Life has sure been a whirlwind lately! The past few months have provided many opportunities to teach, learn and show and, above all else, I am so grateful for the chances to be and create from the heart of who I am, not only my art but my life.

What I've been thinking of as this "season" started back in March with the Spinagogue's show at Flux53. That was such a great and fun event to be part of and I loved sharing the stage with so much of our local circus talent. Also, I finally got to put together a performance based on a Kate Bush song, and I've been wanting to do something to Kate Bush forever! It was just never the right context/vibe for what was going on before so I was psyched the opportunity came up. I wish my actual performance had been cleaner, but it was a rewarding experience nonetheless.

After that was the Northwest Hoop Gathering, which revolved (pardon the pun ;p) around the concept of Flow. So many great teachers at that event, I was kind of astonished to find myself included among them. Although I had taught technique classes before, this was my first workshop in which I got to express what my take on flow is, and how I approach it and think about it. It was the first time I got to teach the more philosophical elements of what I do, and it was also the first time I got to wear one of those headset mic thingies! I was nervous going into it, but it all flowed (pardon the pun again!) really well. The process of putting together my talk was fun and rewarding, and in addition to making my presentation, I got to soak up the wisdom, insight and skill of so many hoop masters!

The Flow Show was a big success, both creatively and in terms of turn out. Of all the things written about in this post, this one was my baby. I knew we'd fill the house, but I really didn't expect the kind of crowd we ended up getting. What I take away from that is that there is a real interest in the community-at-large for what we do, and a real -- not sure what word to use -- hunger? yearning? desire? -- within the flow arts community specifically, to create and witness a different kind of performance than we're used to doing/seeing. As exposing the flow arts to a general/dance audience and encouraging/inspiring spinners of all kinds to think about performance in a different way/context were the main goals of the project, I'd say we pretty much nailed it.

I've received so much positive feedback about the show; it's been really great to know that the idea struck a chord with people. I have to admit to a bit of self-interest though -- I basically set out to make the kind of show that I wanted to see! The final line-up was a great mix of local talent (the Vulcan Crew [including Memory & Ian, who also flew solo for this], Code Red Circus Conspiracy, Silverstar, Supervictorio, Bliss Butterfly and my partners in s.i.k., Josh & Rich), and far-flung hoop family (Bonnie, Ann & Bax) and international performers that I knew of but was both thrilled and surprised when they expressed interest in performing: MCP, Cyrille and Maelle. As well, it was a good mix of seasoned performers and those new to taking the stage. And the fact that there was live music and music specifically composed for this performance was just icing on the cake. (Thank you Jay & Pi for lending your musical talents to the show!) I really couldn't be happier with how it all unfolded, and look forward to putting together the next edition. Some notes for next time: get the audience participation part in, get the battle in, and either more shows or a bigger venue.

The weekend after the show was Firedrums, which I had decided in a moment of stress to not go to and sold my ticket, then changed my mind and ended up getting a ticket and a ride from my friend Chris, also known as Musashii. Soooo glad I changed my mind on that. The weather was not ideal, but whatever, my mind was blown apart by learning new stuff on poi (which I haven't really played with much since I started hooping seriously) and, especially, clubs. I had really only seen club juggling before, but being exposed to club swinging and manipulation by Maelle's performance and then her workshop has opened a new door for me. In fact, all my practice time since Firedrums has been dedicated to clubs. I've clicked with the poi material I left off with, and I think hoop will remain my "primary" but the clubs...I am totally in love.

So all that stuff happened in a period of about 8 weeks. Of course there was much prep and rehearsal time in there as part of the process. And I know for a fact that I am not the only in our community with all this going on, and in fact there are those I could name that have/had even more going on than this! I feel so blessed to be part of a community that is so dynamic and creative and I love how much collaboration there is and I personally see all of our individual projects and goings-on as elements of a really big project, of developing new art and creating new community and culture. It makes my heart sing just to be part of it.

No big projects for me right now (except maybe another CoL video) -- the next months will be all about learning, training, playing and getting ready for the next period of activity. I'm sure I'll see many of you around -- we move in the same circles after all. (hee hee, sorry i couldn't resist the pun).

big love!