Flo'Ology: Flow State and Artistic Expression

Flo'Ology is a voice performance studies class that uses spoken word, movement, and improvisational vocal styles rooted in the African diaspora in the Americas to help vocalists--including spoken word artists--cultivate and practice a flow state when creating, performing, or presenting. This 15-week course will explore the lives and legacies of influential historical and cultural figures and events of the African diaspora in the Americas with a focus on how these stories can inspire and inform the creative process. Students will engage in exercises designed to help them achieve a state of flow, where they can tap into their creativity and express themselves through poetry, sung and spoken word, and movement performance.

Flow state, often known as "the zone," is a state when we are completely immersed in an activity and feel energized, concentrated, and fully absorbed in the enjoyment of an action or process. Participants may experience a deep sense of awareness, fluidity, and connection between their body and mind, manifesting enhanced freedom in vocal expression (both sung and spoken). It is widely agreed that when we can give our whole attention to an activity we enjoy and are passionate about, we're creating the circumstances for experiencing a flow state of mind. Performing from this state can be invigorating, healing, genuine, and resonate deeply with our audience.

Each week, we will draw inspiration from America's cultural and vocal and literary art forms, including poetry, jazz poetry, hip-hop music, movement, and monologues, creating short performative pieces to guide the exploration and process. Students will perform original works in the classroom and will give a final performance at the end of the semester.