Department: Playing With Fire
Fire Up! Fire Hooping With Kahunahula
by Kahunahula. There is absolutely nothing like getting into the flow with fire. Since I'm seeing more and more new faces I'm sharing a few things I've learned about fire hooping. I remember having tons of questions when I started, even after reading everything I could get my hands on. We'll touch base on the fear of fire, equipment considerations, safety suggestions, and reiterate a few basics that have been posted previously on Hooping.org and elsewhere. My hope is even old timers will find something useful here. The intensity of the light. The tangible vortex of heat. That throaty fire-moving-through-air-white-noise-whoosh pulsing around your body. The smell of smoke and fuel with a hint of burnt hair. Playing with darkness and light, wind and air. I love fire hooping! I find it unique among my hooping experiences and while there are limits to the moves that I can safely translate from regular hooping to fire, I find the challenge interesting and the process of discovery intoxicating.
The one thing that freaks people out the most is the what-if-something-goes-wrong-and-i set-myself-on-fire issue. People always ask if I've been burned. Yep. Lots. I spin fire 2-3 times a week; the hair on my forearms has an eternally scorched crew cut (I personally prefer not to have my forearms covered). Particularly when working on new off-the-body moves, my forearms can get licked in flames. Sometimes this means a light burn, sometimes not. Every once in awhile my hand or shoulder gets a hot kiss, but really, that's about it. I have an aloe burn gel that works really well; the burns heal quickly too. But the moral of the story is if you're going to be playing with fire you will probably get burned at some point. It's generally not that big of a deal - and there is a lot you can do to minimize the risk. The truth is I am far more irritated when my stuff reeks of fuel then when I get a little singed.
On some firehoops it's the metal that is the real danger, rather than the flame. Remember the trick you learned as a kid of moving your finger quickly through a small flame on a lighter? Now remember touching the iron? It was the iron that left the mark. The best burn I ever got, now completely healed, was in the shape of the head of a screw. Watch those metal bits!
Most of us don't have a whole lot of experience with moving an open flame prior to getting into fire hooping. A campfire or candle just sits there looking pretty. It's nothing like half a dozen spokes of flaming death in your immediate vicinity, under your (sorta) control. Fire is powerful. Putting it in close proximity to your body is not something to be taken lightly. I've heard of some bad accidents in the fire community, particularly with poi getting wrapped around heads and limbs. Fortunately, a firehoop won't entangle you like that.
I think it is important to build up a solid set of hooping skills before you light up a fire hoop for the first time. Fire hooping is technically more complex than normal hooping - you have all these pokey, hot things to deal with, often in low light conditions. It makes sense to build up a substantial familiarity with the hoop before taking that next step to fire up.
Once you're ready to flame on though, you'll need a firehoop that is the right diameter and weight for you. You want to be comfortable in it. That being said, I tend to like a slightly heavier hoop for the initial learning phase of fire hooping. Building muscle memory is easier with a little heft to work with. But, no doubt, a heavier hoop means it takes more out of you too. Don't be surprised if you find yourself completely exhausted in the middle of your initial spins.
There is an increasing variety of fire hoops available: attached/detachable wicks, rigid/floppy spines, led/fire combo hoops, collapsable, doubles, etc. I suggest trying a few different types before committing to one. You can also make your own. Since I'm a better hooper than craftsman, I prefer to trust someone else's skill in building a fire hoop. Plus, it's cool to support the small businesses that hooping has created. The point is that you want a firehoop that is sturdy, balanced, and a good fit.
Next you have a few fuel options: white gas, lamp oil, kerosene, color additives, etc. I prefer a fuel mixture of 60/40 lamp oil to white gas. That way you get a bright, easy lighting, flame that will last. It is a little smokier and dimmer than just white gas, but i like to torque the hell out of my hoop and need that extra oil to keep the wicks burning longer. The one big downside with lamp oil is that it can make your spin area slippery. As for other options, I'm told that kerosene is super smoky; unfortunately, it seems to be one of the few fuel choices available around a good portion of the world. I generally stay away from the color additives that make your flame change color. My understanding is that the pretty blue flame you see is supplied by a chemical in bug spray. No thanks. I figure I'm exposing myself to enough toxins with the fuel mix already. For fuel storage, after many different container trials, an ammo can is my favorite solution. It is metal, big enough to dip comfortably in low light conditions, easy to carry, and sealed. Works great. You can get them in army surplus/used camping gear stores.
