The Art Of Flow

A podcast about optimizing learning and fostering community told through the lens of movement arts, flow arts, and fire dancing! Join us to explore the perspectives of flow artists and fire performers on dancing, life philosophies, performance and learning. Learn the history of flow artists and flow arts, and join us as we contemplate the future of flow arts in engaging interviews and stories. The Art of Flow is available on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Play, and at www.ArtOfFlowPodcast.com You can follow The Art of Flow on Facebook or the Art of Flow Podcast on Instagram for sneak peaks on what episodes are coming next, and for insider opportunities such as community events, videos of guests, and more. Share what you think about the show by emailing [email protected]! Advice, feedback, suggestions, and comments are all welcome and greatly appreciated.

Artist's Residencies with Gabrielle Bonneville- Episode 38 of The Art of Flow 08/12/2022

Healing With Flow Arts with Otillia Ward - Episode 37 of The Art of Flow 07/02/2022

Vojta Stolbenko on Flow Arts Community- Episode 36 of The Art of Flow 05/06/2022

Bunny Holmes on Rocky Horror Circus Show - Episode 35 of The Art of Flow 03/12/2022

Taking the Stage Mari Hercher on Episode 34 of The Art of Flow 12/15/2021

Creating a Flow Arts Collective with Arlene Smith and BJ Burg - Episode 33 of The Art of Flow 11/04/2021

Diabolo with Chris Garcia- Episode 32 of The Art of Flow 11/01/2021

Touring with Jeremiah Johnston- The Art of Flow Episode 31 10/14/2021

Poi Health Benefits with Dr Kate Riegle van West - Episode 30 of The Art of Flow 06/16/2021

Making the Best Sticks with Glenn- Episode 29 of The Art of Flow 05/21/2021

Full-Time Performance with Srikanta Barefoot-Episode 28 of The Art of Flow 03/23/2021

Sacred Geometry with Samwise Clark- The Art of Flow Episode 26 03/09/2021

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Flow Arts with Dally, Michalla, and Vertel- Episode 27 of The Art of Flow 02/22/2021

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Flow Arts with Dally, Michalla, and Vertel- Episode 27 of The Art of Flow Listen to a discussion between Dallys Newton, Michalla Moss, and Vertel Jackson, in which we discuss how to embrace more diversity, equity, and inclusion in the flow arts community! Each of these artists came together across different states and countries to discuss challenges the Flow Arts Community is facing, racism, sexism, ableism, and suggestions for how we can address these issues. Please keep reading to check out their bios, contact information, and community projects mentioned in the episode. Dallys Newton has been dazzling audiences across the country since 2011 with her unique stage acts and roaming characters. She is known for her captivating stage presence and her commitment to excellence. Dally is a World-class Fire and LED performer who stilt-walks, juggles, hoops, clowns, aerial hoops, and more. Website- Instagram - Facebook- Youtube (Live Streams can be found here!)- Community Project Mentions: Guardians of the Vibe (bystander intervention and consent education nonprofit )- Follow on FB to find about upcoming events: Michalla Moss shares that movement has always been an integral activity in their life. As a young child, she took various dance classes and felt a deep connection to music, movement, and prop manipulation. It first came to them as a tool to express and find joy. Michalla swiftly fell in love with the art of Single Hoop Manipulation. What she thought to be her forever-and-only- prop was just the beginning of a lifelong venture in Dance, Flow Arts (Prop manipulation), and Circus Arts! Website- Instagram - Facebook- TikTok- @lovemichallalynn Community Project Mentions: Vertel Jackson has been a movement artist since birth. From jumping on couches to gaining the nickname “Rabbit,” to his imaginative soul; he has always preferred finding the endless possibilities of what his mind and others can collaboratively produce. He has been practicing flow arts since 2013 and uses it as a way to express himself and to work off daily frustrations and stress “adulting” has brought with it. Although flow arts performing is seen as more of a hobby than a profession he focuses on integrating more flow arts into his daily career as a Content Producer. He makes videos that focus on the arts and highlight diverse communities. Currently, he resides in Berlin getting established and tuning in to a new pace of life as an ex-pat. Website- Instagram - Facebook- Twitter- @___vertel TikTok- @verteljackson The Art of Flow (artofflowpodcast.com) is a free public resource for creators, teachers, and supporters of the arts who are interested in flow arts and fire-dancing. It is creativity, flow arts, and fire dancing podcast that is available for mainstream distribution and provides inspiration for artists and conversations on the creative process. The podcast is available for download and listening via the following Platforms: Podcast Website: iTunes: Spotify: Soundcloud: Stitcher: Google Play: Support the podcast to earn early access to full-length interviews, submit questions for interviewees, win freebies, and more by becoming a patron here: /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/17929412

Inside Look at The Art Of Flow with Morgan Dolginow- Episode 25 12/25/2020

Performance Perspectives with Liz Knights- The Art of Flow Episode 24 11/23/2020

Flow with Your Business with Krystin Railing- Episode 23 of The Art of Flow 10/31/2020

