Flow Arts Spin Jams

Testimonial - By Krissy Humphreys : Flow Arts Spin Jams Instructor

After living in the Treasure Valley for several years without finding others who shared a passion for flow arts practice, I decided to host Spin Jams in hopes that they would foster a new community.

In February 2025, I invested in props and prop-making materials and began searching for a space. From the beginning, I committed to two non-negotiables: the Spin Jams would always be free, and I would provide props for all ages so anyone could participate without needing to purchase equipment. In the flow arts community, participation often requires a personal
investment in props; I wanted to remove that barrier entirely.

I reached out to dance studios, open spaces, and recreation centers, but each understandably required rental fees. When I approached JUMP, Christie, Maggie and the team were the first to recognize the potential of this idea and provide a space to bring it to life.

Our first Spin Jam had just one participant, who stayed for only half the session. After six months of planning and preparation, I left feeling discouraged. On the drive home, my daughters asked why no one had come. Holding back tears, I told them,

“If I keep showing up, people will come, it may just take time.”
Consistency builds community.

And slowly, it did.

Today, our spin jams are shaped by the people who show up each week. While I am only highlighting a few regular participants here, many others contribute to making this community what it is. Two dedicated jugglers attend weekly and bring additional equipment to share, telling me they had been waiting years for a gathering like this to come to Boise. Susan, who had long been interested in flow arts but lacked connection to others who also practiced, is extremely passionate and now assists with hoop classes and jams. Chey, a recent college graduate new to Boise, shared that spin jams are the only social gathering she attends. Three single mothers have expressed how meaningful it is to have a free, inclusive activity they can enjoy with their children when other opportunities feel financially out of reach. Chris, a very talented local spinner, teaches many of those who join and expressed that being able to share flow arts with others is part of why he enjoys coming.

New participants continue to arrive each week, welcomed not only by me but by a growing and supportive community. Parents join in alongside their children, and entire families participate together. What began as a room of strangers is becoming a growing community filled with connection, collaboration, and creativity.

The development of spin jams highlights a broader idea: communities do not exist before they are created. Following a creative vision, does not always begin with certainty; it often includes failure, but it never begins without action.

This community exists because of JUMP’s willingness to believe in and support this vision from the very beginning. While I’ve shared only a few examples, I regularly hear from participants about how significant these gatherings have become in their lives

- Krissy Humphreys