How to Fire Dance with Poi

Are you a poi spinner ready to take it to the next level? Want to learn how to spin FIRE? Well, you can! Just follow these instructions and get ready to light up!

These instructions are for people who are already familiar with and skilled at spinning poi. Please do not attempt fire poi if you are not prepared for it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A pair of fire poi, preferably with wicks made of Kevlar (TM) or Kevlar blend. Check out http://www.homeofpoi.com/ for great equipment.
• A can of white gas, also known as Coleman camping fuel
• A metal bucket large enough to soak your wicks in
• A lighter or matches
• A safety blanket made of Duvetyn - or a large, wet towel
• A safety person, who can help you put out the fire when you're finished and who can also make sure you don't catch on fire
• A fire extinguisher, just in case!

1. Place your poi wicks in the empty bucket, making sure the handles are outside of the bucket. Pour the white gas over the wicks, soaking them completely. Let the wicks soak for 1-3 minutes.

2. Carefully remove the poi from the soaking bucket. Walk a safe distance away from the area where you'll be lighting up, and spin the soaked poi using several forceful downward motions to remove any excess fuel. Your spin-out is best done onto a tarp, but if that isn't possible, try sand, dirt, or old concrete. White gas will evaporate quickly on the surface.

3. Walk back to your "stage" area. Hold your poi arm's length in front of you. Have your safety person light the wicks. Start spinning your poi!

4. Spin until the flames go out! If you need or want your fire out sooner, have your safety person ready with the Duvetyn blanket or wet towel spread on the ground. Place one wick on the blanket and have the safety person smother the wick completely, letting no oxygen in, until the flame is out. Then repeat with the other wick. If the poi chains are tangled, you can put them out at the same time, but it's easier one at a time.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have a trained safety person with you when you light up! Make sure they know how to put out a pair of flaming wicks.
• Do not ever attempt fire poi if you feel you are not ready for it. There's no rush. Always do things at your own pace.
• Always practice WITHOUT fire first! Know the moves you're going to do and stick to them. On fire is NOT the time to try new moves!
• If you have long hair, tie it up and away from anywhere the flames might reach.
• Protect your head and your hair - wear a hat and/or spritz your hair with water beforehand.
• When your flames have completely expired, be careful not to touch the wicks of your poi or any metal parts until they have completely cooled. Also, do not place your wicks back into the fuel bucket until they are cool.
• Always wear clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, or leather. They are less likely to catch on fire and won't melt into your skin, like synthetics will.

Resources

• Fire dancing performers and teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Fire dancing performers and teachers around the world