Flow with Your Business with Krystin Railing- Episode 23 of The Art of Flow Krystin Railing is a classically trained dancer and a professionally trained circus performer and has performed across the United States and internationally as a professional juggler and hula hooper. Performing hula hoops since 2009, she has appeared at Seaport Village Buskers Festival, the Fringe Festival, The House of Blues, and on Norwegian Cruise Lines, among other venues. She has been featured on numerous news programs, late-night talk shows, magazines, newspapers, and blogs for her incredible skills. In 2011, Krystin created Circus Mafia, an International Talent Agency for Circus performers, to support the careers of over 100 circus performers on 3 continents including North America, Europe, and Australia. In addition to her performance experience, she was the Communications Director for the International Jugglers Association in 2019 and is a certified Firewalking Instructor and Empowerment Coach through The Firewalking Center. In 2019, Krystin founded the Performer’s Guide, a Business Coaching and Mentorship program that is designed for professional performers who are looking to take their career to the next level. Stay in contact on social media! Instagram: Facebook: Website: The Art of Flow (artofflowpodcast.com) is a free public resource for creators, teachers, and supporters of the arts who are interested in flow arts and fire-dancing. It is a creativity, flow arts, and fire dancing podcast that is available for mainstream distribution and provides inspiration for artists and conversations on the creative process. The podcast is available for download and listening via the following Platforms: Podcast Website: iTunes: Spotify:Soundcloud: Google Play: Explore how to connect to your body, mind, and soul using movement arts and creative exploration by talking with movement artists, flow artists, and fire dancers. Support the podcast to earn early access to full-length interviews, submit questions for interviewees, win freebies, and more by becoming a patron here: /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/16610657

Sacred Fire with Sage Jacote- Art of Flow Episode 22 08/29/2020

Sacred Fire with Sage Jacote- Art of Flow Episode 22 Dancing with fire and light for over 20 years, Sage Jacote has changed the flow arts world as we know it, by teaching, performing, and inspiring around the world. She is the Founder and Artists Director of Sangre Del Sol, the longest operating fire and LED troupe in Austin, Texas. She has also applied her skills in directing, producing, dancing, and choreographing for not only Sangre Del Sol but another Texas-based fire troop Solar Rain. With a background in Hip Hop, West African, Middle Eastern, Belly Dance, Tai Chi, and Salsa she likes to fuse these into her innovative fire and light tools and pyrotechnic effects to push the boundaries of modern dance performance. Years ago Sage entered international flow art spinning contests through Home of Poi and upon winning this contest the director was so touched by her entry that he invited her to film an interview and feature more of her fire dancing and knowledge on an instructional video that is still widely used with fire dancers all over the globe today. She has also been featured in such videos as “Circles of Light 2”, “The Fire All-stars Vol 1'' and “Encyclo Poi Dia” and has been flown to many fire festivals to be a judge or a teacher. Website and links below: Websites - Instagram - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - - Solar Rain Support the podcast to earn early access full-length interviews, submit questions for interviewees, win freebies, and more by becoming a patron here: The Art of Flow (artofflowpodcast.com) is a free public resource for creators, teachers, and supporters of the arts who are interested in flow arts and fire-dancing. It is creativity, flow arts, and fire dancing podcast that is available for mainstream distribution and provides inspiration for artists and conversations on the creative process. The podcast is available for download and listening via the following Platforms: iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Play, and www.artofflowpodast.com Explore how to connect to your body, mind, and soul using movement arts and creative exploration by talking with movement artists, flow artists, and fire dancers. /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/15799151

Women in Juggling with Josie Mae 07/17/2020

Women in Juggling with Josie Mae Josie Mae is a contemporary circus artist and social circus educator specializing in club juggling and manipulation. They are coordinator and coach with The Voice Project - a youth training company that uses circus as an inquiry for social justice and systemic oppression - an extension of The Circus Project’s Pathways programming. Her passion for this work utilizes community organization, trauma-informed practices, and a holistic and intersectional educational lens. They have served on the International Jugglers Association (IJA) board and is the current World Juggling Day program director. They’ve also gone on tour with Clowns Without Borders - USA. Don’t miss out on the upcoming Feminist Juggling Panel, on Sunday, July 19th which was mentioned and by Josie in this interview (she is moderating it)! Feminist Juggling Panel – part of the IJA E-festival (https://www.juggle.org/festival/) on Sunday July 19th @ 10:00 am PST In collaboration with and broadcast on Circus Talk (FB: @CircusTalk) Hear the experiences of women (cis and trans) and those under the non-binary umbrella in the juggling community, and discussion of queer and trans issues, intersectionality, gender inclusion, allyship, and the future of diversity-focused discussions & initiatives Register for the panel here: Panelists include: Sonal Aggarwal, West Desert Rose, Mellionare, Love Michalla Lynn, Dallys Newton, and Lucy Juggles Connect with Josie even more and stay up to date with her creations: Website - Instagram - Facebook- The Art of Flow (artofflowpodcast.com) is a free public resource for creators, teachers, and supporters of the arts who are interested in flow arts and fire-dancing. It is creativity, flow arts, and fire dancing podcast that is available for mainstream distribution and provides inspiration for artists and conversations on the creative process. The podcast is available for download and listening via the following Platforms: iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Play, and Explore how to connect to your body, mind, and soul using movement arts and creative exploration by talking with movement artists, flow artists, and fire dancers. Support the podcast to earn early access full-length interviews, submit questions for interviewees, win freebies, and more by becoming a patron here: /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/15229532

