September 2007
FLAGS, FANS & TAMBOURINES
By DJ MARK BISSON
In the same way that jewelry can add the finishing touches to the perfect outfit, there are "accessories" that can really enhance the whole party or nightclub experience. This all started back in the Seventies when partygoers began adding their own "personal touches". This included everything from dancing with elaborate fans to adding additional percussion in the form of bells, whistles and tambourines. These were all forms of self-expression analogous to the DJ choosing the songs and the order they were played. This was an opportunity for anyone to feel comfortable to be, or act; however they wanted to without judgement or fear.
In more recent years, several new forms of self-expression have become popular. One is called flagging. Flagging is the art of spinning weighted pieces of fabric in coordination with music and dancing. Flags can be a single color, or multi-colored. Many are dyed in various colors reminiscent of the tie-dyed clothing that became popular during the "hippie movement" of the Sixties and Seventies. Flags are most commonly made of silk, but can be made of other fabrics like lame and organza. Someone skilled in flagging can be mesmerizing to watch as the colors of the flags "light up" in the sunshine of an outdoor venue, or under a blacklight at an evening party or club.
Another form of self-expression that has become popular in recent years is playing some type of drums like the conga or bongos. This is generally done to the rhythm of dance music at a party or in a nightclub where the drummer becomes part of the music and takes an active role in the creation of the musical experience.
In this article I have limited the methods of self-expression to those revolving around music and dancing. Obviously, there are many other ways to express oneself including painting, writing, or even gardening. Everyone should have some creative outlet in which they can feel comfortable expressing themselves. For me this has definitely been DJing, although in the past year I have been enjoying flagging as well. Sharing and playing music is one of the most gratifying things I've ever done in my life. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than when someone really connects with a song that I have introduced him or her to.
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