♦ Flagging? ♦

Flagging (sometimes called flag dancing, spin flagging, flow flagging, flagging, or even rag spinning) is a performing art form in which performers spin and wave colorful, weighted silk flags in rhythmic patterns in time to music. Though unrelated in origin, flagging can sometimes resemble the Māori dancing art called Poi.

There are a number of performance art forms that utilize various types of props such as fans, banners, ribbons (and even flags), which may be similar to, but not the same as, our flagging. This is not worship flagging, silk aerials, marching band color guard, flag corps, or fan or ribbon dancing. Garden Island Flaggers was created for the purpose of learning, experiencing, and sharing this particular, unique style of artistic expression employing specific movements requiring the use of a very specific type of weighted flags.

Flagging flags are made of silk and have weighted edges to assure the smooth, proper flow and movement as they are spun. Flags are typically multi-colored, with bright abstract or tie-dyed patterns and often react to UV light. Some can be quite beautiful and striking. Although flagging can be done to any type of music that inspires movement and expression, flagging tribes perform predominantly to high energy dance music (usually around 124 bpm), both contemporary (electronic dance music or EDM) and historical (disco or disco-inspired music).

Flagging is a performing art form that gained popularity in the 70's and 80's among the LGBTQ+ leather subculture, at circuit parties, and in gay clubs. The truth about flagging's origins is the subject of speculation, with some proposing it evolved from 1890's lesbian avant-garde dancer Loie Fuller's explosive and colorful silk skirt dances to others suggesting it developed from the popular practice on 1970's dance floors of dancing with fans and weighted hankies. A more detailed history of flagging can be found HERE; a compelling article discussing its evolution is below. 

While flagging almost completely disappeared during the AIDS epidemic, there have been successful efforts to keep the practice alive, and many major U.S. cities currently boast flagging groups. A resurgence of flagging during the 90's and 00's brought contemporary flagging groups (sometimes known as tribes) to New York City, Boston, Columbus, Philadelphia, DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, South Florida, Seattle, Minneapolis, Houston, and Palm Springs. And now...Kapa'a?

It seems there has never been a flagging tribe on Kaua'i. If there was, efforts to track it down have been unsuccessful. (Do you know otherwise? Or know someone who flags? We'd love to hear about it.) We have been creating and building a flag tribe on Kaua'i since early 2024, with our first official workshop on March 15, 2024. We had our inaugural public performance in the 2024 Kaua'i Pride Parade and Festival, and will be continuing the fun with regular workshops and EVENTS. See the FAQ  for answers to more questions about the group and how it works.