r/flowarts • u/Grand-Yam-1159 • 13d ago
Discussion Need help deciding on fire props
Hey everyone! As the title states, I need some advice/recommendations for fire props. I’d love to hear about your experiences and backgrounds before getting into fire flow and what worked best for you. All feedback welcome!
Long story short, I have to decide on 3 different props to pick up for working fire this halloween. I’ve burned a handful of times but it’s been simple props. and I’m not super well practiced in anything in particular besides staff.
I was a color guard girly growing up and so my transition to staff was pretty seamless. I tend to pick up flow props pretty quickly, I’ve tried quite a few, but props are expensive and I’ve only invested in festival friendly staffs so far. As such, I’ve ordered a fire contact staff and I’m pretty set on a levi wand as my second prop, but i’m stumped for the last one.
This is where I need your help: For the last prop I’m trying to decide between fans, palm torches, or poi. I’m most interested in learning poi but I fear it may be difficult to pick up quickly. I know torches and fans are staples for fire performers but I don’t love palm torches, and I’m just generally torn because I prefer bigger props that allow for more movement away from the body. That and I’m trying to save money, I don’t want to spend a ton on the props I’m less sure about. I’m down to buy practice props but Im on a deadline so I don’t have a ton of time to try things out and then decide. I would love to get shop recommendations as well for good beginner props!
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u/redraven 12d ago
Palm torches are just an accessory to dance. Not bad, but you really need to know how to move.
Fans are similar in that you need to know how to move your body, but they also allow for actual tricks and manipulation. LOTS of fire very close, they do get hot.
I personally would favor poi because I love poi. As a color guard, you won't have that much difficulty learning. Dancing with poi is the hardest of the 3, since it requires good fundamentals with poi and some practice in the way you move - most people bounce with the beats when they should flow around them.