Fire Groove Newsletter ~ Fall 2009

The All-Stars... DVD & Performance

Fire All-Stars Vol. 1 takes you on a journey through the lives of fifteen of the most dedicated fire dancers in the world, each a master of their art. From Japan to France, South Africa to the United States, this documentary digs deep into the international fire community revealing the passion that drives these unique artists. Enjoy in-depth interviews and tons of jaw-dropping performances with a variety of fire tools including poi, double staff, contact staff, buugeng, hoop, fans, meteor and more! Not only will Fire All-Stars Vol. 1 inspire spinners to take it to the next level but it will also inspire you to step outside of the box, follow your dream, and tackle your fears! The All-Stars: Yuta, Imakokode, Sage, Noel Yee, Zan, Dai Zaobab, Rovo, Arashi, MCP, Andy House, Ronan, and Lester, Kamala, Hannah and Jade of Fire Groove. BUY NOW!
Locate the All-Stars! View Fire All-Stars in a larger map and click on the pins for info!
Watch two teasers here...
Fire All-Stars Performing Live in Texas! If you are in the area, don't miss this show. Many of the All-Stars will be performing live at Art Outside this October 9-11th. This is an amazing festival that includes music of all flavors, art, performance, film, fashion and comedy! Are you planning a large event and looking for some jaw dropping entertainment? We've got All-Stars located in every corner of the world! E-mail us for info.

News from the Shop
		The Encyclo-Poi-dia Vol 2 The Encyclo-Poi-dia 2 is a state-of-the-art learning tool combining live video and computer simulations to teach a new system of poi spinning. Zan and Alien Jon team up to show a clear presentation of the new developments in the theory, technique, and practice of poi. Previously challenging concepts (including hybrids, floaters, inside moves, continuous assembly patterns, and many more) are broken down logically so that your body and your mind can pick them up as quickly as possible. The 22 instructional chapters run for 95 minutes, and are organized in a unique "choose your path" format: after each lesson YOU choose where to go next. The teaching goes beyond technique, into performance, practicing effectively, body movement, and other aspects of being a well - rounded poi spinner. Features: Fire Groove, Sage, Nick Woolsey and Noel Yee Price: $29.99

		Poi Technique Poi Technique combines revolutionary poi instruction and inspirational performances. Join the Vulcan Crew for tips on becoming an advanced poi spinner, including explicit instruction on pendulums, 1.5's, flowers, anti-spin, stalls, linear isolations/extensions, buzzsaw fountains and hybrids. Featuring performances of internationally renowned poi artists including Yuta, Chris Rovo, Arashi, Ronan McLoughlin, Zan, Alien Jon, Maelle Vie, Aileen Lawlor, Ian Smith, All Stars and Olive Masson. Subtitled in Spanish and French Price: $24.99

		GrooveGirl Wigs GrooveGirl Wigs are another great option for fire dancers wanting to protect their real hair. Our wigs have a beautiful shiny natural look and a sassy style! They are easy to put on, comfortable to wear and make you feel absolutely fabulous. Your clients will wonder how you keep from setting your gorgeous hair on fire and we'll never tell! This has been a GrooveGirl secret for years and now we are sharing it with you. GrooveGirl Wigs are nonflammable, synthetic hair that looks and feels completely natural. While GrooveGirl Wigs will not catch on fire, they will singe and melt so do be careful when performing! Prices 1 Wig $34.99 2 Wigs $59.99 (save $10) 3 Wigs $84.99 (save $20) More colors coming soon....

		New GrooveGirl Fall Colors! Ladies... good news! We've added three new colors to our selection of GrooveGirl Hair Falls. Pictured left from top to bottom: HOLLY - Beautiful deep fiery red with warm and cool tones. Not cherry, not orange... deep, fiery, hot, red! Watch out Jessica Rabbit! ERICA - Strawberry blonde meets golden beige blonde with sexy streaks of platinum blonde highlights throughout. Just a touch of copper red in this one. NATASHA - Perfect platinum, think Pamela Anderson! If you have that beautiful platinum blonde hair, then this is the fall for you. No beige or dirty blonde, hot sexy platinum! Prices 1 Fall $29.99 2 Falls $49.99 (save $10) 3 Falls $69.99 (save $20)

Summer Performance Highlights
Oregon Country Fair ~ Fire Opera Veneta, OR
Watch a clip of the finale!
SeaWorld ~ Ignight San Diego, CA

The Palms ~ Mid-Summer Night's Dream Las Vegas, NV

Moving in Circles

Jade of Fire Groove interviews Revolva....

