Flow and aerial artists

[Guest Arc]

I'm curious to see how many people here are into aerial and flow arts! Over the last year these have become a huge interest of mine, my favourite hobbies, and a source of relaxation and happiness for me. ^^

I have been spinning poi since I was in kindergarten. I'm from New Zealand, and poi originated here! It's obviously evolved a lot but the Maori style of poi performance that I learned as a kid easily translates into the pretty flow arts many people think of when they hear about poi. I have both LED and fire poi, but LED is my favourite because they're colour changing and I can use them inside if I need a break and don't want to set up a burn. But fire fans are and will always be my favourite toy! I recently adapted my covers according to this video so I can have the option to have LED practice fans  (sfw). I buy all my props from Homeofpoi because their warehouse is near where I live so I get next morning delivery. I hope to try more things when I have the time, money, and teachers. Flow arts have taught me to have courage to try new things, even if I think I will look ridiculous. It's taught me patience and how to calm my mind and focus on what is in front of me. It's my happy place where I can relax and just enjoy what I am doing. 

 

I have been pole dancing for 4 months, silks for two weeks, and aerial hoop/lyra for one week. I absolutely adore both. They're so much fun and I always feel so good about myself when I get something right for the first time. It's given me the biggest confidence boost ever and I feel happier and have more self confidence than ever before. Starting pole fitness changed my life around, as cheesy as it sounds. I feel better about myself and I have less fears because I have learned how much I am capable of if I just try. Things I thought were impossible are now so easy I do it without thinking, and when I look back a few weeks I can see how far I have come in strength, confidence, and skill... and I'm proud of that. 

 

I've found both communities to be so welcoming and kind. Everyone is always willing to teach because they love and are passionate about their art and it's amazing to see. I think it's amazing what's out there. I haven't seen much of it around here so I'd love to find some others out there who share these passions. So what do you do and/or use? Where do you buy your gear? (please remember no sharing anything where you stand to gain!) How long have you been doing it, and how do you find it? Or are you just curious and wanting to try it? ^.^

[Little Illy]

Honestly I love hearing about your skills and experiences. 

 

I have always wanted to learn burlesque. Like the actual dance-burlesque (vintage if you will), and not just the sex-infused stripping a lot of burlesque dances have turned into. I even went as far as looking for classes to take, but I couldn't work up the nerve. It is definitely still on my list of things I want to do one day, as well as belly dancing (again, legit belly dancing). I honestly find it very inspiring knowing someone who is taking all of these "chances" by doing these wonderful things so I don't have to. Because I don't have the confidence. So its really nice to see what these activities can do for a person who enjoys them. 

 

Im so excited and totally jealous of you!

[SleeplessInLittlespace]

I eat fire and spin poi and staff! <3 Also contact juggling but not really cause I suck, but I do practice sometimes! XD 

[Guest Arc]

I'd love to try burlesque one day too! It looks so beautiful. I'd also prefer to do the dance-burlesque... but I also wouldn't pass up the opportunity to roll around in a giant martini glass in lingerie if I ever had the opportunity  

 

It's scary as shit taking chances but it's definitely worth it. I always freak out when trying new things but after a few lessons my brain kinda gives up and is like "FINE do your thing then." I hope you get to give it all a go one day too ^^

[Little Illy]

I'd love to try burlesque one day too! It looks so beautiful. I'd also prefer to do the dance-burlesque... but I also wouldn't pass up the opportunity to roll around in a giant martini glass in lingerie if I ever had the opportunity

 

It's scary as shit taking chances but it's definitely worth it. I always freak out when trying new things but after a few lessons my brain kinda gives up and is like "FINE do your thing then." I hope you get to give it all a go one day too ^^

 

Okay yeah, that martini glass sounds fun

 

I used to do break dance, lyrical, hip hop and freestyle. So I was always afraid of the freestyle and break dance because we were doing 'adavnced' moved that I probably should have broken my neck on. So I totally understand that aspect. I hope I get to try it one day too! Otherwise I will silently live vicariously through you  

[Guest Arc]

If I had the space and money I would have already had one made  

[Guest DuckDaddy66]

I spin poi and was showing my little and she grabs my poi and she spins too.  It was  totally random!

[Guest Arc]

That's awesome. I love finding other flow artists. Maybe one day you could try it together. I've seen so many awesome doubles videos ^^

[Guest DuckDaddy66]

That's awesome. I love finding other flow artists. Maybe one day you could try it together. I've seen so many awesome doubles videos ^^

 

You know that's a good idea and trust building.  I really like that.  Personally I have been working on stalls and pendulums.   It's been a while and trying to get back to it.