active 1 year ago

Base

Name

George McCarty North

Type of Artist

Spins Flags, Spins Fans


Tell us a little about yourself

Lives in New York, and happier than ever.


Location

New York City

Region

New York

My History

How would you describe yourself as a flagger?

I flag and I fan.  Much better at flags, IMHO, but I’m working at it.
I don’t always spin to the beat, but like to make up my own rhythm.  I can usually feel the movement of the fabric around me.


What is it about flagging that you enjoy the most?

The ability to create beauty through the movement of my body. I love to dance, and the flags act as a dancing partner. Together we are beautiful.


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

In the summer of 2003. I had been holding off on buying a pair of flags. Finally I ordered a pair online from Free Form Flags. They were plain white silks, which I still hold on to as practice flags. I have videotape somwhere, which some one took of me at Hillside Campground. Sometimes I watch it for a laugh and to see how far I’ve come.


What was your first flagging experience?

Someone passed me a pair of rags at Hillside Campground a few years ago. I really didn’t know how flag at the time, but I was thrilled just to hold them and trying to manipulate them.


What was one of your best flagging experiences?

Marching in the 2004 NYC Pride Parade with Axis Danz. Even though I couldn’t participate in the choreographed numbers (couldn’t make rehearsals), George Jagatic gave me the oppurtunity to free-flag down Fifth Avenue. I was an animal


Who has inspired or taught you?

Ted Savage. I wasn’t really a flagger until Ted showed me. He gave just one lesson, and he’s the closest thing I’ve had to a mentor. There are plenty of others, such as Larry, Ted’s partner and George Jagatic. One of George’s co-instructors, Jennifer, taught me how to back-flag at a Flow Class. And Jack Gerard, who turned me on to fans.


What was one of your wildest or craziest flagging experiences?

Doing the “Xena Schtick” with Jack Gerard at the “Trippin on the Moon 3″ party in February.


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

I’ve made exactly one pair of my own flags, which I treasure.  They are made of heavy mylar-sequin material, and crudely sewn in white thread that pops in blacklight.  I also split up a 360 fan into two, and they’re just as awful.


Where do you often like to flag?

Wherever there is good music. Mainly wherever my partner, Phillip Kimball, is spinning.  I also gravitate to parties spun by Randy Bettis and Susan Morabito.  There is a wonderful “Tribe” redeveloping in New York, and wherever there is a chance for my friends to get together, you’ll find me with my fans and flags (or without them)


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

Silk Tie-dies, hands down. The way they flow, and the way they glow when the blacklight is turned on. It is like spinning pure light.


What are your favorite flagging quotes?

“I’m stuck in a bag-hole and I can’t get out” – Jack Gerard


What advice do you give to beginning flaggers?

Numerous people have approached me to show them how, and I am glad to oblige. I start them off with one flag in the non-dominant hand (that’s the left hand if they are right handed) and have them SLOWLY swing the figure eight, moving their feet with the swing. (this is candida’s method, I believe.) Then I’ll show them the down-flag and the back-flag. Some people *get it* and others don’t, which is okay. We can’t all be coordinated.


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

As best as I can remember: “I love watching you flag. You look so alive.” – David Gosbin at the “Fairgrounds” party September 2004


Do you have a wish for what happens to your flags after you leave this world?

I sometimes sell my flags after I’ve grown tired of them or haven’t used them in a while. Larry Reigel said it was okay. “Just sell them, and buy some more, ” he said. And I do. I’ve been thinking of donating my flags to my church for a children’s flagging program. Unfortunately, they are too large for an 8-10 year old. But maybe as they grow up and can handle them, they might be incorporated into liturgical dance.


What are your favorite songs to flag to?

I sometimes sell my flags after I’ve grown tired of them or haven’t used them in a while. Larry Reigel said it was okay. “Just sell them, and buy some more, ” he said. And I do. I’ve been thinking of donating my flags to my church for a children’s flagging program. Unfortunately, they are too large for an 8-10 year old. But maybe as they grow up and can handle them, they might be incorporated into liturgical dance.


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  • Avatar Image
    visitor : June 9, 2005

    Susan:
    Hi George! We haven’t been in touch for 7 years (8 years?) but I found your blog (and no email address). This is a soprano you sang with a long time ago when we were both ‘ringers’ at PPM. You introduced me to Auden. Dunno if you still remember me. . .but I thought I would say Hi. Email me if ya want!

    Susan


  • Avatar Image
    Paul Wilson : January 3, 2005

    Hey George,

    It was fun flagging this Sunday morning with you.. Jan 1,2 2005 at Capitale…

    Where did you get the blue light?

    Hugs,

    Paul Wilson