Individual and group instruction is currently available, and scheduled classes are currently running for beginners and intermediate-level spinners. Advanced spinners are encouraged to visit for play or a free consultation. In some cases, individual instruction may be available for advanced students, but it is not generally our policy to charge for a sharing of ideas between fellow advanced students of the art.

Pricing

Class sessions cost $40 and can be shared by up to four people, in order to maintain a minimum level of individual attention. Most class sessions are sixty minutes long, though some classes may go longer, depending on the preferences and availability of the students and the instructor.

Class Structure

Each class consists of warmups, review of previously covered material, workshops for new moves, individual work between each student and the instructor, practice time, and cool-down time. Practice poi are available for use during class, and may be purchased for $10 per set from the instructor.

What is covered

Instruction is tailored to the level and interests of each class group. Class groups are assigned together based upon relative skill levels and their intended focus, and instruction will focus one one of the following areas. Each focus area beyond Basic Technique is optional, and students are welcome to decide on their next focus area at any time.

Basic Technique

This focus area covers the absolute basics of poi spinning and the fundamentals of poi movement, focusing on the base techniques that the art is built upon. Most students can cover the full range of basic techniques in two or three class sessions, and will be ready to move to one of the other focus areas within a month.

Trick Workshops

Classes in this focus area cover more difficult tricks and maneuvers using combinations of poi and body movement. Techniques covered in these sessions are typically utilized in performance to demonstrate agility and finesse, but are not necessary for poi dancing. Many professional poi spinners utilize only a handful of the advanced 'tricks' taught in this class. There are countless advanced maneuvers available for instruction, and students are welcome to focus on this area for as many sessions as they like.

Transitions and Dance

This focus area covers the combination of individual techniques into a flowing whole. This is where it all starts coming together, and where poi spinning becomes a beautiful dance. Students will learn to transition between the different techniques learned in previous classes, and will discover the art behind the skill. Choreographed sequences are available for students to learn and share. This focus area is really the central aspect of poi spinning, and all students are encouraged to focus on this area for as many sessions as they like.

Introduction to Fire Spinning

This focus area introduces spinners to working with fire. In this single-session class, students will learn how to build and care for their own gear, be introduced to fuels and supportive equipment, and will learn and practice standard safety procedures. Students will be provided with an opportunity to spin fire and experience the exhilerating feeling of dancing with active flames.

Practice fire poi are available for rental during class for $10, and may be purchased from the instructor. Students are generally encouraged to make their own equipment, and all required materials are available for purchase from the instructor.

This focus area typically only requires one session to introduce students to the ins and outs of safely using fire poi. Students who wish to continue a focus on fire are encouraged to attend fire jams.

Fire Jams

Students with experience with fire are encouraged to attend these sessions at any of our fire-safe practice locations. Some locations have a per-session fee to cover expenses, but a few are open to any who wish to attend. Supervision by an instructor is not required, although proper safety procedures must be observed at all times. Instructors can be made available at fire jams for the standard per-session fee.