Wellness and healing: The annual Flow Fest event returns to Fort Lauderdale (includes video story)

Flow Fest returned to Esplanade Park at 400 SW Second St. in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, bringing together artists, instructors and families for workshops related to yoga, hoop dance, poi, juggling and acrobatics.

“Play is extremely healing,” said Cassandra Tanenbaum, director of the 11-year-old event. “It is healing for the mind, movement is healing for the body, we are getting fit, enjoying ourselves and also learning new things.”

The event also supported several local businesses, including Fun in Motion Toys, which used the festival to connect its mission with the community.

“Our mission is… to make people happy and healthier through unique movement products,” said Kevin Daniels, CEO of Fun in Motion. “They are teaching people how to spin poi, juggle and do many other activities good for the mind and the body.”

Patricia Varas is a graduate student in the Spanish-language journalism master’s program at Florida International University. She majored in political science and minored in communications at Florida Atlantic University. She loves to cover breaking news, entertainment and sports, and hopes to pursue a career as a multimedia journalist, anchor, or TV host.