Community Building Basics

This essay has been in my mind for a long time after huge amounts of community work over the last 15 years of my life. However, it was clarified and informed greatly by a workshop given by Marty Nasralla. Communities sometimes come together spontaneously. It’s wonderful in those first inspired years where you’ve found your tribe and realized this is …

Considering Clean Technique Part 1

Clean Technique. What is it and how do we get more of it in our work? Before I became acculturated to classical forms of ballet and dance, I literally could not see the difference between clean work and dirty work. There is a certain level of class or cultural education you need to have before you are offered the opportunity to …

Squirrel says pay attention, here are 20 ways to be unprofessional

20 ways to be Unprofessional

Do these things to get fewer gigs and/or instructor spots There are a few things that will ruin your professional career as a freelance artist quickly, do a few of these often, and you will run into some hot water. Don’t follow through on your word Cancel events last minute Don’t have a safety when using fire Don’t show up …

The Jugglers Curse

When you learn a new trick there is an amazing feeling of accomplishment inside you. Finally, you worked hard, it’s happened 3 times in a row, you yelp with excitement. YAAAASS! You say to your friend “yes, yes, I got it” and they reply “Oh what? show me.” So you try, and you drop. And then drop again. “No, no, …

4 Reasons Busking Makes You a Better Performer

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] It’s been over a decade since I started street performing and it contributed greatly to my development as an artist. It helped that I joined The Busking Project in 2011. Watching show after show and seeing the …

A Mindful Cure to the Dark Arts

There is a dark side in Flow Arts. It’s really important to acknowledge, accept, and learn to overcome. In reality, it’s just the dark side of humanity that frequents our cultural niche. Our niche is filled with competition, celebrity worship and an ideal of perfection. Artists can develop a need for attention and a need to be “cool” and accepted …