Albany Spin Jam and the Importance of Space
Leave a commentSeptember 17, 2014 by synapticwolf
Yesterday I finally made it to the legendary Albany Spin Jam.
I couldn’t have dreamed up a better space to hold a regular jam. Large amphitheater on the river. Enough central concrete to accommodate a half dozen spinners with a separate spot for breathers. Smack in the middle of town, but removed enough to avoid both noise complaints and all but the luckiest random passerby’s. Support/indifference of local law enforcement.
The “Safety Third” part of the map is actually in the Hudson River. I assume that means that jumping into the river is step three in their fire safety plan.
If you build it (or find it), they will come.
The result of this space is the rise of a casual, spontaneous, regular and massive spin jam. Which leads to a dedicated, expansive and welcoming flow community. Drummers show up and set the beat. Advanced spinners arrive and show off. Beginner spinners come and see what it feels like to set fire to their moves. Everyone ups their game, shares what they’ve got. Connections are formed. Collaborations begun. Synergy! Inspiration! Community!
And, from Brett Hoffay, about average quantities of fire.
Somebody recently said to me “the difference between magicians and flow artists is that magicians keep their tricks secret and flow artists share them as widely as possible.”
Tech giant Pat K-Hill rests up before sharing his magic.
It’s open-source spinning, baby. All it needs is a space to unfold.
And now for some unfolding with Shane Delacruz!
I will continue to expect amazing spinovations to come out of Albany and any other place that makes fire accessible and inviting.
It’s daytime and all the fire spinners are sleeping. . .shhhhhhhhhh. . . .
SheWolf Shakti 