Fire Magic with Kevin Axtell 05/20/2020

Orbit Design 03/19/2020

For the Love of Flow 03/07/2020

For the Love of Flow Inspired by the month of February, so often associated with love, join in an episode that examines the love of flow! Compiled from all the interviews since the creation of the Art of Flow in 2018, jump into hearing individuals flow stories, what keeps folks spinning, why fire-dancing and flow arts is important in their lives. Ask yourself, what creative outlets do you have and what do they bring to your life? Photo Credits for cover art Top Right: Photo of Dresden Blue by Juan Davila Top Middle: Photo of Duncan Greenwood Top Left: Photo of Troy Grisa Bottom Left: Photo of Aileen Lawlor by Jerimiah Johnston Bottom Middle: Photo of Xander Paris Bottom Right: Photo of Dyami Kaplan For the Love of Flow Ronan McLoughlin: [00:00:00] Depending on how I'm feeling on a particular day, I'm either going to be more predisposed to stress or can be more resilient. And that goes down to the basis of how my system operates, I feel. So whether that's how my physical body is working. Have I been, have I been using that well, have I've been doing good things for that so that things are running smoothly with that basis. Then also for all the different aspects of my mind as well. So have I been using my mind well. What if I could consuming. With my body and my brain. What are you putting into this? This mix that makes that makes me up and if I keep putting in good wholesome stuff and leads to more wholesome results. If I've been putting in less wholesome stuff, I get less wholesome result. So I think does a lot of stuff, Can we kind of invest in that? Can we try to take care or ourselves, I guess? Morgan Dolginow: [00:00:56] Ronan is an innovative poi spinner that travels the world teaching and performing? He is the originator of Contact Poi and has spoken on Ted X about learning to learn. That was an excerpt from Ronan McLoughlin's episode on Awareness in which he discusses self-care. Keeping that in mind, how have we been taking care of ourselves? How can we make sure that we are consuming something that fulfills us? What about what we are listening to? In honor of the month of February, so often focused on love, whether it be relationships, self-love, appreciating friends and family are loving to observe the hallmark industrial capitalistic takeover of holidays present and marketing around us, you know, whenever floats your boat, Morgan Dolginow: [00:01:41] I wanted to take a moment to examine our love of flow. So many wonderful individuals have spoken about flow and their lives, flow arts, dancing, creativity and what inspires them since the Art of Flow began in 2018. What do they share that reminds us why we love flow? Let's listen, and as an extra challenge, can you pick out what episode each person was in? If you can figure it out, post your answer on the Art of Flow group on Facebook, where you can connect with other listeners and maybe you'll earn a prize. Tani Olhanski: [00:02:17] My name's Tani. Poi was kind of like I have to spin this to be able to spin fire. It was never like that love at first sight, I held these things in my hand and was like, "Ahhh, this is it" and one day one of my friends calls me up and he's like, "Hey, I found this group of people in Dolores Park" and I was like, "what?" She was like, "they are like spinning poi and stuff, they're like, doing your thing that you do and you should go hang out with them. Practice with them." It's like, yeah. Where are they? And so I went down and it was DoloFlow. And so I started going and I think it was either my first or second day there, Tani Olhanski: [00:02:54] someone I don't remember who was had a dragonstaff and I picked up and was like, oooo I like this. And I spent the whole day spinning it and I was hooked from then. Every time I was around dragonstaff, I grab one. And then that opened the floodgates where everything else that came after. [00:03:15] Aileen discovered an enthusiasm towards the flow arts after moving to San Francisco in 2004 and delving into the practice of Poi, contact staff, and flow wand. Aileen Lawlor: [00:03:24] We drove to the Rainbow Gathering, it happened in a random national park throughout the country. And this time we were lucky because it was pretty close by. So this must have been in '98, 1998. You know, it's just like this total hippie fest where everyday's camping out, and I remember seeing this girl spend fire poi right as the sun was going down and it just it clicked for me. There's something about the fire, there was something about the movement that felt like, "OK, this is the type of movement that my body can do." And I had a feeling that I was gonna be able to do it well. So I knew that, that was the thing that I wanted to do in the future. When I moved to San Francisco in 2004, I went with the specific goal of learning fire poi to enhance my resumé as an actor. So studying acting in New York and I thought, okay, I'm gonna go, I'm gonna learn fire poi. That'll be a cool thing to put on my resumé. It'll give me an edge and then I'll go back to New York and keep studying theater. Little did I know it was gonna take a little bit longer than a month to learn poi. And so I start taking classes in San Francisco and I ended up staying in San Francisco, clued into the fire community that was meeting up and connecting with all these different people that were really part of a very early fire scene before the word flow was even in the picture. Morgan Dolginow: [00:04:45] What is flow? Why do you love it? Lane Lilliquist: [00:04:48] Why do I spin? It's a practice. It has taught me more about my body than I could have ever imagined. It has brought more amazing people into my life than I could have ever imagined. And then in other aspects, like, what's it like when you live life in your healthy, and you're capable of doing all the things you want to do. It's awesome! You know I just can't describe it too much differently. Like when you go when you have energy for what seems like a marathon of running around the city all day on top of that it's like an amazing art form to witness. And I like that pur suit of perfection, the practice, the refinement, the honing skills, getting lines straight, you know, getting stalls in the point that I mean them to be catching and tosses in all the different variations that exist. That aspect really gives me a sense that I'm pursuing mastery. And I think that that's an important aspect kind of in anybody's life. Morgan Dolginow: [00:05:50] Kevin has pioneered various techniques and fire and flow photography for over 10 years. Kevin LeVezu: [00:05:55] Actually, one of the things I love about working with fellow artists and photographing them is they're looking at the world in a different way than I am, and they're looking at things that I don't even see. And so I love being around flow artists because they see an ideal world that I don't see. I'm older, and so in my world, you get a lot more practical, and the hope and the dreams that you see in flow artists are so much fun and one of the main reasons I love collaborating and working with them. Morgan Dolginow: [00:06:24] Britney has traveled to Austria for the World Body Championships, taught body painting at Burning Man, and has painted faces of hundreds of kids and adults alike. She is also an accomplished world travelling, hooping fire dancer. Brittany Isphording: [00:06:38] Flow arts has really helped me heal a lot of deep seated wounds and I really enjoy sharing that with other people. Morgan Dolginow: [00:06:45] Dresden in an artist exploring the expressive potential of combining martial arts, circus and fine arts. Dresden Blue: [00:06:51] The early years it was, it was finding a way to express a lot of things that had been bottled up for a really long time in my life and building like a vocabulary that let me see those things in a way that I couldn't really with words. You know, with various romantic partnerships I had sometimes it's like had a . . . it's been a way to really deeply connect with another body as well as with the prop where you're able to get that kind of that that amazing sense of proprioception, not just for the prop, but with another person and able to really transfer like a really deep level of like somatic information back and forth to each other while you have this amazing fiery thing spinning around you at the same time. At other points, it's been a way for me to help other people heal, too, especially in doing private lessons in one at ones. You know, you can kind of start to delve into why people are wanting to learn these things and oftentimes it's it's because they want to feel empowered. They want to find a way to feel seen. And that's really powerful. Morgan Dolginow: [00:07:52] Veronica was introduced to then entrancing world of hooping seven years ago following the sudden loss of her best friend. Using flow arts as a means to transcend her earthly frustrations and sorrows, the art form has not only allowed a new avenue of creativity, but a positive outlet to be a role model and use for inspiring artist and dancers. Veronica Stein: [00:08:13] I tend to get lost in the details, I really love realism. I like doing spaces and animals and things like that. And so when I can really get in those details in that shading, I completely forget that I'm on a canvas sometimes until they move or speak. And it it's it's pretty fun because I do do flow arts. I actually started flow arts before I started body painting. And I do get that same we get sucked into the moment and you're just swept up in what you're doing, what you're creating. And it's really cool when you come out of it and you're like, oh, wow, that's what I just created. Rion Fish: [00:08:53] I'm Rion Fish, and I am a movement artist, variety entertainer and you know fish about time. Flow state kind of feels like very connected to things, we know what's going to happen, before it happens, I always think of the flow state like the spidey sense, of being slightly aware of what we're going to do before you do it, in operating at your peak condition. It's a little bit like being high on life. Morgan Dolginow: [00:09:17] Xander's life passion is martial, flow, and performance arts. He grew up involved in martial arts at a Muay Thai gym, years of dance classes, and theater which sparked his interest and movement, rhythm, and performance. Xander Paris: [00:09:30] Mentally, it really helped me by learning I can tackle challenges and really cementing my my determination, like putting things together new ways. And it really is like a big confidence boost to really see yourself improve. And it's a noticeable improvement, too, unlike, you know, your height, right? You grow a fraction of a fraction of an inch every day and you never notice when you're tall. But with flow arts, you get a move and all of sudden, you know that you can do that and you can see the progress. Morgan Dolginow: [00:09:58] I'm talking to Ty Roachford, the founder of Pop Dance Culture, an online resource hub and social media platform for fellow artist and those interested in learning prop dance fusion. He is also a student of neuroscience and an avid poi spinner. Ty Roachford: [00:10:13] Sometimes I will reward myself with just going like, okay, I'm going to work on this all day and then when I'm done, I'm going to go and do like flow arts stuff or just like spin, you know, like get into my own head and zone and just move around. Yeah, the feeling. It is my way to think about things that are not even related to flow. It is a meditative practice. So even if I'm not feeling like spinning, I'm feeling like meditating and getting into the zone and feeling like creative in some totally other different thing. I will go to that place that prop spinning, meditative place. Morgan Dolginow: [00:10:52] Richard is among the most distinguished American contact jugglers. He both teaches and performs along the West Coast and overseas at Indie stages to huge festivals. Richard Hartnell: [00:11:04] But I realized that in the same way that I need to eat from different food groups to keep my body from falling apart. And I need to run different social scenes to keep myself from falling apart. That music wasn't going to be enough. They could just play music every month let that be my only escape. And then I started wondering what the food groups of the creative experience, what are the food groups of flow states, right? And I thought, gosh, well I got music, and I have writing and I have cooking. What else have I got? Richard Hartnell: [00:11:32] Now I've got this pharmacopoeia medicine or something, like psychedelics or something is like a part of like inducing these mystical ego-less states. Then I realize, movement. I don't have a movement art that I do well. Well, I'm not a martial artist. Not a dancer, like I used to play sports as a kid but I didn't really care about them. So I quit. Richard Hartnell: [00:11:50] So I came home having meeting some circus people, and then I went to see a circus show that had happened here at RenFaire show that fall. And I went to see their show And during their show I realized, just like me as a DJ, they are also encoding psychedelic messages in their art, but they're also using art to spread a message of harmony, mysticism