active 1 year, 10 months ago

Base

Name

David Gosbin

Type of Artist

Spins Flags, Spins Fans


Region

California

My History

How would you describe yourself as a flagger?

As a flagger I tend to be very smooth and usually go with the vocals-can you say Screaming Diva? I understand that my flags and my dance have power and although I flag for myself, I also have to realize that others are interpreting my movements. I try to tell a story of my feelings and the music’s feeling through my body and flags, which takes a lot of spiritual connection. Anyone who has seen me flag would attest that I have fun and that I get totally lost in the moment.


What is it about flagging that you enjoy the most?

The sense of family and peace that comes from being in tune with music and movement. Flagging allows freedom and expression and as I have learned from my experience, some surprising things can happen in other aspects of life. I credit flagging with boosting my self-esteem, a gain in confidence, and a whole host of other things that have spilled over into almost all aspects of my life. The people I have met through flagging has been phenomenol as well.


How long have you been flagging? How did you get started?

I started flagging in 2000, In the early 80’s I saw flag dancing and then it went away. I came to NYC where I saw a guy flagging and happened upon a class on flagging at the gym I belonged to.


What was your first flagging experience?

A total mess. LOL. Man, was that first time awkward. It was in a flag class that also doubled as an aerobic workout, so it was fast paced! I was so worried about what the flags were doing, I didn’t hear any of the music. But that was replaced soon enough and the spirtual aspects were revealed.


What was one of your best flagging experiences?

I have had so many great experiences. One that sticks out was the Decadance Party of 2003. The auditorium wasn’t very crowded, the other man on stage flagged very similar in style to me, we interacted while flagging and the crowd was into it! I love it when I can involve non-flaggers into what I am doing.

The other more recent even was the Bliss Party on Fire Island. This was a charity event and full of flaggers and flag widows. It was magic and I flagged for about 4-5 hours before a performance with AxisDanz.


Who has inspired or taught you?

I am forever in awe George. He inspires me to be creative, inventive, fabulous, and skilled in all of my dance. He has been so patient over the years and can be a task master when needed. I look to him to better my art and he encourages me to stretch my limits! What I love about him is that he brings so much dance knowledge to me and that in turn helps me to express myself through the flags.


What was one of your wildest or craziest flagging experiences?

Recently, Jeannette Torres and I began to flag around NYC. I love flagging in unlikely settings like Union Square (see pics) where the jaded NYC crowd doesn’t even blink. LOL.

Soon we will be hosting our own website and our goal is to take pics in more NYC landmarks like the median in Times Square, The Empire State Building, Central Park, or Madison Square Garden.


Do you make your own sets? Can you describe what kind you make?

OH dear god no! I tried that several times. Listen baby, there are talented seamtresses out there, but I ain’t it. I buy very well though.
I love anything by Don Baker, Dino Vannoni, or Larry Regal. My spirit is in the movement of the fabric and not the making. But I envy talent that can make beauty from cloth.


Where do you often like to flag?

Anywhere that is not typical. While clubs are fun, I prefer outdoor spaces and with a huge variety of people.

Some of my favorite DJs to flag to:
Julian Marsh, Susan Morabito, Tony Moran, and Wendy Hunt. Wendy was added to my list last summer after playing the Pier dance at P-town’s Carnaval. She played great music for flagging, was into her own music and even came out to dance among the flaggers. Love her!


What are your favorite types of flags to work with, and why?

I started off with Larry Regal flags, which at the time were beautiful preprinted fabrics. I met a flagger with a silk set and was hooked on silk. LOL, I have had people come up to me on the east coast and call my flags "West Coast flags" and travelling around, there is a difference it seems. I love BIG flags, no I mean HUGE flags because they match the style to which I dance- slow, sexy, soft, and big!


What are your favorite flagging quotes?

Mine are bigger than yours.


What advice do you give to beginning flaggers?

Finally, find a style that suits you. You can be as different or as common as you like!


What nice/unusual comment has anyone said to you while flagging?

My number one comment has to be:
You make that look so beautiful.


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  • Avatar Image
    Jeannette To : February 2, 2008

    Miss you Davvvvyyyy! Come to Japan!


  • Avatar Image
    visitor : July 8, 2005

    Ms. Sylvia Fowler:
    You are Royalty baby. An inspiration to us all. I grant you knighthood.

    Love,

    The King


  • Avatar Image
    visitor : January 4, 2005

    Yaniv:
    Hi there Stud!!!

    I’ve just found an apartmentand moved in… So forgive me for not staying in touch

    i started school 3 days after landing here and now i’m closing the first semester (exams and shit lol)

    Hope you’re doing great i’m happy to get messages from you every once in a while

    My internet phone does not work i need to buy a new router untill then

    i cant call you

    love you guys so much

    i’m thinking of coming over for the Gay days in florida… so i’ll see you as soon as winter will go away

    regards to all the gang in NYC

    be good as always Yaniv


  • Avatar Image
    Yaniv Moyal : September 23, 2004

    David;
    How nice of you!!!
    It was wonderful to spend the day with you at the park
    i had so much fun can’t wait for saturday..
    No doubt we’ll stay in touch after me leaving NYC
    I’ll check you up here… post your pics and i’ll do mine
    Kisses
    Yaniv


  • Avatar Image
    Don Baker : July 29, 2004

    You go boy!

    Love,

    Don