Circle of Hope

Flow art is an umbrella term for the intersection of movement-based art forms like dance, juggling, slacklining and fire-spinning. The objects or props include: hoops, swords, levitation wands, poi, clubs, spheres and fans. Flow art draws influences from ancient Maori poi, martial art forms like Tai Chi, modern fire dancing, and hooping. It is a meditative experience that helps you attain the mental state of ‘flow’ or ‘zone’.

In his book, ‘The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World,’ author Michael Pollan describes the flow state as “a kind of transcendence — a mental state of complete and utter absorption well known to artists, athletes, gamblers, musicians, dancers, soldiers in battle, mystics, meditators, and the devout during prayer.” The art form pushes you to let go of the past riddled with regret and worry, if any, and being in the present. “It is a state that depends for its effect on losing oneself in the moment, usually training a powerful, depthless concentration on One Big Thing,” adds Pollan.

Eshna did not limit her knowledge of hooping to what she learned through the YouTube videos and her performances at college. She travelled the country to participate in various festivals and events promoting flow art. “Jugglers from across the world would attend these festivals like the Indian Juggling Convention in Goa,” says Eshna. “I got introduced to slackliners, jugglers and acro yogis in these flow art festivals. I would join in, just for the fun of it.” As a self-taught artist, Eshna broadened her skills by learning dance forms like hip hop, dancehall, juggling, slacklining and acro yoga. These continue to complement her hula-hooping experiences.

But Eshna did not stop there. She secured a place at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences for a diploma in Dance Movement Therapy. The course aimed to provide knowledge about the importance of movement for healing, well-being, empowerment and rehabilitation. “I wanted to pursue some form of psychology, and I also loved moving in general, not just dancing,” she says, “at the Institute, it was like two worlds colliding.”

In December 2020, she launched her e-commerce and EdTech company Hoop Flo. Here she sells collapsible, travel-friendly hula hoops and pre-recorded four-week hooping training programs (offering lifetime access). Her advice to anyone who wants to learn hooping is: “Get yourself a good sized, lightweight hula hoop. All you need is some space, a hoop and a positive attitude – and you’re good to go.” Also a TEDx performer, Eshna wants to pass on the message that it is not difficult to learn the art form. Her saree videos also convey the same idea of how liberating the sport is. “Often, people find it difficult to walk in a saree. The moment you make it fun – not something you only wear at weddings or serious events – you can enjoy it. This surprises people,” she says.

Used to break gender stereotypes, tackle mental health issues and throw light on the need for self-care, Eshna’s hula hoop continues to shatter barriers. “Through Hoop Flow, I would like to host gatherings and teach more people this art form because it really does help,” she insists. And, after our conversation, I need no convincing.