Art of Poi's topics - tribe.net

update-2008 National Fire Performance League Championship-Texas Regional

National Fire Performance League — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:53:26 GMT

Hello fellow fire fanatics!
This is an automated reply. Please join our tribe and stay tuned for updates on the upcoming NFPL Championship and tubing campout to be held Sept 26-28th on the beautiful Guadalupe River in New Braunfels ,Texas.

We are currently seeking DJs who may wish to promote themselves by providing music for the competition in exchange for the spotlight. We will need a link to review their music and their contact info. If you intend to use an independent DJ or band for your music, weather live or recorded, that may wish to be promoted and entered as an independent , there will be professional scouts attending the event who will be seeking musicians for future gigs. Pass the wordand help your musician friends get promoted!

We are also seeking judges for the duration of the event. If you or someone you know would be a good , unbiased, and fair judge,and may have expertise in performance art, martial arts, staging events, and especially the fire arts, let us know. We would like to receive a bio about them and why they would be a good judge. Entrants will be scored on technicality, form, costuming, stage presence, originality, musical accompaniment, and professionalism. Judges will not be allowed to perform in categories they will be judging.

Prices are $40 per person/per night and includes Membership to the NFPL for one year, entry into the championship, camping ,and tubing and shuttle service on the river. For Spectators, $30 per person/per night includes Membership to the NFPL for one year,camping ,and tubing and shuttle service on the river.Its gonna be a great time, so come out and enjoy what is sure to be a great time and great show.

For Championship entrants, there will be many male , female , pair, and troupe, categories to choose from, dependent on what fire tools you exhibit and number of performers in each routine. If you have a fire tool that is original or not listed , let us know and we will include it/them. If you use props such as structures or pyrotechnics, let us know the nature of these features and any space requirements.Please read our profile and be practicing your routines. You may enter as many categories as you wish.If you have your own music you wish to use in performance, please have it on CD or Ipod and ready to go. We will post entrant forms to bring with you to the show, so stay tuned!

Thank-you all for the amazing number of responses we have gotten. Space is limited to 2500 people at the event , so RSVP ASAP! We will try to answer all your questions in our updates. Tickets will be sold at the gate and it is recommended to let us know how many in your group , both performers and spectators, will be attending.

Firey Cheers!
National Fire Performance League

fireperformers@hotmail.com
http://austin.tribe.net/fireperformers - search for National Fire Performance League
http://www.myspace.com/fireperformers

posted in Art of Poi - 18 replies

street performance videos

TI.aMat — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:32:42 GMT

i made some videos of Jess' and my performance last week in Willlimantic. the first one is poi, with music by Inca Son, the band that was playing while we spun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-h2INDZTx0

this one is hoop and double staff, and a little single staff. music is also Inca Son:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dB-XK1J3yQ

and this one is fire fingers and fire palms. the music is Ravi Shankar. enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpMYNs7Kz6g

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Vermont Poi artists?

AliaThabit — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:36:02 GMT

Hi all. I'm looking for someone in VT who can do professional quality poi, and is okay with glow poi (no fire). Gig is in an indoor space :-{. Sat 9/6 (yeah, soon). You would need to have pics and preferably online video. Please email me at alia@earth-goddess.com.
Thanks!
Alia

posted in Art of Poi - 2 replies

Poi, style, and you.

SunshinePerformer — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:19:01 GMT

Good afternoon!

I have been a practitioner of Poi for about two to three years. My Poi has gotten much better within the past year. Recently I have been mixing in styles of Tai Chi forms (Majority the Sun Style), Wu Shu stances, and Ballroom Dancing. Now, mixing these forms of movement is giving me a pathway to a whole new world. I have been performing at corporal events and parties because of it. And I'll even be teaching at a school come this summer. My goal is to spread inspiration and happiness through movement and manipulation.

Join me.

What do you do with your Poi? (I.E. Martial Arts, Dance, Nothing) ? What do you like about Poi?

I've been mixing in fusions of dancing and Martial Arts stances with stalls, and I say this with complete confidence - It is magnificently gorgeous. SIDENOTE: I think stalls are extremely underestimated in the art form that is Poi, and when experimented with, you can find wonderful combinations.

I just want to hear your style, and what you enjoy seeing. So let's hear it! ;)

With happiness,

Sunshine Performer

posted in Art of Poi - 31 replies

Bellydance and poi - any techies out there?

basilsimon — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:09:43 GMT

So I just got back from a two week festival in PA where I spun, taught, and hung out with a bunch of phenomenal bellydancers from all over the US. We started to talk about the prevalence of poi in the bellydance world, and whether anybody had truly fused high level bellydancing/"world fusion dancing" and high level poi. None of us had seen it - we surmised that while you can do both, it is impossible to devote the amount of practice seen amongst the world's best bellydancers and the world's best spinners, to both disciplines. Moreover, complicated spinning patterns take a lot of concentration, which would be very hard to combine with the kind of muscle isolation required for really good bellydancing.
Most videos of poi spinning bellydancers involve some basic dance movements, and a great deal of spinning. Sometimes, you see a little more bellydance, but with even more basic moves. At it's best, it's like the dancer/spinner was trying to do both at the same time, but never as a fused art.

While having serious dance skills helps with body awareness, posture, and general body movement, are there any videos out there of super skilled bellydancers who spin really well?

[In case anybody was wondering, I KNOW that it's not all about skill, and both bellydancing and spinning are primarily about having fun. I'm just looking for an example of high level proficiency in bellydancing poi]

posted in Art of Poi - 25 replies

Vulcan Tech Blog #2: Firedrums

noel-ski — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:49:26 GMT

finished this a bit late,

Everyone get practicin'!

hope to see ya'll on the playa =)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u6NLs3l5s0

posted in Art of Poi - 1 reply

First ever PoiPlay Performance - Thetrical Poi (Two 17 minute videos)

jm — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:00:35 GMT

Little show & tell ...

I've got a video online of the first ever performance with "PoiPlay" ... a new set of poi that I'm developing targeted at theatrical performances. The trick here is that the poi is in control of while audio and visual experience. It's yet not available for purchase and the next show isn't until mid 2009, but check out the video and let me know what you think.

I'd recommend watching it from start to finish (don't jump ahead) ... it builds up.

Click on 'videos' : http://www.poiplay.com

- Jm

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

toolbox for fire toys

mrdug — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:29:12 GMT

any recommendations?
ideally it'd be big enough to carry the fire toys, duvees, a small first aid kit, some fuel, spin off bucket, dipping bucket... i've seen the 24 inch metal toolbox at home depot, but for some reason that's just not calling out to me.

posted in Art of Poi - 3 replies

Your opinions on "Paying to Learn Poi"

we1are1one — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 21:16:31 GMT

I see this as an area of conversation that deserves its own thread...
Do you believe it is right to encourage others to pay for lessons? Many, if not most, poi spinners have learned for free... And there is certainly no shortage of training material free online...

Who is "qualified" to charge money for lessons? Should teachers be of a certain skill-level before charging money others $$ to share poi-knowledge?

Does taking paid-lessons truely benefit the poi-student in the long-run, or create an attitude of dependance, and a "cookie-cutter" style of spinning?

How about the latest trend of paying for access to online video-lessons?

How about "donation only" classes? Or "trading skills" (I will teach you poi, if you teach me to drum)? Or classes on how to make fire-equipment.

Do teachers have an obligation to teach fire-safety, even if they aren't teaching with fire?

What other "obligations" should a potential teacher have?

posted in Art of Poi - 106 replies

Burning Man Ticket Raffle

Captain_Ron — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:43:07 GMT

Burning Man Ticket Raffle

Just three days left in the Burning Man ticket raffle! For just $5 you get one chance at winning a ticket to Burning Man 2008! So far we've got just over a dozen people participating so your chances are good! The drawing will be held next Monday August 11 when we will announce the winner who will be randomly chosen by Peaches the Jack Russel Terrier, so get involved and get your raffle on! Tickets to Burning Man are currently $295 and there will be no gate sales this year, so here's you chance to get onto the playa for cheap!

To enter, go to www.paypal.com and send $5 for EACH entry to darkskies@vegasartists.com
Good luck, have a great burn, and thank you for supporting your
regionals!