and inspiration and progress and beauty and joy. And I'm like, god we are on the same team. They don't even know! And I ran up about the show was done. Completely starry eyed. Found my friend Jocelyn and I was like "Jocelyn how do I get involved in this?" She's like, go talk to that juggler over there. And I went to that juggler over there, and I was like "Hey, man, Jocelyn says I should talk with you about how to get involved in this thing?" and he's like "through juggling club." Morgan Dolginow: [00:12:38] Troy picked up a spinning poi in college that has been going ever since. A flow arts fanatic currently living in Portland, Oregon, learning water to move props each year. Troy Grisa: [00:12:47] I went with a friend to a World Beat's night, just at a local bar in Milwaukee, and you know the bass was thumping and the drinks were flowing. And I'm standing at the bar just kind of standing awkwardly, like too cool for school, just observing, and across the room, flies an object and wraps perfectly around my leg like a tentacle. With a sharp reaction, I bent over to pick it up. I didn't know what it was at the time. I was a podpoi and I picked it up, but I couldn't believe what I was holding in my hands. Incredible, glowing, pulsing, like I said, tentacle. Troy Grisa: [00:13:20] And I held it out at arm's length, studying it. When a dreadlocked wook came up to me, and said, "Hey, man," flicked back his dreads, "that's mine." With a huge grin I handed it back to him, and he, for lack of a better word, slithered back into the crowd while spinning it and keeping his eyes locked time. Obviously he was playing a part of being goofy with it, but I proceeded to watch him flow, and within 10 seconds of that happening, I took out my phone, typed in poi beginner set. . . Morgan Dolginow: [00:13:51] Meet Duncan Roy Greenwood, a flow artist from Cape Town, South Africa. He has spent much of his life trying to promote the flow arts, sharing it and getting others involved in the flow community. He created the flow arts commune Africa Burn, similar to Burning Man conclave in the US. Duncan Greenwood: [00:14:09] And now, I realize that you can make art using dance and math and juggling at the same time and photography to do it.So that is like a technical sort of equipment kind of aspects to learning how how light is captured. So this to me now is all of a sudden seemed like the ultimate form. Duncan Greenwood: [00:14:38] And I specifically then went and learnt how to spin poi, so that I could learn antispin, so that I could transfer antispin to my flower stick repertoire of techniques and I developed buzzsaw antispin fountain with flower sticks. By that time I started getting kind of good, or at least more comfortable with poi, and that become more comfortable to me than sticks. Morgan Dolginow: [00:15:07] Isa founded Temple of Point in 2002, a school community supporting artists, cultivating flow practices designed to empower them to better understand themselves, the world around them and how to interrelate through the use of poi dancing and other flow tools. Isa Isaacs: [00:15:24] I just had this transcendent moment where I was dancing and the poi just happened to be swinging around me as a part of the dance and it just something happened where for the whole flow on the Playa, and I just transcended me, and I was expressing the music. Morgan Dolginow: [00:15:42] Dyami Kaplan is a performer, flow arts teacher, a massage therapist from Santa Cruz, California. Dyami Kaplan: [00:15:49] The most effective ways that I've ever seen for this firm to grow is for us to continue to offer knowledge around it and offer learning around it as freely as possible. And there's definitely been a few ways that we do that. We've always tried to have an emphasis at the spin jam gatherings of not only sharing very freely with each other what we are excited about, but also welcoming in and having a very strong emphasis on inclusion with anyone who shows the interest in those shows up and like, "hey, what is this? What are you doing this? This looks interesting." And I think a lot of us recognize that it's really important if anyone ever comes to us like time to be, this is what it is. Here, try it and let me put this in your hands. Try it for yourself. Here's some things that you can do with it. And that's kind of the really important initial layer of it. And then beyond just offering classes as much as possible, whether that's classes, if anyone's inspired to teach in any format in the towns that they live in or if they have information that they're feeling inspired to share at the gatherings, the flow arts festivals and the firedancing gatherings. Morgan Dolginow: [00:17:05] Jilly Bee first picked up poi in the form of glow sticks and string's when she was 16, volunteering in a youth organization. She now spends much of her time cultivating community through interacting, connecting with its people. Much of her time in our circle is focused on organizing, leading, designing and facilitating community discussions on the future of our art. Jilly Bee: [00:17:24] When you're engaging in an activity that is bringing you present, the moment is very much an exercise. So you're exercising this big massive muscle and is able to move and work together when you're stimulating the creative side of your minds. The more you do that. That's a muscle. So the more you tap into that creative part of yourself, that part of yourself that can play, that does play, that does explore, and that is able to create a stronger it gets. It's really sad. I dare to say there's some people that go through their whole lives without stimulating that part of them. To them, creativity is characteristic of people who make art. And art is something you have to be really good at and you get paid to do. It's like this weird stigma. No, every single human being on this planet is inherently creating. Morgan Dolginow: [00:18:11] But what about me? Why am I creating this podcast. How did I get into the flow arts? I broke up with my first love and I realized that I did not really know what love was. I had somewhere along the line had stopped loving myself. And through spinning, all those hours spent alone, exploring space and through self-expression, Morgan Dolginow: [00:18:37] I remembered what it was, reached out and found community. Thanks to everyone who shared in this podcast episode why they love flow, how they first encountered it, what it means in their lives, and what it's bringing to the table. I challenge you to ask yourself, what does it mean to you? How are you providing yourself... /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/13451075

