Phillip Bryan

My History

How would you describe yourself as a flagger?	line 2 line 2 line 2
What is it about flagging that you enjoy the most?	The feeling of being connected; to the music, to my body, to the flags, to those around me, to other flaggers. Some people paint, some people write poetry, some dance – and some find other means of expressing themselves and their creativity. For me, it’s flagging.
What was your first flagging experience?	At the opening ceremonies to the Gay Games in Amsterdam, I saw a flagger from across the colliseum. At the time I had no idea what he was doing, but I was completely entranced watching him spin… My friend was taping the ceremonies, so I excitedly pointed out the “guy with the spinning things” so we’d get him on video. We only filmed about ten seconds, but I watch that ten seconds several times, and was determined to figure out how to do it myself!
What was one of your best flagging experiences?	There was a point, years ago, that I broke through a plateau I hadn’t even known was there. The experience was magical for me. I wrote to a friend and did my best to convey the experience. I’ve posted the letter on this site as the article: “Deep Flagging”…go take a look!
What was one of your wildest or craziest flagging experiences?	Ask me in person! ;-p
Do you make your own sets? Can you describe what kind you make?	One or two… I make mostly silk flags these days, but use other materials occasionally. With silk, I make flags that are all sorts of sizes, shapes, and weightings. I’m constantly experimenting, trying things and seeing what works, and finding a few things that don’t! Lately I’ve been going big–seeing how big I can make flags and still weight them well so they’ll fly nicely. For special occasions or when the mood hits me, I’ll use nonsilk materials for a particular reason. Sparkle organza is nice for soft, flowy flags, and silk essence (actually polyester) is good for panel sets. And I have a few unique sets as well. I’ll add some pictures of them soon. For pictures of many of my sets, please visit the “Creating” page on this site.
What are your favorite types of flags to work with, and why?	Silk. All sizes, all weights. I love the way silk moves across the body. I like trying difference sizes and shapes, to vary the way the fabric moves and feels. These days I really enjoy large sets. It’s a great sensation to have the silke completely wrapped around your body as it moves through the air.
What are your favorite flagging quotes?	Said during rehearsals for the Thanksgiving Day half-time show: — I think the dark bandannas are better…they aren’t quite so “Elton John” — I don’t think my outfit has enough “bling” on it… — So, for the first song, it’s just us on the field, and … some singer … what’s her name again? — If you look around and all you see are blonde hair and pom-poms, you know you’re in the wrong place!
What advice do you give to beginning flaggers?	Slow down, and remember to enjoy yourself….
What nice/unusual comment has anyone said to you while flagging?	u should work on a racing circuit like Formula 1! LOL – Mark
Do you have an ultimate flagging experience that you would like to achieve, but have not yet?	Dan and I have discussed this for awhile, and he suggested I add it as a new survey question: “Do you have a flagging “Everest” / dream / ultimate experience that you would like to achieve, but haven’t yet?” It doesn’t matter how unlikely or difficult the “Everest” is, just that it is possible. Any thoughts? A tip for site members, log in first and your answer to this question will automatically be added to your member profile. (Now, how cool is that?)
Do you have a wish for what happens to your flags after you leave this world?	Denver originally started this thread, as a question about a final wish, or even a flagging “afterlife”. Dan suggested it would make an interesting survey question, so here ya go! A tip for site members, log in first and your answer to this question will automatically be added to your member profile. (Now, how cool is that?)
What are your favorite songs to flag to?	Denver originally started this thread, as a question about a final wish, or even a flagging “afterlife”. Dan suggested it would make an interesting survey question, so here ya go! A tip for site members, log in first and your answer to this question will automatically be added to your member profile. (Now, how cool is that?)