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

How do YOU store your fuel on the playa?

earthtone78 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:19:23 GMT

Hey community-

Bringing a few gallons or 10 to the playa this year. What's your method of storing fuel in your camp?

posted in Art of Poi - 3 replies

what's YOUR favorite music to spin poi to?

TI.aMat — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:04:42 GMT

thought it might be fun to hear what genres/ bands/ artists people like to flow to....i'll start.

good, tight, dynamic live drumming is top of the list, no doubt.

California Guitar Trio. seriously, check em out, especially y'all guitar affecionados!

Red Hot Chili Peppers!

Thievery Corporation- especially their middle eastern sounding grooves
---middle eastern tabla music in general, but especially when combined with electronica
check out Anoushka Shankar, Ravi's daughter!

Massive Attack

TOOL-- though very difficult, complex rythmically, its almost transcendental.

posted in Art of Poi - 41 replies

Poi Spinning Plateau - break through tips?

Faye — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:11:39 GMT

Hello everyone......

I'm posting here because I've been involved/reading interesting concepts elsewhere, about efficient poi practice, and learning to expand so overall you become a better spinner. Either its learning a new "move", understanding a new poi concept whether it be terminology, redefining your planes or a discovering which leads to a whole new area of spinning.

I feel like I've sorta hit a plateau as a spinner right now. I have many moves down (from a butterfly to a butterflyweave with isolations, from giant windmills to 4-beat windmills, the beginnings to get comfy with airwraps in wall planes etc)..... I'm starting to see new connections between moves so when I'm relaxed and allow my poit o simply go, i get more easy ahnd fluidity. I've learned how seperateing you rhands ( letting them do entirely different things) adds interesting variations.

But I'm utterly stuck and useless in certain areas.... mainly those which involve body contortions (IMHO).
I have a ridiculously hard time tryign to spin anyhing other than a butterfly behind my back.
Waist wraps? I'm lucky i can get my hand behind my back to my opposite hip... with or without a poi in hand

Has anyone faced this kind of certain black out area limits.. an area they have a difficult time getting into?
How did you deal with them?
How to break through it to learn integral moves behidn the back.. or in wraps?

posted in Art of Poi - 15 replies

update-2008 National Fire Performance League Championship-Texas Regional

National Fire Performance League — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:52:49 GMT

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Burning Man ticket Raffle is on!

Captain_Ron — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:51:55 GMT

Burning Man ticket Raffle is on!

That's right for just $5 YOU can get a chance at one ticket to Burning Man! Tickets to Burning Man 2008 are currently $295 on the web and there will be NO GATE SALES this year either. Yikes! So, here's your chance to get ONE TICKET for the ridiculously low price of just $5. How can we do this? We must be CRAZY to make this kind of offer! Dark Skies was gifted an extra ticket and we want to help a deserving burner and we're doing a fund raiser as well, so to tie it all in we're raffling this ticket off for $5 per entry. The drawing will be held on August 11th when we will announce the winner who will be selected by Peaches the Jack Russell Terrier rummaging in the ticket bowl.
Purely non-scientific but a lot of fun nonetheless!

TO ENTER: send $5 PER ENTRY via PayPal to darkskies@vegasartists.com
You may purchase as many entries as you wish, they are $5 each.
Each $5 entry buys you ONE CHANCE at winning this free ticket!
Good luck and have a great burn in 2008!

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Performers needed Oct 18th

Valaquenta — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:13:53 GMT

The Sugarplum Elves (myspace.com/sugarplumelves) will be hosting a Calendar Release / Fundraiser / Wrap Party @ Space Lounge in San Francisco OCTOBER 18th.

We are looking for the followinf performers:
Burlesque
Hoop
Poi
Sword swallowers
Contortionists
Belly dancers
Anything that can be done indoors without too much room

Since this is a fundraiser, we cannot pay (sorry, we're broke performers too). However, you can sell merch and mingle with our party people which will have at least our 12 awesome photographers, as well as models, musicians and other creative peeps.

Please contact me for more information.

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

“Rovo” Poi added to TMG!!!

clarinetcat — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:37:50 GMT

http://treemangathering.com/workshops/workshopsinstructors.html

A late addition to the TMG workshop itinerary is Chris “Rovo” Bailey, who will be instructing a 90 minute workshop open to poi spinners of all levels. Focusing on the specific needs of the student, this freestyle class will introduce students to a variety of different concepts along with the necessary skills to successfully learn these techniques.

For some videos and more info on Chris check out:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BpIwGrTRWgo

http://www.shillyshallyfire.com/

www.myspace.com/chrisrovo

Hope to see you at the Tree Man Gathering!

posted in Art of Poi - 3 replies

My 5 Minutes of fame

Jabir — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:30:37 GMT

During a hunt for local fire performers, I was asked by the local paper to do a photo shoot for an article. I thought the video camera was for the reporters notes. I had no idea the video interview was going to be published, so for what its worth, here I am looking like a geek for the camera.

http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080616/VIDEO/80613022

posted in Art of Poi - 1 reply

favorite poi vids

Asp1 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:13:01 GMT

postem, doesn't have to be of you, just sick vids you like to watch post em here!

posted in Art of Poi - 21 replies

Poi in the news(video)

RainbowMichael — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:38:35 GMT

Here is a video of poi in the news
Rainbow Michael spins it up in the back yard
pretty cool

www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp

posted in Art of Poi - 8 replies

New NY based tribe - Hudson Valley Fire

matalvin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:03:26 GMT

for those in NY, not quite in the City, and not too far Upstate

posted in Art of Poi - 1 reply

Cable?

Spike — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 18:04:14 GMT

Hey,
I am about to buy my first set of fire poi (I've done fire poi, but I don't actually have my own set)

I was wondering what experiences you might have of the cable instead of chain? Will it wrap? I haven't seen cable in person. Also same question about the twist oval.

Also any general info about buying my first set of fire poi would be good (I've been practicing poi for a bit more than a year now, if that helps). Thanks!

posted in Art of Poi - 6 replies

fuel

snowombatoflove — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:21:11 GMT

wondering if anyone knows if you can mix citronella torch fuel into a fire toy fuel recipe....thanks

posted in Art of Poi - 6 replies

Firespinning in a world without oil

Drex — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:55:02 GMT

So I know this is looking way beyond the here and now, but bear with me. Odds are pretty good we're going run out of oil in our lifetimes--or at least that the extraction of it is going to cost too much monetarily or politically for it to continue--so where does that leave firespinning?

The most frequent fuel I use is white gas, which unless I'm mistaken is a petroleum derivative. I know lots of people who use lamp oil--likewise distilled from petroleum but it came also be made from whale blubber. Neither source will be morally or economically tenable in the coming years, so where do we go for fuel? Does anyone know of any fuels that don't come from these sources and are usable for spinning fire? Are there biofuels that can work?

posted in Art of Poi - 6 replies

How to make giant poi

Fire — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:56:40 GMT

I am currently trying to make a set of giant poi. I have seen people use them before out at burning man. I have seen some giant poi the size of basketballs. I'm looking for something a tiny bit smaller. Probably 6 or 7 inches across. I just have no idea how to make them. I have never seen them up close so I don't even know what they are made of. I know its not kevlar. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

posted in Art of Poi - 9 replies

er, um excuse me?

Rif — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:28:14 GMT

Uh, hi. I feeling a little awkward posting here, as i'm much more of stick figure.

anyways, I was goofing around with poi last night and accidentally found a new to me move. It's where the chain wraps around the other chain, (hyperloop? air wrap? i don't know the lingo) only it was offset, giving me one longer end. and then that end came around a did a wrist wrap the during the hyperloop, then bounced back to release the spin. Kinda cool, and seems like I haven't seen it before. Just thought I'd share, in case it matters.

Peace.

posted in Art of Poi - 10 replies

Firedrums 08 videos - Yuta, Ronan, MCP, Olive, Vulcan crew, Andy, Ima, Rovo, Icon, More....

Kael — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:43:38 GMT

My fav is the second one - featuring some of my favourite spins I've seen in person.

