Fire Dancing for the Body and Soul

Advice for fire dancers at all levels:

Tricks that are more difficult and complex can present you with less freedom to move your body and enjoy your practice. You can get really tied up in a trick and then your body really has no where to go to express itself. This limits you in many ways. From the perspective of the audience, as well as the dancer, sometimes the more simple a trick is the more graceful it can be. When your poi and your body have the ability to interact with one another, your performance is that much more appealing. Whether they are moving independently of each other, or they are moving together, you will be able to dance with more ease and grace if you keep the tricks simple and enjoyable.

For a more spiritually enhanced practice you can try to bring intention to your practice. Begin with some basic breath work exercises and some yoga. Taking the time to center yourself and align your body will really affect your practice in a positive way. While you dance and groove throughout your practice continue to breathe deeply and listen to your body. Practicing in this way can be more calming and meditative, and it may allow you to discover new ways of movement that you have not done before.

Try to practice in a way that is healthy for you. You want to be able to create an experience that will give you encouraging feedback. Fire spinning is an incredibly empowering art form but you have to remember to treat yourself and your toys with respect. So learn from each other, learn from yourself and your fire toys, and learn from the fire that burns within you and around you. Dancing with fire is a way to dance with your fears. When you are ready, invite the fire into your life.