In addition to your firehoop and fuel, you'll need some support gear. Over the years I've assembled a basic firekit which includes all that I need to spin fire. I use a yoga bag to carry my collapsable hoop and firekit. Inside, I use a medium-sized toiletry bag to protect my wicks and for the rest of the miscellany. Here is what is in my firekit:
Aloe burn gel
Advil
Duvetyn
Gloves
Knee pads (kneeling on rocky ground or cement hurts)
Hat
Safety pins (for those clothing items that just won't cooperate)
Misc hoop supplies (extra tape, extra connectors, extra wicks)
Wrench
Headlamp
Scissors (for trimming wicks)
Water
Lighters (I can't tell you how many times i've been surrounded by 20 spinners with no means of Lighting a fire)
And lastly it's never a good idea to light up alone. The first time I lit up, I was very fortunate to have the support of a couple of top-notch firehoopers who graciously guided me through the process. It made all of the difference in my sense of safety and overall comfort level. Definitely have someone experienced walk you through your first few burns, if you can. If not have a safety friend present and alert in your corner.
When fire hooping the first few times, I suggest focusing on just familiarizing yourself with the unique environment, the weight of the hoop, the heat, the brightness, the smoke, the sound, etc. Take your time, waist hooping is enough. As you grow more comfortable with it, you can start exploring your normal range of movement, staying aware of the position of the wicks/spines in relation to your body. In my experience, most burns happen when i'm doing things off-the-body. If you ever get in trouble, the easiest thing to do is drop the hoop and step away. Also, you can always ask your safety to put your wicks out at any time for any reason.
Here's a list of ten other safety suggestions you can do to maximize your enjoyment while minimizing your risk:
1) Make smart clothing choices: I know, the fun materials are all flammable. Natural fibers, like cotton or hemp, are always best. When ignited, they will burn in and of themselves instead of melting to your skin like synthetics. Not sure if what you are wearing is flammable? Snip off a piece and carefully light it over an ashtray or sink. It will be very clear whether you want that material burning next to, or melting into, your skin. But you still want to wear the shiny one? One solution is to sew an inner, safer layer under the synthetics, giving you a protective barrier. One clever suggestion I've heard is to use ironing board fabric as the underlying layer. Also, try spinning in your fancy clothing with your firehoop unlit before lighting up. Things snag, flowy bits get in the way, suddenly you don't have the range of motion you are used to, etc. Better to figure this stuff out before you have burning wicks to deal with.
Skin is in. The natural stickiness of skin helps add that extra bit of control that is useful when hooping, in general, but is particularly helpful when spinning fire. Obviously, be comfortable, but the more skin you have available, the more (potential) control you have.
2) Protect your head: The way I hoop, my hair is just asking to be toast - and i simply don't have enough to spare as it is. I almost always wear a hat. You can also wet down your hair, if you prefer, or tie it beneath a scarf. When with a hat, it's a good idea to wait until the flames have died down a bit to do any tricks that bring the flame close to your face. I've scorched eyebrows and eyelashes a few times and partially singed eyelashes just look funny.
3) Designate a safe area for fuel: A tree. A rock. A curb. Keep all of your fuel there and don't spin anywhere near this space. Make it a communal effort to keep the drunk idiot with the cigarette away.
4) Double check your hoop/spines/wicks before each spin: You should give your entire hoop a once over before you dip, paying particular attention to the spines/wicks. If the spines are the screw-in type, they can come loose. You should check the permanent spines, too: I've almost been brained by a not-so-permanently attached permanent spine that somehow came loose from a friend's hoop. Also, any frayed strings of kevlar should be trimmed from the wicks. This prevents flaming bits from flying off. Fire marshals don't like frayed wicks - I'm sure there is a good joke in there somewhere too. If you are using a collapsable firehoop with those plastic connector inserts, I suggest covering them with tape to keep them from snagging or scratching.
5) Use a safety: Hangups about using safeties abound, but it is just foolish not to have someone there to put you out if you are in trouble. Clothing can catch fire without you noticing it. Safeties should have duvetyn or a wet towel ready to go, and be watching your spin. Make sure anyone volunteering to safety actually knows what they are doing. If not, take the time to teach them "hands-on" how to do it correctly.
6) Let others know what is in your fuel mix: If you share your fuel with other people be sure to let them know if there is lamp oil (or anything other than white gas) in the mix before they dip. This is particularly true for other fire tools.
7) Spin off: Before lighting up give the hoop a few spins to spin off the excess fuel. I still routinely see fire hoops that have not been completely spun off. This results in a sputtering firey circle of death flying every which way which is dangerous and easily avoidable. Lightly shaking off a newly dipped wick over your dip can is not enough. My preferred way to spin off is to spin the hoop vertically over my outstretched hand a few revolutions, away from my body, avoiding the spray. The other way I've seen it done is to hold the hoop horizontally and whip it in a wide swath away from the body. You need to rotate the hoop and repeat until all wicks have been spun off. Either way, you need some space away from everything else for this.
