Buzz
This list dives into the realm of flow arts, an art form centered around the magical moment when body, mind, and spirit come together in perfect harmony (what we call ‘the zone’). The flow arts have blossomed into a wide variety of tools, styles, and rhythms, encompassing all fire spinning techniques. Every fire spinning tool comes with Kevlar wicks and requires paraffin (lamp oil/kerosene) as its fuel. Wrapping steel wool around the wick produces a shower of sparks, while adding certain elements to the fuel alters the flame's color. Personally, I’ve become totally immersed in flow arts, even though I’ve only been spinning poi for a few months. It’s the first time I’ve ever experienced such instant gratification.
Every time you spin, you’ll improve. That magical moment when you finally land a trick you’ve been struggling with is beyond words. It’s like building new pathways in your brain and is a form of incredible meditation. Not to mention, the sound of fire whipping around you is completely addictive. But despite how thrilling it can be, I wouldn’t recommend anyone attempt spinning or playing with fire without sufficient practice. Always take precautions to protect your body and hair, and avoid wearing plastic-based clothing when spinning, as it can result in severe burns. Nonetheless, it’s an experience worth trying for anyone wanting to master an amazing new skill.
10. Fire clubs or balls for Juggling
Juggling has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The earliest depictions were discovered in an ancient Egyptian tomb, with additional references found across Chinese, Indian, Greek, Roman, Norse, Aztec, and Polynesian cultures. Juggling made its way into circuses in the 1700s, where it gained widespread popularity. As juggling evolved, performers started using more dangerous props for dramatic effect, but nothing compares to the elegance of fire juggling. Fire juggling balls are created from a coil of wire, with a wick securely fastened at the center. Fire clubs, while similar to traditional juggling clubs, feature a wick at one end. With practice and various types of throws, beautiful, dynamic patterns can be created with the flames.
9. Nunchaku
Many of us have seen, owned, or even desired nunchaku (nunchuks in the West). These twin short sticks, connected by a chain, have various potential origins, all tracing back to the East. One theory suggests that they were originally used for threshing (separating grains from the husks) at a time when commoners couldn’t carry formal weapons. During times of war, anything could become a weapon, and nunchaku evolved into a tool for martial arts, later finding their place in flow arts. When wicks are added to each end, nunchaku become a stunning fire spinning instrument, offering a wide range of dynamic movements.
8. Rope dart
The rope dart, also known as the rope javelin, is an ancient Chinese weapon featuring a sharp dart linked to a chain, which is then fastened to a long rope (2-3 meters). The weapon can be hurled toward an opponent and retrieved. This technique offers numerous moves such as spinning, throwing, and whipping toward adversaries. In modern flow arts, the dart is substituted with a wick, and the rope is attached to the left hand, leaving the right hand to propel and spin the fiery end.
7. Diabolo
The diabolo, once known as the devil on two sticks, is a captivating and enjoyable tool or toy. It consists of a weighted spool with a thin contact point in the center, suspended by a rope with sticks at each end. The spool can be spun, run along the rope, or thrown. Originally derived from the Chinese yo-yo, the diabolo was formalized in the 12th century. While traditional diabolos are made from rubber, plastic, or a combination of both, fire diabolos are crafted from metal, with wicks placed at the center of each cup.
6. Buugeng staff
The Buugeng, also known as the S staff, is a uniquely designed fire staff. It typically features a central grip with the ends bent into opposing half-circles. The term Buugeng, which translates to 'martial arts illusion,' was introduced by Japanese performer Dai Zaobab, though he did not invent this fascinating instrument. The S staff was originally used by Michael Moschen, a juggler from Cirque du Soleil who won the MacArthur Foundation genius grant. Moschen's design was inspired by the Chinese martial arts' double deer horn. The S staff demands greater focus and understanding of planes compared to a traditional straight staff, producing a stunning visual effect akin to a kaleidoscope or optical illusion.
5. Devil sticks
I am sure many of you are familiar with the devil sticks, which consist of three tools used together. You have the baton and two control sticks, the latter of which are used to manipulate the baton. The devil sticks have evolved over 3000 years, although their exact origins remain unknown. When performing with fire devil sticks, only the ends of the batons feature wicks, creating the illusion of the baton floating in mid-air at night, as the control sticks are not visible. There are numerous patterns that can be created with the devil sticks, and it can even become a team activity, with two or more people passing or juggling the baton back and forth.
4. Hoops
Hoops have been used for play and dance for thousands of years. Initially, hoops were toys made from vines, rolled with sticks, or spun around the body (hula hoops), but they have since evolved into an exciting flow art form. Fire hoops are typically made of aluminum, with wick spokes extending from them. A single large hoop or two smaller hoops can be used, spun, and tossed in sync with the music's rhythm. In addition to being visually stunning, spinning hoops provide an excellent form of aerobic exercise, with countless possible movements.
3. Staff
It’s hard to believe that almost everyone has at least tried to use a broom, hockey stick, golf club, or really, any kind of stick. The staff has ancient roots as a weapon, and even appears in the Museum of Historical Toys as one of the earliest toys. Martial arts practices centered on staffs exist, and they were even employed in medieval Britain for combat. In flow arts, there are many ways to use a staff, such as single staff, double staff, contact staff, and wands. Fire staffs, in particular, typically feature wicks on both ends, though some have up to three wicks per side. The wand variant, however, usually has only one wick. The practice involves twirling the staff, tossing it into the air, wrapping it around the body, and executing various patterns. LED staffs are now a modern alternative for spinning when fire is not an option.
Some key elements not included: Meteor, Whip, Contact Juggling, Fire Fingers, Fire Swords, and Fire Knives.
Poi
Poi was originally practiced by the Maori people of New Zealand and remains an important tradition among them to this day. Essentially, poi consists of weighted objects attached to chains or strings, with grips at the opposite ends. These objects are swung together to create rhythmic circular motions. The term 'poi' encompasses not only the spinning tool itself but also the music that accompanies it and the entire performance. In Maori tradition, women are the primary poi spinners, although it is also believed that men historically used poi to develop wrist flexibility for combat. A typical poi performance often includes singing or dancing and can be performed solo, with a partner, or in a group. Poi come in various styles, including sock poi, LED poi, and fire poi, the latter of which can feature up to three wicks per chain. To start practicing poi on your own, simply grab a pair of knee-high socks or stockings and some tennis balls. Poi has also led to the creation of other fire spinning tools like the meteor, which features a single chain with a grip at the center and two wicks or weights at either end. For more information on poi techniques, visit www.playpoi.com.
1. Fans
Fire fans are metal fans with sharp prongs extending from their ends. These fans can be used in different performance styles: one being belly dancing, where the fans are swayed and turned gently in harmony with the body’s movements, and another for tech spinners, who incorporate faster, more intricate spins to match upbeat music. Fire fans come in two main types: collapsible fans, which open up to 180° and create the illusion of one wick becoming several, and non-collapsible fans, which are fixed at 90° with finger grips at the bottom. While collapsible fans might seem more versatile, they lack the finger holds necessary for spinning and are generally better suited for belly dancing, where large, dramatic gestures aren’t required.