May 1st - 4th in Santa Cruz, CA

Firedrums 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOVvmfsSAiw
Firedrums 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QfBGcqxTGQ

Yuta1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9iy2UVy5hM
Yuta2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEMPIXesYwU

\More from others:
http://youtube.com/view_play_list?p=ED4B808821B5D101

posted in Art of Poi - 2 replies

Salem MA poi pratice

Kathleen — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:43:00 GMT

HI! I am new to poi and I am looking for peopole to spin with. I have a very small meet-up that i just started and wanted to get the work out because so far it mostly 5 VERY new people spinning together with one person so far who joined with us once to show us a few new things.. Would like to learn how to do it right the first time :)

Anyway this is an open invitation.. If there is interest I will start a tribe for this NORTH of boston Spin or something of the like...

We are meeting tomorrow @ 5 pm on the field by the tennis courts at the salem Willows.... the next week we will meet on thursday. ever week is a different day for right now... How to meet some new poeple. Thanks..

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Rainbow Michael

RainbowMichael — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:46:33 GMT

I've had this footage for awhile. I got Final cut express and I am still over my head a little,but more videos to come!!
This is unedited for the most part, just me straight through with a couple silly transitions.

More to come my friends.

Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTvIcrTWZes

posted in Art of Poi - 2 replies

Dark Skies Art Festival - Fire Workshop Leaders Wanted

IndigoAutumn — Fri, 16 May 2008 03:58:53 GMT

The Dark Skies Arts Festival is looking for a few talented fire performers who are willing to hold a couple of workshops during the festival, performing in the evening, and who are willing to have a fabulous time hanging out at the Southern Nevada regional burn. We have a very limited number of free/artist tickets available to select fire professionals by participating at Dark Skies. It's all happening June 19 to 22 in Meadview AZ. Just 107 miles east of Las Vegas. Dark Skies is being held on 80 acres of private land in a beautiful joshua tree forest
Currently we need the following workshops covered: Fire safety, intermediate and advanced poi, and all levels of contact staff. Other fire toys are welcome too. For consideration please send your name, contact info, what your talent is and how long you have been doing performing. Please include a video url (youtube etc) if you have one.
Please submit your inquires by June 6th for consideration to Indigo at itsallbrite_AT_hotmail_DOT_com or call 702 218 2041.
For more information on the Dark Skies please visit http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/

Peace n Luv,
Indigo

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

What are some things that you’re going to miss if you don’t go to Dark Skies?

Captain_Ron — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:24:18 GMT

The friendly security forces at Hoover Dam that want to be nosey and pick through your stuff before you cross!
Driving through the most beautiful Joshua Tree forest you’ve ever seen (no really)!
Wondering if you’re lost while driving through said forest!
Suspiciously studying your rear view mirror on a dirt road looking for the damn BLM (they won’t be there)!
Beautiful sunrises with your friends
Hugging furry people
Fantastic theme camps with such amazing content as:
Porn-a-oke yep that’s right it’s karaoke with porn (and pirates of course)!
The always cool Dark Skies locale….Party Naked whipping up drinks while you take it off…..or not!
Come party with the living and the un-living in Dr DNA’s -The Underworld!
Adopt some art, leave some art with caretaker Anti-M!
Meditation and spiritual readings if you dare!
A unique bar that will distill your beverage in a body part replica…gotcha thinking’ don’t it! You’ll be sucking on more than a lime with these shots!
What regional would be complete without a complementary spanking amongst other treats!
The ska/reggae retreat of the Skaruba Café serving up delicious delightful beverages
A house made of turquoise that used to be a hub for the Pony Express
Burners
Hippies
Freaks
Costumes
Naked guy hula hooping
Workshops so you can be the naked guy hula hooping
Friendly greeters
The poof poof of propane poofers
Workshops so you can learn really cool stuff
Drum circles
Twilight yoga and fire spinnin
Hot Rangers
Very hot BBQ’s, Pancakes and Bacon
The purrrrrrr of generators in the dusk
Bands
DJ’s
Petting furry people
Fire spinners
Chocolate chip cookies
Howling at the moonrise
Art Cars
Dirt between your crevices (you pick the crevice I ain’t touching it)!
Our oh so fun Men’s Hot Legs Contest
The new addition to our contests the Drag Olympics (read drag queen Olympic events)
Sitting around a burn barrel wondering why you are because it’s 75 degrees out!
Beautiful sunsets with your friends
Dancing until dawn
A very “Dark Sky” full of stars for gazing
Geodesic dome love
Getting to know your fellow freaks in a intimate setting
A lovely trial setting to test out your dome, mutant vehicle, art, sound system, costume, attitude or shade structure before Burning Man
Driving from the desert having just spent an unbelievable weekend with your friends

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

flying with poi

matt_lives_to_burn — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:20:30 GMT

Alright so I haven't been anywhere on a plane since the rules got more strict. I'm heading up to SEA at the end of May and I want (well need.. lol) to take my poi with me. I'm not gonna worry about trying to take wicks, I'm just going to ship them there. So what I was wondering is how much hassle they give you about just practice poi. I've hear of people having some trouble with juggling balls some times, so what would be the best kind of poi to take with me? My favorite set of poi have sand filled balloons in them, do you think that is a problem since I can't open them up?

Just figured I'd ask, I dont like suprises of that sort. ha

posted in Art of Poi - 6 replies

MadCity Fire Project - UW-Madison Campus - Fire Spinners Wanted!

Meredith — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:49:03 GMT

I am posting this across a few different groups that may have some interested people.

Madison, Wisconsin

We are a small group of fire spinners that meet (almost) every Sunday on the UW-Madison Campus to spin fire and hang out.
This Sunday is the "official" re-commencement date for us to start meeting again. Same as last year, we are meeting at the fountain between the union and library mall... around sunset.

It would be really awesome to get Madison-area fire spinners together again.

Bring a drum (or other musical instrument if you so desire) if you have one, and bring your fire toys and fuel.

Call me if you need any more information.

Meredith

608 692 1337

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Vulcan Tech Lounge #1

noel-ski — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:44:45 GMT

If you want to see some of the technique the Vulcanites have been working on, videe this!

Comments welcome = )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLZVS32TrqM

posted in Art of Poi - 5 replies

Home made Poi: Grommets

Erika — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:29:05 GMT

Hello poi makers, I'm researching grommet kits, does anyone have experience? It's the little metal ring hole punched in poi handles.

There are a variety of kits available, and some sound crappier than others. I've never used one.

Favorite brand? A brand to avoid? Some other idea for making a metal hole in leather or web handles?

posted in Art of Poi - 2 replies

Anyone know where the thurs. nite indoor poi spin jam is held?

serafine — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:06:59 GMT

I know it was on Thurs. nites. Is it still happenin?

Anyone know the San Francisco Location?

thanks!

posted in Art of Poi - 2 replies

Tips for a glowstick raver transitioning into fire

Michael — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:50:33 GMT

Ok, so anyone who knows me knows that through and through I'm a raver and I'm proud of it. I grab my battery operated glowsticks from walmart and sping those little toys around all night. Many friends of mine are glowstringers and poi, however I've discovered that I really have no talent for strings/poi. A friend of mine has recently purchased a staff, and I've taken quite a likeing to it. I feel much more comfortable with the staff than I do with poi/glowstring, and have already begun to learn some of the basics of a staff. I was hopeing maybe someone could give me some basic staff tips, because I've been a raver for years and have never really put to much stock into fire arts. I know plenty of glowstringers who never lifted a pair of fire poi in their life, but were able to bang it out like a pro the first time they picked them up. Is there such a thing as a fire glove? I know there are fans and various other hand related non-poi fire arts out there, and was just curious as to the best way to use what I already know to create a new fire art.

posted in Art of Poi - 6 replies

Detroit area poi people

Joe — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:22:37 GMT

I will be up there from sunday night until thurday for some training for my job, and guess what I going to be alone so I can do whatever I want after class!!. So if there are any poi, fire juggling whatever people up there hit me up Id love to go spin and meet some new people.

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

DARK SKIES TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SATURDAY APRIL 12 @ NOON PST

Captain_Ron — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:28:55 GMT

DARK SKIES TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SATURDAY APRIL 12 @ NOON PST

TICKETS:
Tickets to The Dark Skies Arts Festival, June 19-22 at Mojave Drums near Meadview, Arizona are going on sale this Saturday 4/12/08 at twelve noon PST under the following price structure:
FIRST TIER: 75 tickets @ $75
SECOND TIER: 150 tickets @ $95
THIRD TIER: The remaining 75 tickets will be $125
Gift Tickets: we have a very limited number of gift tickets available where we trade you admission for your work on site. See below.