8) Be aware of your surroundings: Do you really have enough space to firehoop safely? Is the ground even? Is it windy? Are there tree limbs in the way of that toss you can't wait to try? Is that person actually trying to come up and dance with you right now? Weird things can and do happen. If you are spinning with others, all kinds of flaming tools can end up in your spinning space unexpectedly. It is also easy to get disoriented within the light, heat and sound of the fire. Always double check your clearance before attempting tosses. You may not be in the same space you thought you were in. To make matters worse, you can cause mayhem without knowing it. I finished a spin at a large fire gathering and noticed I was missing a wick. Checking with the safeties, I found out it had broken during my spin and had been launched a good thirty feet towards the crowd. Could have been bad. It was totally unforeseen and unnoticed until the end.
9) Once your spin is done, make sure your wicks are all out: I've seen several instances wherein spinners exiting the play/performance space don't realize they still have a wick on fire. I've also seen other tools light up accidentally from wicks that looked like they were out. Wicks and spines are still hot, even when the flame is out. Let them cool down before redipping.
10) Give yourself time: Learning to play with fire takes practice. You may feel very limited in what you feel safe doing for quite awhile. The more you practice, lit and unlit, the more comfortable you will become.
I also thoroughly recommend stepping outside of the hoop-blinders to spin with other people using other fire tools (poi, staff, fans, etc.). you will learn an incredible amount from the greater fire community. Here is some good fire safety information from Temple of Poi.
Other than that, have fun with it. There is no space quite like the magical vortex within a spinning fire hoop. Playing with fire has it's challenges, but preparation, skill, awareness and common sense go a long way in making it safer than it looks. Treat the fire with respect and you should be fine.
Feel free to contribute your wisdom or feedback.
I'll see you in the circle.
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You may also want to check out:
Hooping.org's Fire Hooping Group (Be sure to register first or login) so you can join.
Published on August 25, 2009 | LINK | Comments (2)The Art of Such n Such
Ouch! Stephanie Farley does a little fire hooping while standing on Will Alvarez - who is lying on a bed of nails. From the Art of Such n Such show at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. Published on June 24, 2009 | LINK | Comments (1)
Sophie Latreille
Sophie Latreille hoop dances with fire at the Windsor International Busker Festival in Windsor, Ontario. Published on May 28, 2009 | LINK | Comments (0)
Double Fire Hooping
Barry Clement of Superhooper.org lights up not one, but two of the their LED Superwickits. We think he should have received his 2nd fire hooping nomination. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Published on January 28, 2009 | LINK | Comments (1)
Flames Rise In Tokyo
Kristen in Tokyo, Japan, blogs, "After the sun set, Deanne brought out her fire hoop. The fire hoop has kerosene tipped spokes protuding from it and looks beautiful moving in the darkness. I was keen to have a try though some of the other hoopers were afraid they would catch themselves on fire. They may have had something there. It was amazing to hoop in the fire hoop - the scent of the fuel is heady and the sound of the fire whirling around is a like synthesized rush of wind. And then there is the brilliant golden light. I couldn’t see anything beyond the flames. It is very focused and intense - just me, a moving circle of fire, and the occasional cheer from an onlooker. Full post: Mediatinker.com
Kamala Mathis: Inside The Hoop
What better time than Fire Week to interview Kamala Mathis, winner of the Fire Hooper of the Year award in our 2008 Hoopies. The Los Angeles resident performs and teaches people how to use fire hoops, as well as all kinds of fire tools through Fire Groove Inc.. Her and her sister Hannah also teach one of the largest free yoga classes in the United States. Find out more about Kamala as we interview our Hooper of the Week.
How did she first discover hooping? Kamala explains, "My first hoop experience that I saw and felt my jaw drop to the floor was Christabel Zamor. Hannah and I were teaching at this studio out in Santa Monica and she came in to do a workshop. We took it and Christabel started the class with a little expo. It was so beautiful. I was so excited when I picked up my hoop knowing it would glide around my body with the ease and flow that hers did. Ha!! I felt like the middle of a bell, the clanky thing, so not the sexy goddess I envisioned!"
So how long has she been hooping? She told Hooping.org, "I have been hooping for about 4 years now. I hoop at least 5 times a week. I am really blessed to have a studio attached to the house I live in so we dance and spin nearly everyday." I asked her how hooping has changed her life. Her response: "Hooping has brought me into my body and made me feel more beautiful and sensual, than I ever have felt. The hoop constantly challenges me and I am so inspired by all of the beautiful hoopers I keep meeting."
