About Understaff3D

5+ years of flexibles 3D printing research and design

Understaff3D was started with two simple goals for its dragons beyond the perfect exercise method: Create dragon staves that will last a lifetime, while being able to utilize a lego-like structure of additions and aesthetic changes to make each dragon unique to its user. This is only possible with additive manufacturing and thus we designed, programmed, iterated and finally succeeded in creating custom large scale 3D printers. We use fully custom hardware, and software on our machines. After years of tuning they can produce dragon heads with perfectly placed mass and multiple bending modes. How much better these mass perfect props feel when you pick them up is mind blowing when compared to traditional human crafted dragons. 

The laboratory was moved to Nashville TN as we evolved, with the goal of creating a flow community in the 2nd biggest performance city in the country. We currently host a weekly open burn known as Free Flow Friday at our own expense to give back to the community that helped create us. Additionally we have developed many different types of flow classes including 6+ in depth dragon staff lessons for any attendees of our free events.  

We carry specialized insurance and offer fire performance to local events year round that require some extra heat! During the summer we tour the mid-west flow circuit running vending booths, as wells as teaching dragon staff classes. Our focus is on 2nd generation props, better training methods, and faster learning in the flow world!

Understaff3D Trio

Beyond making Dragon Staves, the Trio are leaders in Nashville's Flow and Movement Arts scene. Dedicated to maintaining a safe space for fire and flow artists alike, where all are welcome without needing to pay to play. Hosting an ever evolving practice space to share in our passions will always be our highest priority.

Meet Connor

After years of physical therapy to manage living with 47 degree scoliosis, by complete accident Connor found the dragon staff and quickly became obsessed with replacing PT with flow. A Dagon a Day keeps the PT away. Using his Purdue ECET degree and 5+ years of testing, he finally perfected invulnerable 3D dragons and founded Understaff3D to share the science with the flow community. As the CEO he creates all of Understaff3D's designs, maintains the machines, Print-Post-Processing(PPP), and acts as the Head of Event Management.

When not crafting in CAD, Connor is workshopping flow classes utilizing that engineering background to determine how to best record, communicate, and teach all of the skills learned along the way. In regard to Dragon flow Connor specializes in tosses, vertical static, legwork, double dragons, and odd multi-propping.

Meet Matt

Took a leap and moved from Chicago to Nashville to continue his life journey by delving into the wonderful world of flow arts. His expertise in public communication and prop manipulation has allowed him to soar in our industry. He has worked with US3D for over 2 years now, helping broaden our horizons and spread flow across the nation. Acting as of Head of Merchandising and Social Media, while also spearheading fire event acquisition / management, he adapts to every challenge. Experienced in running nonprofit events and organizing group fitness classes in Chicago, he lets his creative mind work wonders for the Nashville community. As well as being a professional fire performer, he has shown his skill in public speaking and motivational teaching methods. These qualities help Understaff3D stand out and continue to provide a safe and encouraging place for people to find their flow. 

Meet Isa

Isamary is a passionate flow artist originally from McAllen, Texas. Her journey into the bass music scene in 2014 is where she discovered flow arts for the first time and inevitably picked it up as a form of meditation and self-expression. After relocating to Nashville, Tennessee in 2016, Isa acquired a horticulture degree at Tennessee Tech University. In 2019, she returned to Nashville and began to seek out like-minded flow enthusiasts by organizing flow meet-ups at the iconic Parthenon on Sundays. It was at a drum circle at Shelby Park one day that she met Connor and Matt, sparking the beginning of their creative journey together as a trio.

Isa continues to explore flow arts and prop manipulation with a variety of props including Levi Wands, hoops, fans, dragon staff, and other props. She vends with Understaff3D at events, monitors flowmie channels on socials, acts as head of HR, and loves being involved in events and performances. On top of her full time position with Gardens of Babylon landscapes she finds time to weave her passion for movement, music, and connection into her everyday life.