Fire Poi Lessons, Performances & Collaborations
Add an element of magic and grace to your event with a fire dancer, or build your own coordination and strength while exploring an ancient and evolving art, originating with the Maori people of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Performance, private lesson or team building activity.
Lessons are without fire.
The tradition of fire poi originated with the Maori people of Aotearoa, known today as New Zealand. Similar fire arts traditions and practices exist amongst indigenous peoples from many islands of Polynesia, often in honor of fire deities around these volcanic lands. Poi is the specific style of fire dancing involving a wick on the end of a rope or chain. It is often danced with one in each hand. Fire arts continue to evolve around the globe with varying levels of respect and recognition to their origins.
When I was young my dad taught me how to make fire, to nurture a flame into a source of warmth and to respect the elements that together create fire. My love of dance and fire come together through the practice of poi.
The sounds of the flames dancing around are invigorating, rhythmic, and transformative.
Lessons
Dancing with poi is beneficial for coordination, agility, strength, toning and brain function. Globally today, poi is a ‘street art, passed along artist to artist, without exchange of funds. I encourage you to find your local street artists and learn all you can by practicing in community! If you prefer to take private lessons:
Individual lessons or guided workshops for team building and group exploration ~
Learn safety, skills, tricks and tips through guided practices, and gain confidence and ease of movement before ever lighting fire. Add the element of magic and grace to your special event by surprising your guests with a fire dance.
Safety is primary. With respect to the element of fire, for lessons we use practice poi, no fire involved.
There are lots of glow-in-the-dark options to satisfy one's need for magic and sparkle when not ready for fire.
For intermediate learners ready for flames, we will talk about proper poi construction (or where to purchase online), fire safety, and best practices for keeping yourself and your surroundings safe.
Performances & Collaborations
Marita is available for hire as a fire dancer for special occasions where some extra magic is desired and the honoring of this element is respected. Safety is a top priority, along with honoring the traditions from which this art form originated.
I love collaborating with other Physical Theatre performers ~ stilt-walkers, fire artists, clowns, acrobats, aerialists, etc who believe in using the spectacular nature of these arts to inspire joy, wonder, and action towards much-needed social and environmental justice.
Photo by Michael Heathers