Her hooping is just one piece of her investment in herself. Kamala explains, "I am constantly working on myself. Ha! Always looking deep inside for strength and growth. Encouraging change and movement in positive directions. Staying sober and strong. Hooping and spinning are a huge part of my rehab and will continue to be." So what is her idea of earthly happiness? She says, "Gee whiz, I'm gonna hippie out here. Earthly Happiness is cleanliness of our earth, In all forms, clean up the planet, recycle, re- use, organic food, pick up your moop, conserve electricity, etc. Love our Earth Mama, you dig!" We dig Kamala, we dig.
We asked her about a couple of her favorite hooping memories. "Well one of my favorite memories was my first fire hoop experience ever! Raven McBride handed me a hoop on fire right in the middle of his hoop act and I didn’t know if he wanted me to hoop or stand there. I chose hoop and I rocked that hoop around my waist like a champ! So exhilarating and spontaneous! I loved fire hooping from day one. Another very profound memory was when I finally got the hoop hooping around my torso. I was convinced that women with breasts could not hoop around the torso. Wrong! One day I went out to my studio, stripped down to a bikini top and started hooping, determined to get it. I did. It really took me saying I can do this, and then putting it to action. You can do it, I know it’s hard, but if I can you can too."
Kamala's favorite hoop is the one that looks the best with whatever she is wearing. "I change hoops everyday. I love all of them. If I pick a hoop up and it doesn’t seem to be spinning like it should, I just calmly put it down and pick up one that can do the job. I really like other peoples hoops. Watch out!" Her favorite music to hoop to? "I love hooping to tribal music, drum and base, my boyfriend Shawn Barry’s music, anything live. Freq Nasty is my favorite DJ along with Jonny Cota, The Glitch Mob, David Starfire, Anasia. I love music and when I hoop I feel like that is my instrument. I use my tools, poi, staff, fans, hoop to play along with the music."
What quality does she most admire in a hooper? She responds, "I enjoy kindness and the willingness to share everything you know with others. That, right there is the only way to build your knowledge of hooping. You can never hold on to a trick… someone somewhere already knows it and if they don’t, they will soon. We have to share the knowledge of hooping with everyone… Share, share, share and build our fabulous community!" What does Kamala see as being her most marked hooping characteristic? "Mine is definitely my friendliness. I will teach anyone anything I know and I enjoy sharing with others. I am also so humbled by all of this and in awe of all of my teachers and students. I do have a flirty, sexy little dance style as well."
What else does Kamala want Hooping.org's readers to know? She laughs. "Well, we sell some super sexy hoops at FireGroove.com and they are wrapped with love by my beautiful sister Hannah who is my hooping partner in crime and myself. Hannah and I also teach in sunny Santa Monica, California. If you're looking for a hoop class, come on out and check out our Hoop Groove Basics class. We’d love to hoop it up with ya! Also check out the Hoopcamp Retreat coming up in September 2008. Hannah and I will be running the Fire Hoop workshops there! Three days of hooping with teachers like Christabel, Spiral, Baxter and more!"
What advice does Kamala have for someone picking up the hoop for the first time? She explains, "Be patient. Really try to take some time out for you. Show as much skin as possible, the hoop sticks to skin. Put on your favorite beats and really get into the hoop. Close your eyes and see it traveling around your body. I know it is frustrating at first, but give yourself a couple weeks, you’ll get it, I know you will! And if you see me hooping it up, ya better come say Hi!"
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Find out more about Kamala: FireGroove.com
Irish Fire
Fire hooping, eating, dancing, juggling and more from Galaxy Group performers in Ireland. Published on February 29, 2008 | LINK | Comments (1)
In Flames
Kara surrounds herself in flames. From this photo set by Keith in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Published on February 29, 2008 | LINK | Comments (1)
Tips and Tricks For New Fire Hoopers
If you're thinking about finding yourself inside a fire hoop for the first time, you're probably wondering if it is dangerous. Rebecca explains, "Look, you're playing with fire, in which case, there will always be an element of danger. Some of the dangers include, hair catching on fire, wearing synthetic clothing and having it melt to your skin, the hoop falling and catching the ground on fire, placing your hand in the wrong spot and burning it on metal, depending on the style hoop... It is better to learn from a saftey obssessed group the right way.... then to play with a group that is lax in their practices. It is always then, when 'accidents' happen."
Caroleeena agrees, "Your clothes can also tangle on a wick and ignite. I've also seen wicks tangle in accessories like belts, necklaces and bracelets. The other accidents that can happen come not from the hoop but from the handling of fuel. Fuel buckets can catch fire. Fuel can transfer to people. Learning fuel safety is as important as learning how to use a fire hoop. I encourage people to acquire a lot of flight time before rushing into a fire hoop, at least a year of a lot of hours. This is not so much because of safety but because I think hoopers with significant hoop skills make better fire hoopers. I think a lot of hoopers rush into a fire hoop way too soon. That's just my opinion but I think a lot of people get excited about fire hooping and rush into it and then their learning stalls out with their regular hoop and their fire hooping is not as good as it could be either because they rushed into it before acquiring lots of basic hoop skills. Then they level out at both for a long time. This can be pretty discouraging and I think it's also one of the reasons we see fire hoopers doing the same moves over and over."
