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Flow arts is a movement discipline centered around object manipulation, dance, and creative self-expression. Most people associate flow arts with manipulating props like poi, staffs, hoops, fans, rope darts, and dragon staffs, although the community has grown to include many different movement practices over the years.
At its core, flow arts is less about the prop itself and more about the experience of movement. Whether you’re practicing for fun, performing for an audience, exercising, or simply relaxing after a long day, the goal is often the same: becoming fully immersed in what you’re doing.
What Are Flow Props?
Flow props (also called flow toys) are the tools manipulated when practicing flow arts. Some of the most popular include:
Many of these props are available in daytime, LED, and fire versions, allowing artists to practice almost anywhere, whether it’s during the day or after dark.
Although prop manipulation is what most people think of when they hear “flow arts,” the prop itself is really just a tool. The real goal is finding a style of movement that helps you enter a state of flow, which is exactly where the term “flow arts” comes from.
Where Did the Term “Flow” Come From?
The term flow was coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in 1975, who spent decades studying the mental state people enter when they’re completely absorbed in an activity.
He described flow as a state of effortless concentration where time seems to disappear and your attention becomes fully focused on the task at hand. Rather than forcing yourself to concentrate, the activity naturally holds your attention.
Here’s the cool part. He found that this mental state is seen in every culture around the world. It’s something we ALL have in common.
Many people discover that spinning flow toys creates exactly this feeling, which is where the modern flow arts community gets its name.
Why Do People Practice Flow Arts?
Everyone has a different reason for picking up a flow prop.
Some people enjoy learning technical tricks and challenging themselves. Others use flow arts as a form of exercise, meditation, or stress relief. Many performers incorporate flow arts into their acts and choreography, while others simply enjoy moving outdoors, with or without music.
For many practitioners, flow arts combines elements of:
- Object manipulation
- Dance
- Creative expression
- Exercise
- Mindfulness
- Performance
There isn’t one right way to practice. Finding your own flow style is part of the journey.
Is Flow Arts Only About Props?
Not necessarily.
While prop manipulation is what most people mean when they refer to flow arts today, many related movement disciplines share similar ideas. Practices like contact improvisation, Animal Flow®, martial arts, tricking, and certain forms of dance all emphasize body awareness and absorption in the present moment.
That said, within today’s flow arts community, the term flow arts most commonly refers to prop manipulation.
Getting Started
One of the best things about flow arts is that there’s no single right place to begin.
Some people start with poi or flow stars because they’re affordable and easy to travel with. Others gravitate toward dragon staffs, contact staffs, or rope dart based on what inspired them most. If you’re unsure where to start, try a few different props if you have the opportunity. Local flow jams are great places to ask someone if you can try their prop before deciding on your first flow toy.
You also don’t need expensive equipment to experience flow. At the end of the day, the prop is simply a tool. The real goal is enjoying movement, creativity, and the process of learning.
Key Points
- Flow arts combines object manipulation, movement, and creative expression.
- Most flow arts involve props such as poi, staffs, dragon staffs, rope darts, fans, flow stars, juggling props, and leviwands.
- The term “flow” comes from psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s research on the flow state.
- Flow arts can be practiced for fun, exercise, meditation, or performance.
- There is no “best” prop to start with. Choose the one that excites you most.
- The goal isn’t mastering a prop overnight. It’s enjoying the journey.
Every flow prop has its own learning curve, style, and personality. The best one isn’t necessarily the most popular, it’s the one that keeps you coming back to practice. If you’re curious about the different flow toys we carry, take a look through our collection and see which one catches your interest.