Creative Collaborations 01/24/2020

Creative Collaborations When an artist from one background, such as movement arts, pairs up with an artist from another background such as body painting, and a third artist works to capture the collaboration via the art of photography what and how is the interacting art created? In this episode of the Art of Flow we are going to explore the collaborations that can occur with fire photography and the magic that can happen when multi-media artistic creations are made. Join the conversation with Brittney Isphording, Kevin LeVezu, Veronica Stein about how one such piece, the cover art for this episode, was created, challenges they faced, how their mediums have changed over the years, and what inspires them to get in the flow with their art. Link to Creative Collaboration photograph: Artist Biographies: Brittney used to get in trouble for drawing on herself in high school so when the north American body paint championships came to the east coast in her 20’s she jumped on the opportunity! After a few years modeling for artists she picked up the brush herself. She'd been painting with acrylic and oil paints throughout her life but this new medium captured her heart. She's also a circus performer herself which helps her to understand the needs of her performing canvases. Brittney has traveled to Austria for the World Body paint Championships, taught bodypainting at burning man, and has painted faces of hundreds of kids and adults alike! She is also an accomplished, world traveling hoop and fire dancer. Kevin has pioneered various techniques in fire and flow photography for over 10 years. He is a staff photographer for the several festivals and publications including the Burning Man Project. His work has been featured in art exhibits, magazines, documentaries and news stories throughout the world. He teaches this art creation form both through in person workshops and through his website/blog Veronica was introduced to the entrancing world of hooping seven years ago following the sudden loss of her best friend. Using flow arts as a means to transcend her earthly frustrations and sorrows, the art form has not only allowed for a new avenue of creativity, but a positive outlet to be a role model and muse for aspiring artists and dancers. Superseding her professional fire arts entrance to the PA Gathering, “Return to Roots,” Veronica can be found enchanting and enticing weekly spectators at local clubs, corporate events, parties, and festivals— most recently she has also become a respected go-go dancer and is continuously hunting for new channels of expression. Social Media Links: Brittney Isphording- Instagram: Facebook: Website: Kevin LeVezu- Website: Instagram: Facebook: Veronica Stein- Instagram: Facebook: Like the show? With YOUR support I can keep the podcast going, and incorporate your feedback, suggestions, and questions, to make the show even better. Together, we can make a flow arts podcast not only happen, but a continuing REALITY. Become a patron for insider only rewards! Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=15511651 The Art of Flow, a podcast all about fire artists, flow arts, fostering community, and optimizing learning is now available on, , , , and at You can follow or the for sneak peaks on what episodes are coming next, and for insider opportunities such as community events, videos of guests, and more. /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/12870950

Online Communities - Flow, Circus, and Artists Conversation on Community and Creativity 01/02/2020

Online Communities - Flow, Circus, and Artists Conversation on Community and Creativity Delve into a conversation on the history of flowarts, as Jilly Bee shares about her time involved in community and discusses the shift to virtual communities, explores challenges facing the community as we grow in number, reflects on giving and receiving feedback, and provides her insights into individual’s changing relationships with poi and other props over the years. Jilly Bee is a community architect, inspirer, and innovative thinker. She can be found by the fireside chatting about cultural dynamics, uplifting those in need and creating safe spaces so that anyone can have an opportunity to experience the flow arts movement. Jilly has written ensemble performances for many different events and organizations, performed with fire conclave for Burning Man for 4 years and ascended to shin of this 50-person troupe, and performed everywhere from local art walks to The Queen Mary Oceanliner. Jilly has hosted and led OC spin jams, organized smaller performance groups and numerous California flow events, and Jilly opened a flow dojo in Aliso Viejo for a year. Bee is an admin of Poi Chat, one of the largest flow-related groups on Facebook with over twenty-seven thousand members. Her motivation to sustain that role is in seeing how the virtual community is growing and shaping the greater community at large. Connect with Jilly Bee online: Facebook: Instagram: About the Podcast: The Art of Flow is created by Morgan, a flow fanatic dedicated to sharing information about movement arts and flow arts, the history of fire-dancing and flow, and reflections on the creative process and self-care to the general public. Flow arts are defined as the use of objects/props to explore movement and self via repetitive practice of a series of movements, and are often a practice that assist individuals in accessing a “flow” state. Props often include poi, rope-dart, hoops, fans, puppy-hammer, contact ball, meteor, meteor dart, dragon staff, contact staff, clubs, buggeng, levi-wand, double staff, and anything that can be rolled, spun, and manipulated. This podcast all about fire artists, flow arts, creativity, fostering community, and optimizing learning is available on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Play, and at www.ArtOfFlowPodcast.com You can follow The Art of Flow on Facebook or the Art of Flow Podcast on Instagram for sneak peaks on what episodes are coming next, and for insider opportunities such as community events, videos of guests, and more. Like the show? With YOUR support I can keep the podcast going, and incorporate your feedback, suggestions, and questions, to make the show even better. Together, we can make a flow arts podcast not only happen, but a continuing REALITY. Please consider sponsoring it here on Patreon! Where else can I listen to the episodes? iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/art-of-flow/id1441666847 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4heSAjGlrqCbxt0PiOgkD3 Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/810810810 Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen The Art of Flow Website: http://www.artofflowpodcast.com /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/12598286

