If you’ve never heard of the “flow arts,” head to Ruth Hardy Park on Saturday, Nov. 5—and prepare to be schooled.
That’s where you’ll find Flagging in the Desert, and a community of performers whose purpose is to spread love, joy, rhythm and fun—while raising money for a local charity. If you’re so inclined, you’ll be encouraged to join in.
Just what are the “flow arts,” you ask? David Eckert, of Desert Flaggers, has your answer.
“The flow arts include flagging, fanning and poi (spinning),” said Eckert.
Flagging was born more than 30 years ago in the gay clubs of San Francisco and beyond. Revelers would wave a towel or handkerchief in time with the music, as a spontaneous celebration of joy. From there, it grew. Groups were formed, and performances moved from the clubs into the streets. Today, there are flagging groups all around the world.
At flagging performances, the audience is encouraged to join in. That breaks down the line between performers and the audience—creating only community.
Flags have evolved from towels and handkerchiefs, seen initially in the clubs, into beautifully decorated silks with weights, which let the material drift and fly while maintaining form.
Eckert is a relative newbie to flagging, having gotten involved about five years ago.
“We are patterned after an event that takes place in San Francisco called Flagging in the Park,” said Eckert. “We invite them to come down and participate in our events as well. … Some of the people in our organization have been doing this for more than 25 years.”
People get into flagging for many reasons. Originally, it was an expression of joy and life embraced by a community who could do nothing as peers died of an incurable disease, HIV/AIDS. For Eckert, it’s about the dance and joy of expression. For some, it can become a meditative and even spiritual experience.
“The music speaks to me,” Eckert said. “I can move and entertain others. I can say to those watching, ‘Enjoy, smile and be with us.’ It’s just a matter of trying to get everyone excited and interested and happy.”
As an organization, Desert Flaggers wants to not only celebrate flagging, but give back to the community. The Desert Flaggers have averaged about three events per year since COVID-19 arrived. Desert Flaggers puts on separate fundraisers to support the events, so all donations from each event go to local charities. Proceeds from the Nov. 5 event will support the Cathedral City Senior Center, which will have a tent onsite so people can learn about them and what they do as well.
The Ruth Hardy event is an official Greater Palm Springs Pride celebration, and while the group’s roots are deep within the LGBTQ+ community, everyone is encouraged to come, watch and participate.
“During Pride, people from all over visit Palm Springs. We have flaggers coming in from San Francisco, L.A., Portland, Hawaii and sometimes from the East Coast,” Eckert said.
The goal is to have at least 100 flaggers participating, though the number of people will ebb and flow over the course of the four-hour event. No matter when people stop by, DJ Russ Rich from San Francisco will keep the party atmosphere going.
The event is pet-friendly as long as furry friends remains leashed, and admission is free, but participants can purchase donated flags. There will be an instructional class for those wishing to learn the art form at 11 a.m., before the event. Ice and water will be provided, and attendees can bring a picnic, a blanket, a chair and a smile. You may even find yourself, flag in hand, spreading the joy.
“We invite the local neighborhood,” Eckert said. “We invite the non-flaggers to come. We’re looking for people to come out and enjoy the park and hopefully raise some money for the Senior Center.”
Flagging in the Desert will take place from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Road, in Palm Springs. An instructional class will take place at 11 a.m. Admission is free, but donations for the Cathedral City Senior Center will be accepted. For more information, visit www.flagginginthedesert.com.
Kevin Mann is the Independent’s former editorial intern; his internship was funded by the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation.