No doubt you've read our Fire Hooping Safety article, but that's just the beginning. Two great places for more information are the North American Fire Arts Association, the Fire Hooping Tribe and Fire Arts Education and Equipment Tribe.
With all of this in mind, what tricks are good for new fire hoopers? Lady Spin says, "What I recommend is that when your burn is almost done and your flame is low, then try some off the body moves. Since we don't have standard names for moves that everyone knows, it's hard for me to suggest specific moves. But here goes:
-Poi (figure 8's side to side)
-Lasso (floating hoop up & down)
-Behind the back! (bending forward)
-Wheel (illusion that the hoop is turning in a stationary position in front of you)
-Jumps!! (try when the flame is low)
-Galaxy spin (elbow covers a must for this one! Hoop's off your body & u twist the hoop while spinning it around your center)
-Hoop in hand & drop into a backbend! (keep up the yoga classes for that one) and with that said, you can take almost any pose with the hoop in your hand..... and then there's foot hooping!! (I think the most dangerous move while laying on your back)!"
There are more tricks for new hoopers suggested here.
Fire Tornado Troupe
Fire Tornado, the Lebanese fire performance troupe, at the 2008 Wedding Follies held at BIEL in Beirut, Lebanon. Published on February 28, 2008 | LINK | Comments (1)
J-Hoop at PEX Spin Jam
J-Hoop fires it up at the PEX Spin Jam in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From this photo set by HunnyBear Katie. Published on February 28, 2008 | LINK | Comments (0)
Playing With Fire
As Fire Week continues, Russ Megowan writes, "For many, fire dancing is a novel party trick that appears at a range of gatherings from luaus in Hawaii to house parties around the world. Acting as a source of light, warmth, and entertainment for millions of years, fire transforms everything it touches for better or worse. While it clearly takes a level of self-confidence and bravery to study this art form, the culture, communities, gatherings and endless practice sessions that create these performances are largely unknown to the general public. “Fire is such a mysterious element,” said Anthony Rutland, a Santa Cruz performer. ... “It’s nothing that we have a whole lot of control over, and when you’re spinning fire, you kind of have control. Sometimes it can be spiritual as well. When I’m spinning fire, I forget about everything except what I’m doing then and there.” City on a Hill Press
Hoopnotica's Flaming History
A blast from their past: Before the Hoopnotica Corp. was officially formed, Gabriella, Rayna and Keaton created this fire dance video. They offer regular hooping classes/products now, minus the flames. Published on February 27, 2008 | LINK | Comments (0)
Meeting of the Flaming Hoops
Fire hoops meet at the Burning Man Art Show at Santa Rosa Junior College in California. From this photo set by Clifford Hill. Published on February 27, 2008 | LINK | Comments (0)
Lisa Walker Tells Class About Fire Dance
by Sarah Mosser
Lisa Walker bounces to the front of the room from her usual back row seat – barefoot. She’s wearing a short, flowing black dress and her wild curly hair bobs with each step. The professor smiles. He loves her; she contributes often to the Philosophy class discussions and she’s never afraid to disagree or defend an opposing argument. But today her voice falters a little and she speaks more quickly than usual. “Hey guys,” she smiles. “Today, I’m going to tell you about fire dancing.” Her classmates look up, a few of them set down their Sudoku puzzles. She keeps their attention throughout the entire presentation, her Power Point goes smoothly, and she answers all the questions asked of her. She’s finished speaking and students begin glancing back at the enormous hoop leaning against the back wall of the classroom. Strips of various, faded colored pieces of fabric are wrapped around the giant ring. Walker looks back at the hoop and says she doesn’t think there’s enough room. “There’s room!” a girl whispers in the back row.
Walker doesn’t hear the girl, but after a nod from her professor her face brightens and she skips to retrieve her hoop. He said later that before her presentation, they had discussed using fire, but both decided it was probably better not to, “to make sure there weren’t any catastrophes.” According to the professor, there have been dramatical and musical presentations in previous Philosophy of the Arts courses, but fire dancing was a first.
At the front of the room with the hoop over her body, she starts swinging her hips in a hula-hoop motion and her hands rhythmically lift the circling hoop over her head and then let it fall back down all while still spinning. The hoop is too large to keep spinning just on her hips, so she must keep it turning with the help of her rotating wrists. Her dance is fluid and beautiful to watch; the genuine ease and enjoyment she feels from her dance radiates from her unpretentious smile. After awhile, she sets down the hoop to a big applause from her classmates and an “Oh, I loved it,” from her professor and takes out two strings with balls attached from her backpack.