ATTENDANCE CAPS AND NO GATE SALES THIS YEAR
We are capping attendance at 300 and there will be NO GATE SALES this year! Advance ticket sales will cut off about a week out from the event. Under 18 with parents only, kids under 12 are free. No in-out, no pets.

Dark Skies is the southern Nevada regional burn, now to be held across the dam in Arizona! All of Burning Man’s 10 principals apply including leave no trace, no vending and the gift economy.

THEME CAMPS
We are requesting that all theme camps register and determine the minimum required amount of space that you can fit into. We are also asking most participants to drop their camping gear and park out by the front gate in order to keep the event site open and allow art cars, pedestrian traffic, and bicycles to traverse the site safely. There’s plenty of room on this site for our event, we just have to use it judiciously and creatively. Please please please register your theme camp and art so we know who’s coming!

FIRE
Dark Skies 2008 is operating in a high fire season, and in an area of pristine high desert in a beautiful Joshua Tree Forest. Dark Skies Fire Safety will be operating under the jurisdiction of Meadview Arizona Fire Dept. All final decisions regarding fire will be up to them.

• Fire performers will be allowed i/e: poi staffs breathers and all other hand held fire performance toys.
• Small propane flame effects; ie hand held puffers and small lpg flame effects with neither having a vertical flame length exceeding 10ft unless pre approved will be allowed.
• Fire barrels; fire barrels will be provided and maintained by event staff and will be in community areas.
• No personal burn barrels and fireplaces unless pre-approved in advance of the event.
• All generators used will be required to have an abc fire extinguisher and a pointed shovel within 20 ft at all times.
• Tentative fire times will be between 7pm and sunrise. Fire times will be subject to blackout in case of winds sustained in excess of 12 mph.
• All fire artists and participants must check in with DSFS. DSFS has the final say when it comes to fire of any kind.
• Smoking is to be conducted on developed and groomed areas only, no smoking is allowed in the vegetated areas of the event site. Leave no trace; never let it hit the ground.
• Fireworks of any kind are illegal and banned 100% at this event.
• All fire activities will be restricted to fire performance areas and then only at pre approved times. We will clearly mark these areas on site.

Important fire information; All fire activities may be banned in the case of a regional “red flag alert”. A red flag alert occurs when high winds regionally create a situation whereby all fire activities are banned. This is not the same as the high fire season ban which runs April 15 – Nov 15 and for which we are applying for variances too for this event. This is also NOT the same situation we had last time where CCFD “stuck it to us” at the last minute and bummed a lot of people out. Our hosts want to see fire at this event. But we have to play by their rules. Lets hope for low winds on the weekend of the event!

VOLUNTEER!
The heart of any regional event is the volunteers, and we love our volunteers! We have limited Volunteer opportunities available for Dark Skies.

Please check the website and the event’s news group which is located here
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DARKSKIES_LASVEGAS/

Pictures of the new site are here
http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/pictures/3-08sitesurveyweb/index.htm

The event’s website is understandably undergoing some changes since the move and is here
http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/

Thank you to the community, to our wonderful volunteers, and to all of the artists and theme camps that make this and every regional event so darn special! We cannot do any of this without YOU.

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Vulcan Video

gregmaldonado — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:48:30 GMT

A new Vulcan Video with Jordan Campbell and a whole host of other Vulcan poi spinners... plus a load of jugglers from berkeley and sac/davis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_r6KTUAwCU

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Anyone know of someone willing to teach a complete Poi virgin.....

Keiley — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:32:26 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I have been very interested in poi since June 2007, but have not been able to find anyone in the Chicago or northern suburbs of Chicago to teach. Anyone have any ideas? Home of Poi has already been nixed from the list of possibilities. Appreciate the help

Cheers
Keiley

posted in Art of Poi - 8 replies

Handles for poi throwing?

Drex — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 01:54:08 GMT

Hey, all-

I've been playing around with throws a lot lately and finding (surprise, surprise) that standard strap handles on poi can be pretty difficult to catch, especially in the dark. I've been looking around on Home of Poi and Flama Aeterna at their handle options--Home of Poi's wood ball handles remind me of the doll heads that were recommended to me when I started playing around with throws, but I wonder how slippery the grips will wind up being. Flama Aeterna's rubber-covered handles seem easier to hold onto, but their slim profile makes me wonder if they wouldn't be as difficult to catch as straps. Has anyone out there had any experience with either type and have some words of wisdom to share?

Thanx,
Drex

posted in Art of Poi - 7 replies

Drilling the ol Kevlar

Yosh — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:56:33 GMT

So when i'm Making Cathedral heads, i was using a hole puncher in a drill press, but the shoot on the side gets full and super heats the bit then blunts the end. Any other suggestions?

posted in Art of Poi - 8 replies

Critical Resistance Benefit Seeks Firedancers!

jennifer — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 22:56:21 GMT

Wanna come play fire at a HOT party this Sat. for a good cause?

Check it out....

Please join us for a fiery-themed party to celebrate all those hot Aries birthdays and raise some much needed cash for the local Critical Resistance publication "The Abolitionist" www.criticalresistance.org (prisoner's rights, prison industrial complex education)

The theme is "Smoking Hot" so come dressed your best! Be prepared for some scorching entertainment with live fire spinners, DJ's playing your favorite dance music, steamy comrades (like you) burning up the dance floor, a flaming pinata and much much more.

You will not want to miss out on the
HOTTEST party of 2008 and
don't forget to dress your best!

In Oakland
Bar and keg!
$5-$50 sliding scale donation for
"The Abolitionist

Want more info? Please email me at soyjenn@gmaiil.com

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

parade

matt_lives_to_burn — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:24:57 GMT

So today I walked alone side the local burners float for the St Pattys day parade and spun poi. Anyone ever do that? Man. it is difficult! behind the back stuff and btb wallplane weave (i dont remember what people call that move) is a pain when you are walking. And doing tosses with sock poi when it is windy while you are walking is very difficult as well.. It was good practice though, haha.

posted in Art of Poi - 2 replies

Amazing poi video, in Thailand

RH — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:44:44 GMT

I found this while browsing youtube.
I don't know this guy, but it is some amazing spinning.
I am quite new, I have *NO* idea how he does some of this stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTCoX8s96JU

posted in Art of Poi - 4 replies

Rochester Spring Juggle-In April 18-20th with MCP!

klafka — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:40:20 GMT

So April 18th through the 20th will mark the 31st annual spring juggle-in with

open play in the gym

6pm - 10:30 pm on friday
10am - 5pm on saturday (and more after the show!)
10am - 2:30pm on sunday

with workshops in poi, diabolo, passing patterns and more!

with a spectacular show featuring

Erik Aberg:

Erik Åberg is a juggler from Sweden. His main focus is on research for new techniques of throwing and manipulating objects. He has been invited to conventions in France, Greece, Japan, America, Israel and Finland. In contemporary circus he´s been cooperating with the companies Circo Aereo, Idiot Savant, Croissant Bleu and Cirkus Cirkor. Eriks specialities are rolling and placing techniques with balls on the head and box manipulation.

Rhys Thomas:

20 years ago today, Rhys Thomas began performing comedy juggling for a living. He's still alive! Literally by dogsled, cruiseship, jet plane and solar auto Rhys has delivered his "JuggleMania" shows to theatres and festivals on three continents. Accomplishments include (but are not limited to) Artist in Residence at the Smithsonian Institution, Best American Act at the Street Performer Worldcup in Shizuoka Japan, International Jugglers Assn. and European Jugglers Assn. command performances, and did I mention 20 years of making a living juggling?

Jen Slaw from Philadelphia

Jérémie Arsenault:

Juggling since he was 15 years old and currently in his final year at the acclaimed École de Cirque de Québec , Jérémie Arsenault will present a high flying combination of Diabolos and Acrobatics that will take your breath away.

Jade Dussault:

Also from the École de Cirque de Québec
An acrobat, juggler, and circus enthusiast Jade has been involved in performance since she was 9 years old.
how would you describe her act with Hoops?

