The new spin doctors

Come for the hooping, stay for fire poi, dapostar, leviwand and more. India's newest subculture blends art and athletics, meditation and showmanship, public and private. And it looks great on the 'gram

- Reem Khokhar

Rewind to the pandemic, when a clip of Eshna Kutty, dancing to Genda Phool in a sari and sneakers while twirling a hula hoop, went viral in September 2020. The two-minute video on (@EshnaKutty Instagram) showed Kutty gracefully, joyfully spinning her hoop on her torso, moving it seamlessly to her arms, neck and even feet. It notched more than 2.3 million views. Almost overnight, the hoop went from being a fitness tool, a child's plaything, to a gateway into an Instaworthy art form for homebound Indians.

Since then, fitness stores such as Decathlon have been adding serious and shiny hula hoops to their stocks. More Indian hoopers have held classes, workshops, and meetups online and off it. And it's had a ripple effect on other flow arts - activities that combine smooth movement with object manipulation. In cities as far apart as Pune, Shimla, Kochi and Panjim, there are enthusiasts devoted to hooping, poi (cords with weights), dapostar (an eight-pointed spinning cloth), leviwand (a string attached to a weighted rod, creating the illusion of it floating) and bo staff (a wooden rod commonly used in the martial arts). The new interest goes beyond the thrill of performing. Flow arts call for balance and flexibility just like in yoga; muscle isolation and stamina just like in Pilates; and a trance-like meditative quality reminiscent of whirling dervishes. It's a complex hobby that just happens to look good on camera. And there are just enough fans to hold a regular Flow Arts Festival in Goa. See how an unlikely subculture is taking shape.

Annabele Charles Hoop dancer and instructor, 32