Jade: What's your name, where do you come from and reside now?
Revolva: I'm Revolva. My hometown is Detroit Rock City, and I now live in Portland.

Jade: What got you into spinning and what do you spin/manipulate?
Revolva: Hoop is by far my main instrument, although now it's pretty easy for me to translate off-body hoop moves directly to poi or staff. In 2003, I tripped across the hooping tribe (on tribe.net) and hooping.org magazine. Then, I discovered this larger "hooping" movement I hadn't even known about, and I started building my own hoops. I've learned a ton by experimenting on my own, watching videos and only later (when I moved to the West Coast in 2006) having access to other hoopers in real life. Over the years, I've done everything from huge festivals to halftime shows to smaller variety shows. My style is pretty character-driven, so the vaudeville ones are the most fun for me.

Jade: What advice do you have for any other spinners?
Revolva: Mastering movement has a lot to do with just believing in possibility. If you believe your body will one day accomplish a move, it will. I always make people add the word "...yet!" to that often-uttered phrase "I can't do it!" I've advanced leaps and bounds just by giving myself permission to do so.

Jade: Describe yourself in 3 words.
Revolva: Seeking Flow Always

Jade: What has been the highlight of your spinning career?
Revolva: Sorry, but to answer this, I first have to say something sweeping about our culture and then zoom in to my own life. Every day, we're bombarded by symbols (the golden arches, the mac apple logo) that inspire us to consume products. They're everywhere we look, and they make us feel compelled to work jobs we hate just to buy more. And more. And more. Human beings have become totally disconnected from our own bodies, from nature, from things that are important and beautiful. I've been distraught about this for a long time because it's impossible to have a pulse and look around without sometimes wondering "Um, is this ... it?" One day, it hit me that there's a symbol that counteracts all the corporate ones. Maybe other spinners would agree with me. If there's one image that can overpower any gross logo and, instead of putting us to sleep, can wake us up, it's this: O The circle. The highlight of my spinning career has just been coming to an understanding that everything -- from seasons to galaxies to time -- moves in circles. We live in a ridiculous culture where people say, "Hey, let's think outside of this box," but that requires the the belief that we were ever IN a box. Spinning reminds me that's not true. I could cite my favorite performance for you (opening for Weird Al Yankovic), but the kick I got out of that is probably not even comparable to some Tuesday at 3 a.m. when I was really struggling, and hooping put me back in touch with my core. So I'm not going to promote myself with the answer to this question. I'm just going to promote circular motion. I mean, seriously -- when you're done reading this, stand up and whirl around like a little kid or a sufi. And hats off to all you object manipulators. I'm not kidding. I really think spinning could change the world!

WATCH VIDEOS

VISIT REVOLVA'S WEBSITE

Yoga in the News!

"There are certainly more rigorous yoga classes in Los Angeles, some taught by instructors who can trace their pedigree to time spent with gurus like Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar. None, however, embodies the yogic spirit more than the Hatha Lessons - 21 every week - that take place in a small grove just inside the Fuller Avenue entrance of Runyon Canyon Park. Consider that the nearby cart of bottled water, fruit, and granola bars operates on the honor system. Savor the fresh air, the greenery, and the happy yelps of dogs on leash-free frolics outside the fenced-in area. The rotating roster of instructors includes [Daniel, Steve, Nicole] and sisters Kamala and Hannah Mooney whose regular gig is teaching fire dance and flaming hoop workshops all over the city. Through September 30th the yoga classes are held at 10:30 and 6 seven days a week, with a class at 2 every weekday. The Sunday sessions sometimes draw more than a hundred participants, but there's space for everyone, even the occasional gopher that pops out of a hole to find rows of tatted neighbors in savasana."
- LA Magazine (Aug 2009)