Verbs lots of Verbs..

>> Spinning with Passion
>> everything whirls
>>striking presicion
>>Elegant flexibility

Jorden Moir:
a 20 yr old footbagger/juggler from Hamilton, Ontario, Jorden has been Footbagging for 7 years. He has also been juggling (mostly balls) and performing for 6 years.

He is currently ranked 2nd in the WORLD!

and lastly

Meghan Claire Pike:

Meghan is a well known face around the Scottish and UK juggling scene and her fluid contact staff routines are always well received by jugglers and the public alike. From fast spins to graceful body rolls there's a bit of something for everyone. It is rare to see this uncommon skill executed quite so artistically.

I'm soo excited for this and I hope to see more staffers out here this year!!

more information can be found at

http://www.rit.edu/~jugwww/
and specifically about the show more information can be found at
http://www.rit.edu/~jugwww/shows/show2008.html

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Poi Transmission: sweet new video

PoiMei — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:54:38 GMT

Watch this video, then watch it again. It's full of good shots, plus some visual guides to what's going on technically.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFez03GHpTE
Please let me know what you think. Any comment is better than no comment.
Thanks,
Play hard

posted in Art of Poi - 5 replies

Handles?

Yosh — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:34:25 GMT

So i've seen so many ways to make handle's, i just want some that don't break. Hemp rope, Leather? I've even used the 1" x 1/8" Kevlar but have a problem closing the ends. I can't used any poly blends because i catch the poi in my hand.
Thanks

posted in Art of Poi - 6 replies

advice needed.

matt_lives_to_burn — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:23:09 GMT

Ive been told that i need to move more when I spin. I got into tech spinning and i want to be able to incorporate dance and movement into my spinning. Any suggestions on a style of dance i should learn?

peace and love,
Matt

posted in Art of Poi - 13 replies

Chris Bailey Poi Workshop

Britainy — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:19:14 GMT

Well folks... we have a special treat for you all!!

Chris Bailey is coming to our home town, in Virginia Beach, Va. He will be doing a workshop here for all who are interested. Prices and other details are still being worked out! We will try to make it reasonable for everyone.(hopefully between $15 and $20 a person) The workshop is being held on March 15th 2008.... We have a HUGE space for this event. It will be held in a cheerleading gym..... tons of rooms... high ceilings... multiple floors. We will have a blast I'm sure. We are inviting everyone who is interested... bring your friends... It will most likely be an intermediate to advanced level workshop... although I'm sure all levels are welcome. If you have any questions please email me at my yahoo acount. Britainy_MDibbs@yahoo.com. Otherwise feel free to call me at (757)377-3008. I am more than happy to answer your questions. More to come about prices etc. We are super excited about this... Chris is such an awesome person... not to mention talented. This is something you Don't want to miss..... CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULES!!!! Tell EVERYONE!

PEACE AND FIRE!!!

Britainy.

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Trying to do an oribtal with monkey fists

razvan — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:32:43 GMT

I'm currently in love with orbitals, and ever since I've seen youtube kids doing them with fire poi, I've been trying to get this move rolling.

WHat is the best setup for doing an orbital with fire poi? I have ball chains and large monkey fists, and I'm wondering if that's going to make the move dificult. Are dogchains better for this move?

posted in Art of Poi - 8 replies

Dark skies Poll

Captain_Ron — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:09:20 GMT

Greetings and much dusty love from Dark Skies!
Please help us plot the course of Dark Skies, the southern Nevada regional Burn for 2008.

Take a few moments and complete this anonymous survey so that we may get a better idea of what YOU the community wants to do. You don’t need to log into any Yahoo groups this time. We’re making this as easy as we can so that as many of you as possible will respond. Ready? Here you go:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=IuYUSoOLJPqcL6jBREqJyA_3d_3d
or
http://tinyurl.com/2hoe59

We will post the results once we close the poll.

Thanks!
The Dark Skies Team

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

New York poi meet ups and where to buy sets

Mish — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:41:44 GMT

Does anyone know of any poi meet ups or lessons happening or about to start in or near NYC? Also, where would you recommend I buy poi sets from in NYC?

posted in Art of Poi - 5 replies

Where do you find socks?

dustynipples — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:32:13 GMT

Okay, I want to make a bunch of poi socks and I'm having the hardest time finding knee socks! What, people don't wear fun knee socks anymore? I've searched all the major stores... Target, Walmart, K-Mart, Sears, JC Penney, Kohls... as well as a bunch of Dollar Stores in the area. I look for kids and adults. I find trouser socks (boring colors), and little girls tights (too stretchy). I suppose boys sport tube socks would work fine, but they're just plain white. My favorite pair I found at Walmart 2 years ago... never to be found again.

Where do you find your poi socks?

posted in Art of Poi - 13 replies

new poi and clubswinging video from over here....

bluecat — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:42:43 GMT

made on the atlantic coast of ireland, in the cold....

maelle, ronan and me after a circus festival:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jieT7EtWvQQ

posted in Art of Poi - 4 replies

Dark Skies Budget is posted

Captain_Ron — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:08:23 GMT

Greetings and dusty road weary hugs from Dark Skies!

We are pleased to announce that the pre event budget for DS ‘08 is posted for your perusal, dissection, and discussion.
http://darkskies.vegasartists.com/about/accounting.php

There’s still a couple items missing and we actually got the Lincoln County numbers this afternoon so those are wrong. And yes ‘vehicles’ does indeed have an “H” in it. But you’ll get the idea of what it costs to produce this event. Based on this, and a senior staff meeting happening this weekend, we anticipate TICKETS GOING ON SALE, ON SATURDAY MARCH 1ST AT 12 NOON PST .

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter, but we can’t reply on every list that this message has been posted to, there are simply too many lists out here to monitor them all. So please direct all correspondence to/at us on the event’s Yahoo group, which is located here
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DARKSKIES_LASVEGAS/

A full email blast with volunteer information, art, and theme camp registration is forthcoming. Just keeping you the community in the loop, so watch this space and we hope to see you all out on Delamar Lake this June!

Love and (yummy) cookies,
The Dark Skies team

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Hula Hooping in Seattle?

BrookeLindsay — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:40:11 GMT

I'm looking for some other fire lovers in the Seattle area to meet and practice with. I really REALLY want to learn to use a fire hula hoop!! Anyone out there?

posted in Art of Poi - 2 replies

Ever feel like a twack addict in regards to poi?

matt_lives_to_burn — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 21:17:31 GMT

Have you ever noticed just how addicting poi is? Its like every chance i have to spin something i do. Like my nametag for work. Its on one of those retractable things and i always walk around spinning it.

And whenever im at the store and i see lights or socks or anything im like "hmm.. that would make a good pair of poi.." lol and try to figure out how to make them.

I think we need Poispinners Annonymous.. haha! (not really.. its lots better for you than smoking twack.. )

anyways, just an observation..

Peace and Love.
Matt

posted in Art of Poi - 12 replies

new fire videos

matt_lives_to_burn — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:49:04 GMT

some videos of me practicing the other night. = ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T3IPrqHsP8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM1D_TKVNAw

enjoy,

Peace and love,
Matt

posted in Art of Poi - 3 replies

need a little advice re; FireDrums

sky — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 01:12:42 GMT

http://firedrums.tribe.net/thread/1dda919e-446c-49cd-96f2-9d7884befeda#c81bdab6-fffd-4589-848f-09d9ed30d828
Hey fire friends, got a question for those of you who have been to FireDrums. Please check out this thread on the FireDrums tribe and chime in.

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

new practice video

matt_lives_to_burn — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:38:53 GMT

New camera = New videos. = ]

poi practice with my socks..

sorry low ceilings means no flowers, few tosses, and no long arm when you are 6ft tall. heh

tell me what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7TnCpHsRJ8

peace and love,
Matt

posted in Art of Poi - 6 replies

Spinagogue Intensive March 21-23 @ The Vulcan

IanSmith — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:43:49 GMT

The first Spinagogue taught us to master the art of poi, during the second Spinagogue we were shown the way of staff. Now it’s time to broaden our horizons. Join us at The Vulcan Spinagogue for a weekend of intense object manipulation of ALL KINDS including poi, staff, double staffs, hoop, whips, juggling, contact, and more.