Many fire dancers are also knowledgeable in this form of fire dancing called Poi. According to her presentation, “Poi” is the Maori word for “ball” on a cord. The indigenous Maori men of New Zealand used Poi to improve coordination needed for battle, and the women to increase flexibility necessary for weaving. Aside from its capacity to strengthen, Poi was also used as a weapon. During her demonstration she tells us to focus on her wrists, which are spinning the balls in large circles, to see how the motion of one hand essentially follows the other. The balls look like an extension of her arms, and impressively, never hit each other. “I feel foolish,” she says a couple of times, breaking the silence. But there’s no response – everyone’s eyes stay glued to her dance. Lisa Walker has had similar responses from audiences all over the world. This adventurous trait of hers fits the stereotype she describes of fire dancers; she is world-traveled, well-educated, ‘hippie-esque’, and between the ages of 20 and 40. Walker embodies the fire dancing spirit of self-expression. While many dancers join fire troupes, she dances most often by herself and doesn’t associate with one troupe in particular. For example, when she was backpacking through Romania, she had opportunities to join and perform with six different fire troupes on the road, but instead chose to meet up with random street performers for a couple days at a time.
It all started for Walker when she was 15 going to underground raves or “trance parties” where “tall people” played with glow sticks on strings. Then at her first music festival at age 16, she fell in love with the motion of the dancers she saw and with the way they expressed themselves. She had an interest in music to begin with, but a Jewish summer camp in upstate New York introduced her to the folk rock music of the Indigo Girls and the psychedelic rock music of the Grateful Dead, which they were playing all the time. She liked both group’s music and started following them to festivals where they performed.
“I was uncoordinated when I was young,” she laughs. After only a year of practicing with glow sticks, Walker began practicing with fire. The motions for each are the same, so the transition wasn’t too difficult, apart from the added risk of managing fire. She never had any formal instruction in fire dancing; she learned the art from watching other people, a common experience for fire dancers. Her cloth-covered hoop is only her practice hoop, but she has another one that can be lit with fire. On the fire hoop, wicks are attached to spines that protrude from the hoop and once white gas is poured over the wicks, they can be lit with a lighter (this way she doesn’t burn her hands holding the hoop). When spun fast enough the resulting effect is a ring of fire, but when spun slowly the five individually lit spines are distinguishable from each other. The equipment isn’t cheap either; the cost of a fire hoop ranges from $150 to $300, and the wicks must be replaced periodically.
“Don’t you burn yourself?” someone asks. “A couple of weeks ago, I lit my hair on fire,” she confesses. “And I had to cut out a chunk of it.” But the white gas fuel in the hoop burns slowly and doesn’t catch fire easily. According to the teachings of the Temple of Poi, “the premier Poi school in the world,” respect the fire and you most likely will not get burned. As their website puts it, “Playing with fire can be dangerous. So can crossing the street.”
Walker explains how she can hear the fire right before it will touch her and can therefore lower it from her head to her waist to keep her hair from catching on fire. There is a market for fire-proof clothing, but she normally wears jeans or tighter clothing. She couldn’t describe the noise the fire made whirling around on the hoop, but the sound is distinct and powerful. For Walker, using fire takes the role of music by providing its own beat.
“It feels so damn good,” she beams. “So natural.” Other fire dancers share similar experiences. “Sage,” the director, producer, and choreographer of Sangre Del Sol, a unique troupe of fire dancers, raves about the passion and willpower of fire and “just feel[s] high on life every time” she performs.
One of the most memorable experiences for Walker came when she was on an island off
the coast of Tuscany with her twin brother. They had been listening to some men playing the saxophone and the next day followed them to a boardwalk where they were to perform. The group let her and her brother fire dance and even shared 50 euros with them for their contribution to the performance.
“We went out and got wasted that night,” she confessed, showing her laid-back nature. But what especially stuck with her from Elba Island was the audience’s reaction. “I’m not a person to perform,” she says while mentioning how nervous she felt performing for our class. “But when I dance I forget the people are there.” That night she didn’t forget the children in the audience; they were dancing. It was invigorating for Walker to see their reaction and the extent to which she affected them. Fire dancing is very rewarding according to Walker – she equates the feeling to kicking a soccer ball into the net and scoring.
Walker stays true to herself in her self-expression. After only a couple of weeks studying abroad in Italy with a program independent of Boston University (CEA Global Education Solutions), she decided she didn’t like the program and left it to backpack around Europe by herself. She performed along the way while bouncing from one youth hostel to another. She was fortunate to befriend some jazz musicians from Switzerland along the way who introduced her to people she could stay with. One wandering took her to the mountains of Romania, where she spent a week and a half camping at a fire festival. She still keeps in touch with the friends she made in Europe.