Learning through Flow 11/28/2019

Learning through Flow In this episode of Art of Flow, join a conversation with , a longtime teacher in the flow community, as we discuss learning through flow, how flow arts have changed throughout the years, and healing through movement. Isa founded in 2002, a school and community supporting artists cultivating flow practices designed to empower them to better understand themselves, the world around them and how the two interrelate through the use of poi, dancing, and other flow tools. She successfully drew upon distinctions from her diverse background and 15 years’ experience as an entrepreneur and Silicon Valley tech employee to create a legacy that has impacted thousands of students globally. Having come to poi dancing as a rehabilitation from various body injuries, chronic pain and debilitating tendinitis, flow arts remains an integral part of her own anti-aging and body healing regiments. In an effort to legitimize fire dancing she produced over a dozen shows in San Francisco’s Union Square, including an annual non-profit Fire Dancing Expo performed in front of a 3,500 person audience as a gift to the public featuring artists from around the globe showcased as a Corner Stone Event during Bay Area Dance Week. Isa, also known by her performance name "GlitterGirl", has been the subject of numerous appearances including the cover of the San Francisco Chronicle and SF Weekly; appearances on ABC, CBS, CCTV in China, and the Travel Channel; winning Best of the Bay awards 3 times; and as a finalist in the Circle of Lights 4 and Circle of Lights 5 videos. She has authored over 100 articles focused on entrepreneurship and practice in flow arts, performed countless times, and produced thousands of videos showcasing this art form Contact Isa and stay up to date with her classes and videos! Instagram: Website: Youtube: Music Credits: Gianluca Sgalambro- Revelations CDK- Sunday Jeff Speed- Yes-Yes-Yes Quarkstar- Cricket Seasoning Tobias Weber- Between Worlds Djlang59 -Drops of H20 CDK- World of Insanity About the Podcast: The Art of Flow is created by Morgan, a flow fanatic dedicated to sharing information about movement arts and flow arts, the history of fire-dancing and flow, and reflections on the creative process and self-care to the general public. Flow arts are defined as the use of objects/props to explore movement and self via repetitive practice of a series of movements, and are often a practice that assist individuals in accessing a “flow” state. Props often include poi, rope-dart, hoops, fans, puppy-hammer, contact ball, meteor, meteor dart, dragon staff, contact staff, clubs, buggeng, levi-wand, double staff, and anything that can be rolled, spun, and manipulated. This podcast all about fire artists, flow arts, creativity, fostering community, and optimizing learning is available on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Play, and at www.ArtOfFlowPodcast.com You can follow The Art of Flow on Facebook or the Art of Flow Podcast on Instagram for sneak peaks on what episodes are coming next, and for insider opportunities such as community events, videos of guests, and more. Like the show? With YOUR support I can keep the podcast going, and incorporate your feedback, suggestions, and questions, to make the show even better. Together, we can make a flow arts podcast not only happen, but a continuing REALITY. Please consider sponsoring it here on Where else can I listen to the episodes? iTunes: Spotify: Soundcloud: Google Play: The Art of Flow Website: /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/12207656

Harm Reduction 11/03/2019

Flow Cultural Identity 09/11/2019

Flow Cultural Identity A continuation of our conversation with Ben Drexler "DrexFactor" this episode includes discussions on how to discover our cultural identity as a flow community, some of DrexFactor's favorite artistic projects, and the story of how he became a prolific content creator. Ben "Drex" Drexler is one of the most popular content creators in the flow arts. He is a world-renowned movement artist, dancer, and instructor who has spent the last 12 years teaching and performing the art of poi. His YouTube channel has more than six million views and more than 48,000 subscribers, and he has more than 20,000 followers on Instagram. He has taught at countless events on 3 continents, and his online tutorials have been a gateway for 10’s to 1000’s of people all over the world. Important Links: DrexFactor Blog- DrexFactor YouTube Channel- DrexFactor Facebook: DrexFactor Instagram - DrexFactor’s favorite technical video project as mentioned in this interview – About the Podcast: Like the show? With YOUR support I can keep the podcast going, and incorporate your feedback, suggestions, and questions, to make the show even better. Together, we can make a flow arts podcast not only happen, but a continuing REALITY. Please consider sponsoring it (patreon.com/user?u=15511651) The Art of Flow is created by Morgan, a flow fanatic dedicated to sharing information about movement arts and flow arts, the history of fire-dancing and flow, and reflections on the creative process and self-care to the general public. Flow arts are defined as the use of objects/props to explore movement and self via repetitive practice of a series of movements, and are often a practice that assist individuals in accessing a “flow” state. Props often include poi, rope-dart, hoops, fans, puppy-hammer, contact ball, meteor, meteor dart, dragon staff, contact staff, clubs, buggeng, levi-wand, double staff, and anything that can be rolled, spun, and manipulated. You can follow or the for sneak peaks on what episodes are coming next, and for insider opportunities such as community events, videos of guests, and more. Where else can I listen to the episodes? iTunes: Spotify: Soundcloud: Google Play: The Art of Flow Website: /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/11205095

