FLOW ARTS
WHAT IS FLOW ARTS?
Flow Arts is an emerging movement art form that centers around prop manipulation, influenced by world-wide ancient traditions, modern dance, and circus arts. It is an exploratory, expressive, and playful way to connect to one’s body. Some examples of flow arts in popular culture include hula-hooping and juggling.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FLOW ARTS ?
A consistent flow arts practice can deepen the mind-body connection, enhance spatial awareness and coordination, alleviate anxiety, elevate mood, be used as a tool for movement-based meditation, and can even lead to altered states of consciousness (known as the flow state).
To make flow arts an accessible and sustainable art form in Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas by:
1. Providing safe spaces for exploratory learning for people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and physical abilities
2. Teaching anatomy-based movement techniques for somatic and body learning
3. Resourcing high quality flow props made by local artisans and small businesses across the U.S.
4. Supporting local flow artists and artisans.
5. Networking a community connected through movement arts for healthier, happier living.
ALIGN & SPIRAL
FLOW ARTS
MISSION STATEMENT
The Align & Spiral Flow Arts Lounge
The Align & Spiral Flow Arts Lounge is the ultimate festive lounge!
A haven for handmade hula-hoops and flow props, community connection, cozy lounging, and somatic exploration—the lounge made its debut in September 2023, and has been featured as a vendor, workshop host, and community partner for arts and holistic wellness events across Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas.
Want to feature us at your next event?
Inquire below!
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Charlotte Flow Arts in the Park is a free, family-friendly monthly meet-up and flow arts skill share. Founded in May 2022 by flow artist and fire performer Wesley Stephens, it picks a different park or event to meet each month in the Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. It aims to make flow arts accessible while connecting and growing the flow arts community. See their website for upcoming dates and park meet ups!
CUSTOM MADE FLOW PROPS
DRAGON STAFF
STAR FYR FORGE
Amber Irvin (she/her), a.k.a STAR FYR, is a Charlotte based flow artist, fire performer, and the creative force behind Star Fyr Forge. She is Charlotte’s PREMIERE DRAGAON STAFF MAKER! Passionate about sharing the joy of flow with her community, she can be spotted partnering with Align & Spiral, Charlotte Flow Arts in the Park, and the fire troupe PyroPeculiar at various events and festivals throughout Charlotte, NC and the South East. Contact Star for performance booking or custom dragon staff orders below!
HULA HOOPS
For over a decade, Align & Spiral founder Katie Hopkins, has been a hula-hoop lover, hoop-mama, and hoop-maker. Each hoop is hand crafted with love and care—attention given to aesthetic and functionality.
Larger hoops (40”+) are ideal for beginners or practitioners who want a slower deliberate pace for core workouts and learning on-body tricks. These hoops are wrapped with at least one layer of gaffer tape to give the hoop grip and prevent sliding. Large hoops can be made to collapse for easy travel and storage.
Smaller hoops, polypros, and non-taped hoops are ideal for intermediate or advanced practitioners, or those who are more eager to explore arm and off-body tricks.
Hoop size is everything for a successful hooping practice!
If you are unsure of size, or hoop type, please inquire below and consider setting up an in person appointment to ensure you have the right size hoop for your needs!