What is Spinagogue? Check out our past events:
July 2007 Poi intensive: http://youtube.com/watch?v=fYZP_K575rI
Nov 2007 Staff intensive: http://youtube.com/watch?v=7s32VKyXfXo

Spinagogue is a weekend intensive designed to radically improve your skills while immersing you in Bay Area fire scenery: 28 workshops, three days of food, dinners are prepared by our master vegan chef Joshua the Traveling Chef (http://joshuaploeg.blogspot.com/), a fire jam and a special sneak preview performance by the Vulcan Crew.

The Vulcan is a hotbed of fire arts located in the heart of "lovely" industrial East Oakland. In addition to hosting the east bay's best and brightest spin jam, the Vulcan is home to over 100 local performers and artisans of all types. Five workshop spaces and living areas inside the Vulcan will host our festivities. Free lodging (sorry, just couches) will be available Friday through Sunday for participants from outside the bay area. Additionally, hotels are available locally starting at about $45 a night.

A typical day at the Vulcan? http://youtube.com/watch?v=HpjnvqKeoHs

There are two choices for participation:
1.) Immerse yourself for the full weekend intensive and choose from ANY of the available classes.
The full weekend cost $180 including food, 7 workshops of your choice and that warm, cuddly feeling in your tummy. An $80 non-refundable deposit will be required to register.

2.) Drop in for a few classes of your choice from our list of prescheduled classes.
The drop-in classes will be $30 for a single class, however if you take more than one all classes are $25 each. Meals not provided. Payment must be received before your spot is secured.

Please Note: In order to limit class size, registration will be capped at 25 full weekend participants and about 10 drop in students per class, first come first serve so register EARLY!

To register for the full weekend, send an email to Spinagogue@gmail.com with a list of your top 11 class preferences and well as your name, phone number, and whether or not you require accommodation.

To register for a drop in class, send an email to Spinagogue@gmail.com with your class choice(s), your name, phone number.
spinagogue@gmail.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

**Friday March 21st Meet, Greet and Eat.

We begin the weekend with a welcome dinner at the Vulcan. There will be three amazing vegan meals prepared for us by TheTravelingChef over the weekend which are all included in the full weekend ticket price. Dinner will begin promptly at 7pm.

Afterwards, stay and spin. Spinagogue instructors will be on hand to assess your spinning progress, help you set goals for the weekend and finalize class selection.

**Saturday the 10th: Workshops, workshops, workshops, PARTY!

Workshops begin at 11am and run till 7pm. Breakfast and stretching at 10am, lunch at 2:30pm, dinner at 7:30pm. Saturday night the Vulcan Crew – composed of several of the Spinagogue Instructors – will preview their works in progress that they will perform at events including the European Juggling Convention in Germany, the Play Festival in England and the Burning Man Conclave while we get fed and then get funky with a full flock of fiery friends. Other events that night to be announced.

**Sunday the 11th: Workshops, dinner, fire.

Workshops begin at 11am and run till 5pm. Breakfast and stretching at 10am, lunch at 2:30pm, dinner at 7:00pm and…
8:30pm-11pm FIRE JAM. After dinner we'll be headed out to NIMBY for a goodbye spin at one of the bay area's premier fire arts warehouses.
www.nimbyspace.org/

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS AND SCHEDULE

The following scheduled workshops are available for drop-in students, $30 for a single class, if you take more than one all the classes are $25. Class sizes are limited so register as soon as possible.

Full weekend students can select from any of the classes whether they are currently scheduled or not. As people register the schedule will be created according to the early registrants’ preferences… SO REGISTER EARLY!!!

**Sat March 22
11am – 12:30 Beginning Whips –Elias
1pm – 2:30 Beginning/Intermediate Staff - Krissy
3:30 – 5pm Beginning/Intermediate Poi - Greg
5:30 – 7pm Beginning/Intermediate Doubles - Krissy

**Sunday March 23:
11am – 12:30 Intermediate/Advanced staff - Ian
1pm – 2:30 Intermediate/Advanced poi I - Noel
3:30 – 5pm Intermediate/Advanced doubles - Greg
Fire jam at NIMBY

Poi

Beginning/Intermediate Poi - Greg Maldonado
Learn to spin poi the easy way: by understanding how poi works. This class is built around a series of simple exercises designed to teach you more than just tricks. By exploring how a few simple tricks relate to one another, an understanding of poi emerges that will make future learning easier.

Intermediate/Advanced Poi I - Noel Yee
Want to learn how do isolations and antispins? Know how to do them but not sure where to go next? This class will focus on practicing the basic isolations and antispins and then utilizing them to execute new and exciting techniques. These techniques include but are limited to: linear isolations, linear extensions, cat eyes and antispin triangles.

Beginning Poi – Jordan Campbell
This class will cover several of the fundamental types of motion used in poi spinning. After taking it you will have a deeper understanding of timing and direction as well as an arsenal of tricks that you can combine and modify to transform you from a novice spinner to a poi master.

Beginning Partner Poi - Silence and Ayala, of FLUX
An introductory level class covering technical moves and choreography in relation to poi duets. Technical emphasis will be on two-person interactive moves, rather than simultaneous moves. How to choreograph a routine from scratch will also be discussed. Bring a partner or find one in class.

Intermediate/Advanced Poi II - Ian Smith
This class will concentrate on the simpler things in poi: 2 beat weaves, stalls, pendulums, spinning in together time, same direction. You will learn that because of their simplicity they have the most variation possibilities and some of the variations can be quite difficult. We will also touch on the relationship between the poi and your body.

Staff

Beginning/Intermediate staff – Krissy Humphreys
Come learn staff fundamentals in this introductory class. We will cover beats, planes, basic passing and transfers while learning exciting moves including the fountain and chopper. No previous staff experience is required.

Intermediate/Advanced Staff Spinning– Ian Smith
In this class is designed to fill out technique: we will take a quick tour through different ways to pass the staff from hand to hand, work on some pendulums and non-linear planes and then learn technique that uses the body like learning to use your body as a lever to move the staff and how to use the momentum of the staff to initiate body movement.

Beginning Staff – Jordan Campbell
Explore various types of staff movement, develop technique to control the staff and learn to move your body in graceful unison with the staff. After this class you will be able to spin confidently in a variety of ways and will have a clear understanding of how a staff moves and how you must move with the staff.

Dance Dance Information - Katherine Tesch
A staff can make a great dance partner. Explore staff manipulation from a dance based perspective with an emphasis on integrating body and prop.

Beginning Contact Staff – Krissy Humphreys
An introduction to contact staff manipulation with an emphasis on further learning. This class will take you through the basics of wrapping, rolling and spiraling with a staff. Hand, elbow, shoulder and neck wraps; halos and backside spirals.

Adv Contact Staff - Advanced Explorations in Contact Staff – Noel Yee
Come learn the latest advances in contact staff! Take the contact staff technique you already know and apply them in resourceful new ways. This class will focus on the use of spirals, wraps and rolls to move the staff to the less explored parts of the body, even the legs.

Doubles Staffs

Beginning/Intermediate Double Staff - Krissy Humphreys
This class is designed for beginners and will cover basic double staff technique while introducing planes, beats, timing and direction. No previous double staff experience is required.

Intermediate/Advanced Double Staff - Greg Maldonado
Learn how to create a variety of patterns and effects with two staffs by combining many different types of motion into your tricks. Beginning with an understanding of how we can move one staff, we quickly progress to two staff exercises designed to open the doors to what is called "hybrid" technique.

Beginning Double Staves – Jordan Campbell
Learn double staff from the ground up in this class designed for the beginner. After a thorough examination of the myriad ways to manipulate a staff we begin combining techniques to seamlessly integrate a second staff.

Advanced Double Staff - Krissy Humphreys
Explore further into the world of double staff manipulation. This class will focus on isolations, anti-spins, hybrids, and how to add finger spinning into our flow. Previous double staff experience is required.

Hoop

Beginner Hoop – Khan Wong
This class introduces students to the fundamentals of hooping, from the first moves every hooper should learn to the principles of establishing a solid hoop practice. We'll start with the basics: hooping on the waist, walking and turning with the hoop and lifting the hoop off the body and getting it back on. From there, passes around the body, vertical hooping and basic hand-hooping technique will be introduced. The class will move on to shoulder hooping and duck-outs depending on participant ability and interest.