What is Flow Arts? 09/03/2019

What is Flow Arts? Ben "Drex" Drexler is one of the most prolific and popular content creators in the flow arts. He is a world-renowned movement artist, dancer, and instructor who has spent the last 12 years teaching and performing the art of poi. His YouTube channel has more than six million views and more than 48,000 subscribers, and he has more than 20,000 followers on Instagram. He has taught at countless events on 3 continents, and his online tutorials have been a gateway for 10’s to 1000’s of people all over the world. He believes in the power of flow arts to improve fitness, build problem solving skills, and as a tool for personal expression and hopes to bring the transformative power of flow to as wide an audience as possible. In the first part of a two part interview, Ben discusses with us what the flow arts are, flow history, and how the community has changed over the years. Important Links: DrexFactor Blog- DrexFactor YouTube Channel- DrexFactor Instagram - DrexFactor’s favorite technical video project as mentioned in this interview – About the Podcast: The Art of Flow is created by Morgan, a flow fanatic dedicated to sharing information about movement arts and flow arts, the history of fire-dancing and flow, and reflections on the creative process and self-care to the general public. Flow arts are defined as the use of objects/props to explore movement and self via repetitive practice of a series of movements, and are often a practice that assist individuals in accessing a “flow” state. Props often include poi, rope-dart, hoops, fans, puppy-hammer, contact ball, meteor, meteor dart, dragon staff, contact staff, clubs, buggeng, levi-wand, double staff, and anything that can be rolled, spun, and manipulated. This podcast all about fire artists, flow arts, creativity, fostering community, and optimizing learning is available on, , , , and at You can follow or the for sneak peaks on what episodes are coming next, and for insider opportunities such as community events, videos of guests, and more. Like the show? With YOUR support I can keep the podcast going, and incorporate your feedback, suggestions, and questions, to make the show even better. Together, we can make a flow arts podcast not only happen, but a continuing REALITY. Please consider sponsoring it ! Where else can I listen to the episodes? iTunes: Spotify: Soundcloud: Google Play: The Art of Flow Website: /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/11095214

Life's Purpose 05/10/2019

Performance 04/20/2019

Performance In this episode listen to a conversation with Troy Grisa, a flow arts fanatic currently living in Portland, Oregon. Troy picked up spinning poi in college and has been going ever since, learning one or two new props each year. He took his art-form to a professional level working as a performer for 3 years in Florida at various events ranging from weddings to luaus, to birthdays and community events. Troy was a high school teacher for 4 years during which he incorporated flow arts into his lesson breaks! Now, you can find him working on his flow arts poetry and crafting a new flow arts blog as he serves the community with involvement, passion, and gusto. Find Troy online at: Instagram: Facebook - Youtube: Like the show? With YOUR support I can keep the podcast going, and incorporate your feedback, suggestions, and questions, to make the show even better. Together, we can make a flow arts podcast not only happen, but a continuing REALITY. Please consider sponsoring it ! Patrons on Patreon are GREAT! This episode was made possible by the support of Will Kielty. Below is a poem dedicated to him in thanks of his support as an Art-ist level on Patreon. You too could get a poem by becoming a supporter and assisting in the creation of this podcast. Where There’s a Will There’s a Way . . . to jam out! I had never been to a firejam Never done stalls I had no firefam. But then I met Will, Will and his balls. Poi in hand, I ran up to ask for the tricks He demonstrated twice, how to do tangles, and antispin shticks. We exchanged digits, for this wizard was nice But now I was sad for the rain had come Ruining our plans to play in the sun Finding a friend to play with, a fellow poi bum I couldn’t accept it , no I would not be glum. Wishing the weather away, Finally the skies let up I texted let’s spin today, No longer a grump. He asked if I had a duvie, And was wearing cotton to spin fire I had no clue and worried he would see through me, Novice I was but no liar. No problem he said, okay LEDs I will provide for this venture drawing near Clearly where there was Will there was a way that’s the evening the need to bench my sock poi became clear. The Art of Flow, a podcast all about fire artists, flow arts, fostering community, and optimizing learning is now available on, , , , and at You can follow or the for sneak peaks on what episodes are coming next, and for insider opportunities such as community events, videos of guests, and more. Alternative of links and for social media posts: How do I listen to the episode? iTunes: Spotify: Soundcloud: Google Play: The Art of Flow Website: /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/9464495

Creating Collaborative Flow 04/06/2019

Creating Collaborative Flow a world class contact spinner and teacher, sat down to share with listeners of the Art of Flow how she got into firedancing, discuss her work in Nicaragua teaching flow arts to at-risk-youth, and discus how choreography is a pictorial representation/lens into bigger themes in her life. Aileen discovered an enthusiasm toward the Flow and Spinning Arts after moving to San Francisco in 2004 and delving into the practice of poi, contact staff, and Flow-Wand. Her exploration with object manipulation encouraged her studies of dance & varied movement modalities. Blending technical proficiency and her personal style into her performance, she has established herself as a highly sought-after Contact Staff instructor and performer at countless festivals in the worldwide Flow Arts community. She has conducted workshops throughout the US and taught in Rome, France, Canada & the UK, New Zealand, has appeared in numerous instructional Flow Arts DVD’s, and for several years in Nicaragua as a volunteer sharing her knowledge of the fire & flow arts (in Spanish!) to vulnerable youth and circus artists throughout Central America. Check out Aileen’s work at and visit . Episode Music Credits: Favorite by Unknown Dreamcatcher-Purple Planet Inspirational Chronos Quarkstar Siobhan- Wake Up Sunday- SDK Like the show? With YOUR support I can keep the podcast going, and incorporate your feedback, suggestions, and questions, to make the show even better. Together, we can make a flow arts podcast not only happen, but a continuing REALITY. Please consider sponsoring it here on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/user?u=15511651 The Art of Flow is a podcast all about fire artists, flow arts, fostering community, and optimizing learning. How do I listen to the Art of Flow? iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/art-of-flow/id1441666847 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4heSAjGlrqCbxt0PiOgkD3 Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/810810810 Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen The Art of Flow Website: http://www.artofflowpodcast.co /episode/index/show/theartofflow/id/9291179

The Art Of Flow

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