One of the biggest reasons people take up the flow arts is the social component--getting to know other people who share the same interest and collaborating, cross-pollenating ideas, or even just hanging out. Today, we’re going to talk a little about spin jams and the role they play in Flow Arts Culture.

When I first learned to spin, I had a few friends that already knew how to do it, but I found the thing that really hooked me into practicing regularly and keeping up with my tool was joining a local spin jam. In Denver back in 2007, this was the Sunday evening fire jam at Confluence Park on the South Platte River.

Here, I got to know tons of spinners who let me borrow equipment, taught me new things, and more than anything else, made me feel at home and as though I was among friends. We had a camaraderie that grew over the years, helping all of us grow as artists and becoming a entry way for us to make new friends.

Ever since then, finding a spin jam has been a major priority for me whenever I have moved or go to visit a new place. It’s a group of people I know I’ll fit right in with!

Why Spin Jams?

Spin jams come in lots of different varieties--from free public jams to private affairs with decorations and professional entertainment. The key features of spin jams, however, are that they are a social gatherings for flow artists with one goal in mind: to let groups of people spin in a friendly atmosphere.

Many of us have spun at events or festivals and know that there is a fine line between getting your flow on and being in other peoples’ way. Here in DC, spinning with props is forbidden in quite a few music venues to avoid the problems of patrons being injured or sound systems being damaged by stray props. Spin jams are where we as artists go to have the place to ourselves without having to worry about any of that.

They’re held in venues with lots of open space: in parks, dance studios, or gymnasiums that give people enough room to spread out and enjoy moving with their props and usually a fairly high ceiling clearance.

Most spin jams are free, though some have a requested donation to cover the cost of renting space or the time of the organizers to put the event together.

Frequently, spin jam organizers will bring extra props with them for people to try out. The atmosphere is a place of friendly sharing and collaboration. Have a new trick you want to show off? Someone will likely be interested in seeing your work and that may give them a new idea of their own. You and your friends may find that your skills progress very quickly when you’re around each other!

Spin Jam Etiquette

While many people bring props to share, you should always ask first before picking a prop up. You never know if what you’re picking up is a workhorse meant for newbies to try the prop out with or a very special tool a person has a strong emotional attachment to.

Be conscious of other people at spin jams. Be sure to share space and be sensitive to the space of others. If you’re just starting up with a tool and are prone to hitting yourself or others, in the center of the space might not be the best place for you.

Lots of people come to spin jams to get their flow on: rocking out to any ambient music or headphones. While you may be itching to try out a prop they have with them, be conscious of their space. It can really be a drag when someone interrupts a fun flow session to ask to take the props out of your hands.

Sometimes people at spin jams will be interested in teaching you how they’re doing what they’re doing and sometimes they just want to have fun in their own world. It never hurts to ask, but don’t be hurt if the answer is no.

Fire Jams

Some spin jams also feature fire! If you’re interested in learning to spin fire, these can be safe spaces to experiment with it under the watchful eye of more seasoned flow artists. You’ll want to be aware of a few best practices when it comes to spinning fire at a spin jam.

First, fuel is expensive so it’s considered polite to bring some if you intend to spin fire yourself at a jam. Some people are willing to let you borrow fuel, especially if it is your first time, but make sure not to take this generosity for granted and contribute to the fuel supplies when you’re able.

Second, you’re likely to be asked to safety for other performers if you decide to engage in a fire spin jam. This is a hugely important element of our culture! We have a culture based upon mutual support and safety, taking responsibility not only for ourselves but our fellow performers as well. By safetying, you’re not only doing a kindness to the performer but also taking part in a web of mutual responsibility that makes our culture tick.

Third, if you want to try out a prop it’s okay to ask, but also accept that the answer may be no. It’s not necessarily that a performer is being stuck up or unwilling to share--it’s not unusual for some props to be very pricey and handing them over to somebody who is new to the art might not be something a performer is prepared to do. Once you’ve decided that fire is for you, invest in your own equipment sooner rather than later.

How to Connect

Finding spin jams can be a bit tricky. In many cases, they’re posted or advertised in Facebook Groups for local areas. Sometimes you can find them advertised on Meetup.com or in other online forums Word of mouth is probably the most common way to find out about local spin jams by running into other people that spin props as you’re out and about. Soon, Playpoi’s Flow Map of the world will be going live and it will feature information on spin jams all over the world. The Flow Arts Institute also has a map of spin jams across the country.

Spin jams are absolutely one of the highlights of the flow arts experience, but what if there isn’t one in your area? Next week, we’ll cover how you can create an event yourself and meet other artists in your area.