“I love the culture of fire dancing,” she says, noting another time she participated in ‘Burning Man,’ a nine-day festival two hours north of Reno, Nevada. According to The Burning Man Project Home Site, it’s an “annual experiment in temporary community dedicated to radical self-expression and radical self-reliance.” Walker clearly has little trouble finding new ways to express her carefree, wild nature in her life. She said that everyone participates – there are no spectators – and all week people choose from a number of activities, including building art installations and a huge man in the center of the community. The Saturday night before Labor Day, everyone burns the giant man, along with any important personal items that people bring with them to burn.
Fire dancing is very popular in Thailand, Hawaii, and New Zealand, but is limited in the United States, just one more reason this Boston University junior stands out. She is one of a small number of American fire dancers. Kids in New Zealand fire dance in the streets, and as Walker confesses, “They are way better than I am.”
Walker has still been able to find troupes in Boston though and has run into people at parties who fire dance. There is a club not affiliated with Boston University that meet Monday nights at the College of Fine Arts (CFA) for a couple of hours. A sign posted on the CFA doors states where the meeting will be held that night since it’s held in a different room every time – “Just ask for Chad,” she says. On average, there are about 30 people in attendance from BU and the surrounding area.
“Whenever you get a bunch of fire dancers together, you can always learn from each other,” says Walker. They share techniques and practice through informal fire dancing. Depending on what the weather will allow, they practice inside or outside. For Walker, fire dancing has introduced her to new people. She feels the people who dance are a community of people without a need for spoken language. “When I see someone dancing I have an instant connection with them,” she says. “The bond is all-consuming.” It can’t be coincidence that fire has that same quality.
Published on February 26, 2008 | LINK | Comments (1)Kat Mareck's Ring of Fire
Kat Mareck fire hooping at the Queens Museum of Art in New York City. Photo by Lobster Rocket. Published on February 26, 2008 | LINK | Comments (0)
Rainbow Serpent Fire Dance
Lisa Lottie sets the night on fire at Rainbow Serpent 2008 in Australia. Published on February 26, 2008 | LINK | Comments (0)
Marcia Furman: Virgin Burn
We kick off Fire Week with a virgin burn. Marcia Furman in Butler, Pennsylvania, lights up a fire hoop for the very first time. Published on February 25, 2008 | LINK | Comments (0)
Mari on Fire
Mari is on fire, metaphorically speaking, at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California, with HooppaiN. From this photo set. Published on February 25, 2008 | LINK | Comments (0)
Fire Hooping Safety
It's Fire Week here at Hooping.org Magazine and we have a sneaking suspicion that by the end of the week some of you will be thinking about lighting up. With that in mind, we decided it was a good time to remind everyone, new and old, about fire safety. Here's what anyone even thinking about playing with fire needs to know. We won't be providing you with specific fuel information at this time, recognizing that types of fuel can vary greatly, while our fire hooping safety tips are pretty universal.
Every time you're going to light up a hoop it's essential that you first really give your equipment a good once over, making certain everything is secure. In fact, even if just lit up fifteen minutes ago it's still a good idea to give your rods/wicks another quick check that they're not coming loose. Everybody, including you, wants the fire to stay where it belongs.
Got all of your safety items in place? If you're not 100% certain you're ready, don't light up. It's important to have a slightly damp towel or blanket, an actual fire blanket is ideal and a well-stocked first aid kit and working fire extinguisher should be on hand. Furthermore, never light up alone. If something goes wrong you need someone else ready and waiting to help, as well as making sure any passers by stay out of your way. Make sure you have your local emergency numbers and information handy. If you wind up in need of greater assistance, the time it takes to run inside the house and start looking for it could be very costly.
While newbies are quite often drawn to colorful flowy shiny costumes for fire hooping, there are very good reasons that you won't see a lot of that. Loose fabric can catch fire, often without you even being aware. Put on something form fitting made from all natural fibers. While a shiny polyester top could melt right into your skin, it takes some serious effort for 100% cotton clothing to catch flame. If you don't believe me, give it a try. If your hair is of a length that it could come into contact with fire you may want to wet it down and/or bind it or tuck it up under a hat.
In working with fuel, make sure your fuel doesn't wind up anywhere other than on your kevlar wick. Submerge your week into the fuel, stir it around, then lift it out with an appropriate container beneath it to help catch any spillage. This is particularly important for when you wring out any excess fuel to prevent spraying once you start hooping. Make certain that you're not hooping on a flammable surface and when it comes time to light up that you're not anywhere near your fuel containers.
