Great Balls of Fire

The traditional Maori performance art of poi, now popular with flame on beaches and at festivals throughout the world, is taking off as a form of exercise in Hollywood with classes available at two collectives in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Times recommends a number of activities as alternatives to jogging. “If trapeze is too tame — and frankly, with what we’ve had to put up with in this economy, it might be — then you might want to spin balls of fire around your head. Or large, flaming sticks,” the Times’ Guide suggests. Flow Temple and Fire Groove — can get you started in poi, a traditional New Zealand art form that encompasses … well, spinning balls around your head. These two balls — tethered to ropes or chains — can be made of everything from crumpled tissue (practice poi) to UV-sensitive materials (glow poi) to fuel-dipped wicks (fire poi).”