Hoop Technique & Flow – Khan Wong
The focus of this workshop is to expand each hooper's range of motion and control. As such, it will not teach moves (though some will be covered) but will instead cover theory and concepts of movement applied to hoop technique. Special attention will be given to hand and body rolling techniques, isolations, antispin applications and direction changes. Participants should be able to transition easily between at least three different moves (it doesn't matter which ones) to get the most out of the class.

Juggling

Beginning Juggling - Jordan Campbell or Bree Crabtree
In this class you will learn the 3 ball cascade – the fundamental building block of juggling patterns – as well as several variations. Everyone can learn how to juggle and the class will be taught in a very simple, sequential manner to ensure that you come out of the class having learned to juggle, guaranteed.

Beginning Contact Juggling - Noel Yee
The ball moves. The ball doesn't move. Come join us in this introductory class that will teach how you to move the ball through space gracefully and then keep it still in visually engaging ways. Close attention will be paid to beginning balancing, isolations and body rolls. No experience required.

Beginning Contact Juggling - Greg Maldonado
Learn how to use the fewest number of the simplest type of prop: one ball. Combining balancing, rolling and spinning to fluidly move a ball across your body, contact juggling will broaden your idea of what juggling can be while deepening your understanding of your relationship with objects.

“Other” Props

Rope Manipulation - Ian Smith
Rope Manipulation… what’s that supposed to mean? It’s everything can do with a jump rope other than jump over it! Poi experience is helpful in this class but not required.

Club Swinging - Poki
Break free from the chains that bind you!
Club swinging bridges the gap between poi and staff -- and will increase you skill in both! You will learn: basic club handling, common poi moves with clubs, odd poi moves with clubs, and some strange looking new club moves.
See you at spinagogue! ~Poki

Beginning Rope Dart – Sam Reese
Learn how to manipulate this most mysterious of props. Half dance half martial arts, rope dart combines beautiful motions with sudden eye catching surprises. Take the first step to mastering this ancient prop.

Beginning Whip Cracking - Mushashi or Elias
Learn to use the loudest, and the most dangerous prop of them all. Safety glasses are required, please try to bring your own, we will have a limited number to loan out. This workshop will teach you the basic cracks and the importance of finesse.

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

brightest poi available for beginner???

stephanie — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 21:09:39 GMT

I would like to buy some fun, bright poi, it seems there are a lot to choose from.
Any suggestions on which are the best?
Thanks and Happy New Year!

posted in Art of Poi - 13 replies

Any Pyro Pyrates in Santa Cruz?

Nikki Rae — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:18:17 GMT

I just relocated to the Santa Cruz area and I need to light the fires once again. I know you people are out here, I've seen the forest burn.. you have left your mark. Really, Any Pyrates who could use some practice or you know where I may spin freely ...let me know. Cheers to new beginnings

posted in Art of Poi - 3 replies

Another Vulcan Video!

Tankboy — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:16:29 GMT

Welcome to Unit 14

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=X725VBR5vh8

Thanks for such a warm welcome guys!

Make more videos ;)

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

new fire video!

Corin — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 06:51:51 GMT

So I have probably been spinning for about a year and a half now.

Critique all you would like. :D

And i promise to have another video up soon!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=azsnfoMLaHA

posted in Art of Poi - 14 replies

Daytime poi?

sayra156 — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:41:49 GMT

Any suggestions for some day time poi? I have a set of led poi that I make bright blue bags to go over so that you can see them in the sunlight, but you still can't really seem them or get the same impression of the poi lit at night.

posted in Art of Poi - 2 replies

maybe I am being to sensitive?

betty — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 05:32:44 GMT

I have been search ebay for silk veils to make my own veil poi. And stumbled across some beautiful veils made for veil poi. I read the description and The seller is slamming another seller for selling veil set with poi leashes made with tennis balls and chains, I was insulted, I guess i shouldnt take it personally. But the seller just really went off on how stupid it is to use chain and tennis balls. i make beautiful poi with tennis ball as a base. I cover them with fabric and other materials. Tennis ball is a good weight for poi and many of us use tennis ball and chain for poi. One of my friend who teached poi only orders poi with tennis balls as the base cause she prefers the weight. And i know many people who prefer their poi on chain. Chain is not my favorite i prefer ballchain or cable. But because i use tennis balls as a base for my poi does that make me less of a poi dancer. I don't know why it made me so mad. thanks for listening.

posted in Art of Poi - 15 replies

Why I hate the fire spinning community.

rhymo — Wed, 22 Jun 2005 03:17:02 GMT

I'd like to start off by saying I'm very sorry to whoever I offend. This isn't directed at any perticular person or group of people, but rather, the fire spinning community as a whole.

That said, I don't understand what it is about the fire spinning community that makes it synonymous with the 'this is a mystical artform of the spirit' kind of person. Everywhere I go (except for in Santa Barbara based fire spinning community), people keep talking about the healing properties of spinning, how it 'mends the soul', is 'an extension of ourselves' and is based on 'a union between performer and element'.

...No its not. You're lighting shit on fire and spinning it in circles. Get over yourself. You're on par with ribbon dancers, circus clowns, jugglers and unicyclers. Why should we be considered anything else? What is so magical about kevlar and ballchain? Maybe I just don't get it, and I'd love for someone to try to explain without getting cheesily philisophical.

I'd also like to mention: It is almost always the really terrible spinners that feel this mystical bond. Yet again, I'm not sure the reasoning... possibly spending too much time thinking about how great it is and less time actually PRACTICING it.

Enlighten me! Prove me wrong! I'd love it, honestly. But as is: I hate the spiritual insight (read: bullshit) of 75% of the fire spinning community.

posted in Art of Poi - 282 replies

A shout out to all fire artists on Maui

Catgrrl — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 22:37:48 GMT

Any fire artists out there? I just moved here and I'd love to connect, play and practice with any island ninjaz!

Drop me a line

Mahalo

Cat

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Dark Skies Fire Arts Festival!

Captain_Ron — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:47:06 GMT

Greetings and much dusty love from the Dark Skies Fire Arts Festival!

Currently we are waiting on the cost recovery numbers from the BLM and costs from Lincoln County on top of those. Once we have all of that we will be able to produce a working budget and price the tickets logically (who knew?).

We will then announce the start of ticket sales. The tickets are printed and boy are they purty! It’s been somewhat quiet around here at DS HQ the past few months but rest assured that the hamsters are working overtime on this year’s event. We have much to announce, we have much to discuss, we have many needs from you the community as well. This is just a short note to let you know that the dates and location have been set.
June 19-22, 2008 and yes it will be on Delamar Lake in Lincoln County.
Much more coming soon, BOOM!

posted in Art of Poi - 1 reply

aloha, how to make flag poi?

Jesennia — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:24:32 GMT

Thank you for the comments that have been received over the fire silk photo I recently posted..it's great to have your feedback. I normally make silk veils for bellydancers but have been approached by a few wholesalers about making flag poi. I can dye the silk no problem but the construction of the flags is not something I am familiar with..am going to google it but thought I'd ask the obvious community here :) Are the flags spun on the end of a leash like the poi? And weighted? Or do you use small staffs to support the flags? I'd be making them out of silk if that helps.
malama pono
Jes at www.akaisilks.com

posted in Art of Poi - 5 replies

A Poi Video Christmas Card

caroleeena — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 23:14:15 GMT

Merry Christmas everybody!!! Instead of mailing paper Christmas cards this year, I decided to make a little video for everyone. It ain't great (my pad is way too small for these shenanigans!) but it comes with tons of love and blessings. Love and light to you and yours on this day and always. Mwah!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JadPnNAbbzE

posted in Art of Poi - 9 replies

Fire Performers PLEASE READ - Wed. Town Hall Meeting

josh — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:07:43 GMT

Hello!
please repost this to any fire performers you know, There are some important
issues facing the fire community, and we need to get the word out quick, and
there is an important Town Hall meeting wednesday.

In addition, there is a new discussion list for fire performers to discuss tips,
community interests, events, and more at:

http://www.curiousjosh.com/lafire

please sign up, more information about the list is below.

