--Recently, I have started to incorporate flairtending into my actual
bartending where I currently work. As long as you know how to make the
drinks, adding flair does not take away from the drinks. It seems as though
the flairtenders there started picking up bottles and practicing, not taking
the time to learn the drinks; while the bartenders took the time to learn the
drinks, but saw these other tenders flipping bottles and messing up the
drinks, so they decide that it will affect their drinks as well.
--Even with flair, my drinks come out excellent; no one has complained about a
drink, and they usually get the same drink numerous times. All flair does is
add appeal to the bartender and draw more of a crowd to the bar (also
increasing tips because of the show that you are putting on). As long as you
don't take more time to make the drink because of the flair then you are ok.
--So, to tell you the truth, you can be both.