Fire spinning instructor teaching beginner student proper poi technique and safety protocols - hands-on fire arts education

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about fire spinning classes, safety, and getting started

Do I need experience?

No! We welcome complete beginners and provide all necessary equipment. Our beginner classes are specifically designed for those with zero experience. We'll teach you everything from basic safety protocols to fundamental spinning techniques. Many of our most skilled performers started with us as complete novices. Check out our gallery to see the progression of our students.

What should I wear?

Comfortable athletic clothing made of natural fibers. No synthetic materials near fire. We recommend cotton or wool clothing that allows freedom of movement. Avoid loose, flowing fabrics that could catch fire. Tie back long hair and remove dangling jewelry. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. For more detailed safety guidelines, visit our classes page where we outline all safety protocols. You can also purchase appropriate fire spinning attire from our products page.

Is it safe?

Yes! Safety is our top priority. We teach proper techniques and safety protocols from day one. All instructors are certified in fire safety and first aid. We use professional-grade equipment, maintain proper safety distances, and always have fire extinguishers and safety personnel on site. Our comprehensive safety training covers fire management, emergency procedures, and risk mitigation. Read more about our safety-first approach on our home page.

Can I try a class first?

We offer trial classes so you can experience fire spinning before committing. Our introductory sessions let you try different fire props and get a feel for our teaching style and community. Trial classes are available at a discounted rate and include all equipment. Contact us to schedule your trial class, or view our class schedule to find available times.

What types of fire props will I learn?

We teach a variety of fire props including poi, staff, hoop, fans, rope dart, and more. Beginners typically start with fire poi or staff as they're the most accessible. As you progress, you can explore other props based on your interests. Each prop offers unique movement patterns and challenges. Our classes page details the different prop specializations we offer. You can purchase your own props from our equipment store.

How long does it take to learn fire spinning?

Progress varies by individual, but most students can perform basic fire spinning moves within 4-8 weeks of consistent practice. Mastering advanced techniques takes months to years of dedicated practice. We offer progressive class levels from beginner to advanced. The journey is as rewarding as the destination, and our supportive community will encourage you every step of the way. Check our gallery to see student progression.

What is the age requirement?

Students must be at least 16 years old to participate in fire spinning classes. Those aged 16-17 require parental consent and supervision. We offer non-fire flow arts classes for younger students interested in learning the foundational movements. Adult classes (18+) have no upper age limit - we've taught students in their 60s and 70s! Contact us for information about youth programs or to discuss specific age-related questions.

How much do classes cost?

Class pricing varies by format and duration. Drop-in classes start at $25, while multi-week courses and monthly memberships offer better value. We also offer private lessons and group workshops. Trial classes are available at a discounted rate. Visit our classes page for detailed pricing information. We occasionally offer promotions - follow us on our social media for announcements.

Do you provide equipment?

Yes! We provide all necessary equipment for classes including practice poi, staffs, and safety gear. For fire spinning sessions, we supply fuel, fire props, and safety equipment. As you advance, many students choose to purchase their own equipment for practice at home. Our products page offers a curated selection of quality fire spinning equipment. Beginners should use our equipment until they understand what props work best for their style.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held at our dedicated fire spinning facility with proper safety infrastructure, ventilation, and outdoor practice areas. We also host outdoor sessions at approved fire performance venues. Exact locations are provided upon registration. Our facility includes changing rooms, storage for personal equipment, and a community lounge. Contact us for directions and parking information. Check our social media for special event locations.

Can I practice fire spinning at home?

Fire spinning at home requires proper safety measures, adequate space, and often permits. We strongly recommend practicing with LED or practice props at home and reserving fire spinning for supervised sessions until you're experienced. Our instructors can assess when you're ready for independent fire practice and provide guidance on home practice safety. We cover home practice protocols in our advanced classes. Practice props are available in our store.

What if I miss a class?

For multi-week courses, we offer makeup classes within the same session period when possible. Drop-in classes are non-refundable but credits can be applied to future classes. Monthly members have flexible scheduling. We understand life happens - contact us as soon as possible if you need to miss a class. Our class policies page has full details on attendance and makeups.

Do you offer performance opportunities?

Yes! We regularly organize student showcases, community performances, and professional gigs for advanced students. Our collective performs at festivals, private events, and public gatherings. Students who demonstrate proficiency and professionalism can join our performance troupe. We also help students book their own gigs. Check our gallery for past performances and follow our social media for upcoming shows. Performance training is covered in our advanced classes.

Is fire spinning physically demanding?

Fire spinning provides a full-body workout that improves coordination, flexibility, strength, and endurance. While it can be physically challenging, we accommodate all fitness levels and encourage students to progress at their own pace. The repetitive motions build muscle memory and core strength over time. Many students find it more engaging than traditional exercise. Our beginner classes start gently and build intensity gradually. Read about the physical and mental benefits on our home page.

Can I learn fire spinning if I'm not coordinated?

Fire spinning actually helps develop coordination. Many of our students started with limited coordination and developed impressive skills through practice. Our progressive teaching method breaks down complex movements into manageable steps. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and our supportive community celebrates every achievement. The key is consistent practice and patience with yourself. Our beginner classes are specifically designed for those new to flow arts.

What fuel do you use for fire props?

We use white gas (Coleman fuel) or lamp oil, which are standard fuels for fire performance. These fuels burn cleanly with minimal smoke and are safer than alternatives like kerosene. We teach proper fuel handling, storage, and application techniques in our classes. Students are not responsible for bringing fuel - we provide all necessary materials. Advanced students who practice independently can purchase fuel from hardware stores. Fuel safety is covered extensively in our fire safety training.

Do you offer private lessons?

Yes! Private lessons offer personalized instruction tailored to your goals, schedule, and skill level. They're ideal for accelerated learning, preparing for performances, or working on specific techniques. We also offer semi-private lessons for small groups. Private lesson rates and scheduling information are available on our classes page. Contact us to discuss your goals and schedule a private session.

Can I join if I have a medical condition?

Many medical conditions don't prevent participation in fire spinning, but we require disclosure of any conditions that might affect your safety. Consult your doctor before starting any new physical activity. We can often accommodate students with various conditions through modified techniques or alternative props. Our instructors are trained in first aid and emergency response. Contact us to discuss your specific situation confidentially. Safety is always our priority, as outlined on our home page.

How do I join the Burn Monkeys community?

Join our community by attending classes, participating in practice sessions, and engaging with fellow fire artists. We host regular community jams, workshops, and social events. Follow us on social media to stay connected and informed about events. Many students form lasting friendships through our collective. The fire spinning community is welcoming, supportive, and passionate about the art form. Read about our community values on our home page.

What makes Burn Monkeys different from other fire spinning schools?

Our combination of professional instruction, comprehensive safety protocols, supportive community, and performance opportunities sets us apart. We emphasize both technical skill and artistic expression. Our instructors are active performers with years of teaching experience. We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention. Our facility is purpose-built for fire arts with proper safety infrastructure. We're not just teaching tricks - we're fostering artists and building community. Learn more about our approach on our home page and see our results in the gallery.

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Burn Monkeys fire spinning community group performing pre-burn safety checks together - fire arts collective teamwork and safety culture

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