others may be starting from scratch, and they are all looking to you for guidance. It is time to begin the practice! 

 

What Prop? 

 

Before showing up to the first practice (or focused flow jam), you’ll need to configure who’s interested in what, and who already has practice props. I highly recommend, especially for the beginners, to have everyone pick a primary prop and stick with it for the first few weeks, or at least until there’s an act ready to showcase. If your team consists of solely beginners, have them pick a prop to focus on and master for their first burn. It may be easier to direct the whole team into practicing the same prop for the first few weeks to create an ease in your teaching flow. Share your vision with them. Some experienced flow artists may want to stick with their primary prop, and that’s ok. See how they can complement the team with their particular prop, or direct them into the vision how you see fit.

For Jesse and I, it’s easier to split up (Jesse teaches poi while I teach hula hooping) in the same session, giving our students the opportunity to choose hoop or poi for their first burn. If you aren’t growing the team with an experienced partner, I recommend focusing in on one prop, at least to begin, and branching out later once the team is more established. 

 

Now that everyone is on the same page for what flow arts equipment they’ll be focusing on during practices, you’ll need to configure where these props are, who has them already, and all the logistics for care. If your team members already have practice props, great! You’re work here is done. Maybe they have their own fire performing equipment too! That would make it extra effortless! 

 

Typically, this does not naturally fall into place so effortlessly. You will need to configure most of these things while working with beginners, and even some experienced flow artists. If they don’t have their own practice props, your best bet is to either provide them or help them acquire their own. Jesse and I have over a dozen hoops and ready-made sock poi (made from socks and tennis balls) for our students to either use during practice or rent for the duration of training. I also crochet “Cuddle Poi” upon request, and both of us have excellent resources for finding your own equipment online at affordable prices. It will all come together the more energy you invest in the details. 

Fire Spinning Equipment

 

Beyond practice props, what about the shows? Professional fire shows require totally different and much more equipment than your practices. Perhaps we will put together a video or blog on the equipment checklist for performances, though for now I will simply allude to the fact that there is more to be done. Who’s supplying it? Well if you don’t have a team solely consistent of already established fire performers, you should be the one in charge. Find and gather the equipment, and store it somewhere safe until showtime. When your team is ready or expressing interest in acquiring their own equipment, direct them to the sources where they can purchase their own. 

 

It’s simple, yet every detail is important when building such an incredible project. Do reach out with any questions, suggestions, and/or for growing together as an international team. 

 

Blessings Abound, Abundance All Around,

–Liora of Infinite Comings
A Sacred Flow Art Community Blogger

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