Flow Prince
Will Goodrum - Chicago, IL
Will Goodrum, affectionately known as Flow Prince, is a fire & object manipulation performance artist. Will is based out of the Chicago-land area but travels all over the country to bring his unique style of technical prop work and sassy dance techniques to the stage. Will specializes in a variety of skill sets such as fire eating, fire fans, poi, hoops, fire torch dancing and dragon staff. Will has made a name for himself in both the festival and flow arts community over the past 5 years. The love for the art & entertainment is what motivates Will to keep pursuing his passion as a professional performer.
q & a
I would have to say my two favorite props to spin at the moment are fans and hoops but that changes every few days! I try to play with all of my props at least 3-4 times a week, more if I am not too busy with work and life!
I would describe my style of flow as quick, technical, and intentional. When I'm flowing I think of the props creating pictures, but I also picture them as an extension of myself floating around my body. That is what really smooths out my movements, the connection to the prop.
As a member of the flow arts community I like to go to local flow jams in Chicago to practice with other people and also learn/trade techniques for tricks! My absolute favorite gathering of flow artist in Illinois is The Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam, where a bunch of talented performers come together on the beach front and perform with fire for the city! I love being part of such a great celebration. Besides that me and my friends get together sometimes to flow 🙂
I first began my journey into the world of flow arts 6 years ago! The very first prop I ever played with was the hula hoop. A while before I started I went to a festival and saw a really talented girl having an absolute blast playing with her hoop. As I watched I thought to myself that I wanted to learn how to do some of the things she was doing. Not only because it was so entertaining to watch but also because she was enjoying what she was doing so much, best of both worlds!
After that some time passed before I got my first Toys R Us hoop. It had water inside and was horrible for spinning but I took to the art pretty quickly and soon I was flowing every day! When I realized there were so many other props to spin besides the hoop I got into learning different things as well!
In 2019 I plan to grow even more as an artist, which is the goal! I would like to pick up a couple of new props that I do not normally flow with & see where I can take it. Also I would like to go to a flow festival! I have never attended one so that is an experience I need to have. Learning from so many talented flow artist would inspire me to grow.