Hooping with a fire hoop for the first time can be a little disorienting. It's going to be a warmer experience and the sound of fire swirling around does indeed add another dimension to the experience of hooping. Hoop until the wick fuel burns itself out, keeping it mind that if your kevlar wicks begin to smolder they're not going to last as long - or if you're hoop is still burning and you're finished you can try blowing the wick out, or smothering the wick with a damp towel. By damp we're talking wet enough to snuff the flame, not so wet that you've rendered your hoop unusuable. You or your fire safety person may want to give it another spin.
It's important to keep the reality of playing with fire ever present. If, for example, you honestly believe there is no risk of getting burned or that it will never happen to you, we'd suggest not lighting up until your attitude changes. Give fire the respect it deserves. Imagine for a moment that somehow you've managed to burn yourself or someone else. Run cold water over the injured area for ten minutes to return the temperature of the skin to normal. Remove any clothing from the affected area, unless that clothing is stuck to the skin. If it's stuck to the skin, leave it there and wrap the burn in a sterile, non-stick dressing. Leave the burn alone - do not break open any blisters that may have formed. Alleviate pain by gently pouring more cold water over the dressing. Drink plenty of water, do not drink alcohol. If the burn is minor in nature consider applying some aloe vera as well. Do not apply moisturizers or lotions or adhere adhesive band-aids or bandages to the area. If the burn is serious get medical aid as soon as possible.
While fire hooping can add another dimension to your hooping experience, playing with fire is a matter that must be taken seriously. Any experienced fire hooper will tell you that an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Follow these important fire safety tips to reduce your potential for harming yourself or others, remembering that there is always a risk when you strike the match. May your journey into fire hooping always be safe and sane. We wish you the very best of luck.
- Philo Hagen
Published on February 25, 2008 | LINK | Comments (1)Varinia Hooping Fuego
Varinia es al fuego, hooping fuego en Distrito Federal, Mexico City. Banda sonora de Daft Punk. Published on January 29, 2008 | LINK | Comments (0)
North Hollywood Burn
It's a North Hollywood burn beautifully lit by the flames themselves.
James Abele Lights Up
James Abele picked up his first hoop in 2007. Now he's setting the night on fire in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Eli Reiman.
Fire In The Snow
Sadie Yancey of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, heads into a snowy alley at night with her fire hoop blazing. The video was shot by Chriz Miller. Soundtrack by Icelandic band Múm.
And So This Is Christmas
The last holiday hooping video of 2007. Happy Holidays with Penni Laine.
Betsy Bower Lights Up
Betsy Bower brightens up the night with her homemade fire hoop in Casper, Wyoming.
Minneapolis Wild Fire
In Minnesota, Tom Horgen writes for The Star Tribune, "A growing number of fire artists, more than 100 now, have created a "fire scene" in the Twin Cities. You'll see them in clubs such as Spin, Myth and the Lounge, and often at jam-band festivals around the Midwest. ... In 2002, Cori Stahlecker and Mr. Fun founded the Twin Cities' first crew of fire dancers, the Illumination Fire Troupe. Today, it is a well-oiled machine, with a choreographer, regular practices, auditions and a busy show schedule. Stahlecker also teaches fire-dance classes, while Mr. Fun offers poi training and workshops on designing fire props. Ever seen a fire hula hoop?" Star Tribune
Playing With Fire In San Antonio
Sonya Harvey writes for The Ranger, "Fire-breathing and hula-hooping with fire are not activities usually found on a neighborhood street corner. On Monday nights, across the street from Sam's Burger Joint, one will find Brothers of the Flame doing just that. They gather under the U.S. Highway 281 overpass ... with gallons of Coleman fuel, fire-spinning chains and a pumping stereo system to prepare for a "burn," a gathering where fire spinners twirl for hours with others who share their passion for fire performance. For more than three hours, they take turns spinning and breathing fire using various tools. Some use fire poi, two chains with Kevlar wicks on the end doused in gas, while others spin a hula-hoop with fire burning all around..." The Ranger
Spinergy Fire
Shosh fire hooping at a Spinergy practice session in Seattle, Washington. From this photo set. Photo by Sarah Johnson, aka Ms. Fire.
Kasey Markel Hoops For Orphans
Break-dancing while hooping was once the move Kasey Markel was known for in Fort Collins, Colorado, until he learned to hoop while on his pogo stick. Teaching himself to hoop at age 10, he has quite a collection of moves at this point, and now he's Hooping For Orphans on July 21 to raise money for Our Father’s House Orphanage in Thailand. “I was sick of seeing thousands of run-a-thons and walk-a-thons. I wanted to see a hula hoop-a-thon. From that idea, it’s changed a ton. It’s evolved into something different,” he says. Read the Fort Collins Weekly article.
Playing With Fire
Lisa Walker Tells Class About Fire Dance
Fire Hooping Safety
Minneapolis Wild Fire
Playing With Fire In San Antonio
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