----
*Subject*: Town Hall Meeting: A Call to Arms for all Los Angeles Based Fire
Artists

*Where*: Smash Labs, 1714 Albion St, Los Angeles, CA 90031 323-227-6274

*When*: Doors open at 7pm Meeting begins at 8pm

*Who*: All members of the Los Angeles Based Fire Arts Community

*Why*: During recent interactions with Los Angeles County and State _Fire
Marshalls <http://www.film.ca.gov/LocationResources/FilmSafety.html>_we have
learned that they are in the process of designing a set of safety standards
and guidelines in an effort to standardize safety requirements within our
industry. These safety guidelines are to be implemented in the first
quarter of 2008.

We have the great fortune that our local county Fire Marshalls have
offered to allow us participate in the design of these standards.
Organizations such as the Safety Advisory for Fire and FX in Entertainment
(SAFFE)and members of the Pyrotechnics community have offered to provide
guidance or advice in the different methods of organizing ourselves and
interfacing with regulatory and enforcement entities such as the Fire
Department.

This *_Wednesday, December 12, 2007_* a Town Hall Meeting has been called to
inform the community and discuss the formation an organization comprised of
members representing the interests of the Los Angeles fire community.

******It is time for us all to come together, as a community - to openly
create our own guidelines that address issues, such as safety, performance
standards, etc. It is of the utmost importance that we collectively decide
this before it is decided for us*****

In Addition, there is a new e-mail discussion list for
fire artists and people who are interested in fire performance in the Los
Angeles area. This list can be joined by following this link:

http://www.curiousjosh.com/lafire

This list is an opportunity for us to stay in touch as a community, and
discuss a number of pressing issues that are affecting the Los Angeles fire
community such as the upcoming implementation of safety regulations,
standards, and restrictions governing our industry.

The LA Fire mailing list will be a great place to:
discuss issues affecting the fire community
share fire related tips and techniques
communicate about fire events in the LA area
and more

Please spread the word by continuing to forward this to fire performers who
are in Los Angeles, or who visit Los Angeles and perform with fire. If we
fail in this initiative then viewpoints such as "Poi is the most dangerous
tool in your arsenal" or the potential banning of poi spinning in the
direction of the audience may become a reality.

Troupes & Tool Manufacturers that have involvement in this initiative have
included: CuriousJosh, Fire Drums, Fire Groove, Los Angeles Fire Effects (LAFX),
Machina
Candeo, Mutaytor, Phoenix Projekt, Pyrophernalia / Om Fire, Sirena
Serpentina, Trick Concepts, & Volcano Flux.

*_Directions:
_*
SmashLabs
1714 Albion Street (entrance is here - big red door with cut metal numbers -
push down on the lever to enter)
The "back" door is a big roll door in the last parking lot on the North side
of Main just before the train tracks - look for the La Mano Press sign. If
it's full, there is an empty lot directly across the street on the South
side of Main Street, or feel free to park on Main or Albion and come in the
front. *main thing to remember is if you've gone over the tracks, you've
passed Albion which is a TINY street and easy to miss.

*GoogleMaps:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1714+Albion+St,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90031,+USA&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1

*
1714 Albion St,
Los Angeles, CA 90031 - it's the triangular space that starts on Main and
back up on Albion
323-22S-MASH (323-227-6274) is the office phone which I'll have on me in
case anyone gets lost.

*
"There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less
than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction."
-John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963)*

posted in Art of Poi - 1 reply

PERFORMERS INSURANCE

Salyc — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:51:54 GMT

I would like to officially announce that American Fire Artists, LLC is now up and running.
You can visit our site at http://www.americanfireartists.com/
We plan on running our policies from March to March. If you have any questions please contact us through the contact us page on the site.
We will begin a mailing list so we can spread the news when we are open for sales.

Best regards,

Salyc & Cyricx

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Fire Hat

bellydancecostumesbytc — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:47:50 GMT

This is a hand crafted fire prop. Should be used by experience fire artist, with all the necessary fire precaution taken. This hat will hold a flame upon your head.Not sure what the metal structure was originally for but I found it years ago at a thrift store. The metal structure is covered in a layer of black felt and then with a top layer of stretch velvet. The hat should be dampen with water while performing in it. It is sewn to a base cap that will fit snug to the head if it is to large you can tie scarf abound you head to make a snug fit. It id decorated with sequin trim, metal beads and shells. More ornaments can be added if you like. The hat also has tie end that can tie under the neck. The metal dish that will hold the flame can be replaced if ever need by unscrewing and just replacing with another cat food can.
This is the 2nd fire hat I have ever made. It may be the only one around I think the 1st one has be lost.
This is a one of a kind piece and remember when you use this you need to have someone who is watching the flame, You will not be able to see it. This fire hat is 75.00 plus shipping. you may see phots in my pics

posted in Art of Poi - 2 replies

New Poi videos from the Vulcan

gregmaldonado — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 01:49:13 GMT

Check out all the Vulcan Videos while you are there... there is some amazing footage of our special guests.

Ian Smith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDEG9I9syVM

and myself

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgte9TiA3RE

posted in Art of Poi - 3 replies

music

matt_lives_to_burn — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:11:16 GMT

what kind of music do you like to spin to?

genre, band, song, etc...

posted in Art of Poi - 18 replies

san francisco SpinJam tonight 12/10/07

khanwong — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 20:13:28 GMT

What: NEW SPIN JAM!
WHERE: City Dance Studios, 32 Otis St, San Francisco (cross Mission
and S.Van Ness)

WHEN: 9:00pm-12:00am, Monday Dec 10th,
2nd and 4th Mondays (No Jam on Dec. 24th unless 9 people who will pay $10 email me by Dec. 10th so we can announce it at the next jam!).

WHO: Anyone who wants to play with flow toys! Or who enjoys watching
people play with toys!
COST: 5-10$ Suggested donation. (This is a community event, and no one
profits. We all pitch in to make sure that we make rent for the space.
No one turned away for lack of funds, ask how you can contribute in
another way!)

GOOGLE GROUP- If you're not on the Google Group email announcement list and want to be, visit groups.google.com/group/spinjamsf and sign-up!

We need people to step up and help with
SOUND (we need djs, decks and iPod playlists for the nights we don't, please tell your DJ friends to email me!) BRING IT!
LIGHT- We need more lighting in the room. Do you have a light that you can share for the evening, a strand of xmas lights? BRING IT!
VIBE- Got art? Got tasty treats? Got visuals? Got cool stuff to share and look at and play with to enhance the experience? BRING IT!
COMMUNITY- Can you arrive as your authentic self and share that with others in a way that will allow us all to have more fun together? BRING IT! We need everyone to come and contribute their unique flavor to our spinning stone soup, such that we have a feast.

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies

Come out tomorrow to support Temple of Poi's free fire show at 4:30pm in Union Square (SF)

luna — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:19:26 GMT

Hey beautiful fire artists and fire lovers,

Come out tomorrow to support Temple of Poi's free fire show at 4:30pm in Union Square (SF).

Fire Dancing at San Francisco Food Bank's Canned Food Drive 2007

Join the San Francisco Food Bank, Safeway and ABC 7 at Union Square on December 10 to help hungry San Franciscans. ABC 7 will be broadcasting live throughout the day and various performers will be featured, including the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Fat Chance Belly Dance, a fashion show by students from the Art Institute of California, youth latin jazz band Futuro Picante and the grand finale at 4:30 PM with nearly 2 dozen Temple of Poi fire dancers. We will be performing a 30 minute show.

If you're interested in helping the SF Food Bank while also supporting the fire dancing arts, purchase a copy of the Temple of Poi 2006 Fire Dancing Expo DVD. Temple of Poi will donate $5 of the $20 purchase price for each copy of the DVD bought before December 25 and the remaining proceeds go to fund free and legal fire dancing events in San Francisco and beyond, so support both causes and buy this amazing 90 minute DVD now as a truly unique holiday gift!

Where: Union Square, Post and Powell
When: December 10, 2007, 4:30 PM
What: A canned food drive for the San Francisco Food Bank
Cost: Free!

http://www.templeofpoi.com/events/sffb07.php

posted in Art of Poi - 0 replies