The Art of Fire

Fire Dancing has many names. It can be called Fire Poi, Fire Spinning or Fire Twirling but what remains constant is the beauty, hypnotic power and unparalleled impact it has on any audience.

With over ten years experience performing Poi, I am capable of adjusting my act to suit any theme or creative vision. To every performance I bring with me an advanced level of improvisational skills and a desire to adapt. I do not set out to simply handle the Poi; I strive to make music visual.

Origins

Poi, a New Zealand dance prop, is defined as a light ball on a string which is swung to a rhythmic beat in Maori songs and dances. Traditionally Poi was performed in the Maori Cultural Dance known as Kapa Haka. Over time Poi has traveled to many countries in the world and evolved into what can be called a modern style. Modern Poi incorporates variations of traditional moves as well as innovations in the prop itself. Examples of modern Poi modifications include the incorporation of fire torches, colourful fabric and glowing or illuminated balls.

Fusion

In addition to my solo performances, I work as a duet with my husband, Charles Heffernan who performs using a Fire Staff (a long wooden or metal pole with wicks attached to each end). Previous performances have included events such as weddings, corporate functions, night clubs and cultural festivals. Our duets can include Fire Eating, Fire Breathing, Fire- to-Body Play, dual implement choreography as well as costume and character work.

Style

Our solo and duet performances incorporate historical and culturally inspired music and theatrics. Some of our specialities include Venetian Masquerade, Medieval Festival, Arabian Nights, and South Meets North: Canadian-Polynesian Fusion.

In addition to our established acts we can tailor a performance to fit perfectly with the specific theme and style of your event. We have performed in many diverse environments ranging from roof tops to ice rinks for audiences as large as seventeen thousand (Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Grandstand Show) and as intimate as one.

Fire Eating and Fire to Body Play

Fire-to-Body Play is striking and intense; fire is passed on, over and between the skin and tongue. Performed as a portion of a Fire Dancing show, Fire-to-Body Play provides a beautiful and effective transition from delicate candle to intense performance torch.

Alternatives

Traditional Long and Short Poi, Light Spinning, Flagging and Black Light performances are perfect alternatives to Fire Dancing when open flame is not permissible or suitable. Light Spinning and Black Light performances use the same principles as Fire Dancing but the flaming wicks are replaced with glow balls, glow sticks or black light responsive fabric (all of which come in a variety of dazzling colours).

Flagging, by nature, is a more calm and flowing form of entertainment. Lengths of fabric are manipulated in the same graceful way as Poi, but have a more fluid and ethereal feel. Both Flagging and Light Spinning are ideal for smaller venues and as roaming or atmosphere entertainment.

Safety