Learn poi or hoop by signing up for our Weekly Classes or Request a Class to learn a different prop such as staff, rope dart, contact staff, fans - or anything else! We also facilitate Flow Arts Workshops that are an excellent activity for special occasions or team building events.
The Flow Arts are quickly gaining popularity as a movement practice that is not only beautiful to watch, but which also has multiple mental and physical benefits.
FireTribe's instructors teach Beginner to Advanced Flow Arts classes in a variety of different props. Currently, weekly classes are being held in Observatory, Cape Town and in Rivonia, Johannesburg. Private/custom classes can be requested as well.
Times are given in South African Standard Time: SAST/GMT+2.
Prices are given in South African Rands.
Read More in the FAQs Below
How to Sign Up:
· Choose a class from the menu below
· Book online using Zenamu
· Make your payment via EFT
· Send your POP to training@firetribe.co.za to confirm your booking
Choose a Flow Arts Class
Search the menu below for the Prop and Level that you're interested. Then scroll down to Book Online (Cape Town only) or use the form below to request a class.
- Cape Town - All
- Joburg - Poi
- Cape Town - Hoop
- Poi - Beginner 5 Week Series - Caitlin - Tuesday
- Poi - Intermediate Weekly Classes - Caitlin - Tuesday
- All Props - Open Flow Sessions - Caitlin - Wednesday
Learn the fundamentals of poi spinning and build a strong foundation of technique and theory with this consecutive series of classes for beginner poi students.
If you are new to poi spinning or would like to improve your basic poi skills then these classes are for you. If you would like to join in at a Clifton Fire Jam then these fire dancing classes are the right place to start.
These poi lessons for beginners build on from each other for 5 consecutive weeks so you're guaranteed to finish with enough technique to spin fire poi safely - if that's your goal.
Each beginner poi class includes a warm up and movement exploration as well as trick and technique development. At the end of the series you will be familiar with weaves, butterflies, reels, corkscrews and buzzsaws – at the very least!
Instructor: Caitlin Louise
| Observatory Community Centre Tuesdays 18:00-19:00 See section below for upcoming start dates Rate: R850 (5 x 60min classes) |
These bridging poi classes are focused on specific poi skills that one needs to learn before moving on to the more Advanced Poi movements. They're a great place to strengthen your technique or, if you want to learn fire dancing, they're excellent for building that necessary courage.
If you are familiar with the basics of poi spinning but aren’t confident with the following techniques then these drop in classes are for you:
– Turning from forwards to backwards with 3 beat weaves & butterflies
– Shoulder and hip reels in all directions/modes
– Maintaining each mode in wall and wheel plane
– Wrapping or changing the length of your poi while spinning
Each class will makes sure that attention is given to the individual needs of each student.
Instructor: Caitlin Louise
| Observatory Community Centre Tuesdays, 20:00-21:00 See section below for upcoming dates Package of 5: R750 (4 x 60min to be used within 2 months) Package of 3: R480 (3 x 60min to be used within 1 month) Single: R170 (1 x 60min single class) |
This is a mixed level class/flow session that is open to Intermediate and Advanced flow artists.
While the facilitator, Caitlin, will provide some instruction, it's not a fully structured class. This allows different groups/levels to share the hall, and gives students space to do their own flow, ask questions and learn from each other.
You are welcome to bring any props to play with. There are also some available to borrow.
Facilitator: Caitlin Louise
| Observatory Community Centre Certain Wednesdays, 19:00-20:00 See section below for upcoming dates Single: R80 |
- Beginner 5 Week Series - Saul - Tuesday
Regular courses are run for beginners. These poi classes are focused on specific poi skills that one needs to learn before moving on to the more Advanced Poi movements. They're a great place to strengthen your technique or, if you want to learn fire dancing, they're excellent for building that necessary courage.
Each class will cover all of the above with attention given to the individual needs of each student.
Instructor: Saul Smith
| Rivonia Recreation Club Tuesdays, 18:30-19:30 Rate: R840 (5 x 60min classes) |
- Beginner & Intermediate Weekly Classes - Tracy - Tuesday
Hooping is a form of Flow Arts where one manipulates a hoop (or multiple hoops) to perform tricks and explore artistic movement or dance. Some of the benefits of hooping include a low impact cardio workout, toning of the whole body, increased flexibility and strength, stimulated circulation, improved balance, and development of co-ordination, focus and confidence.
Instructor: Tracy Johnson - Movement Within
| 196 Victoria Road, Woodstock Beginners - Tuesdays, 18:00-19:00 Intermediates - Tuesdays, 19:30-20:30 |
Book Online
Book or Request a Class or Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Flow Arts?
Flow Arts, in essence, involve the artistic manipulation of objects to create a dance-like flow. Like Martial Arts, they incorporate a multitude of disciplines.
Flow Arts are rooted in many different styles of movement, from around the world, and are expressed using an infinite array of props such as poi, hula hoops and staff. Sometimes Flow Artists use fire props (as with fire dancing) and sometimes they use daytime or LED props.
Many disciplines assimilate elements of dance, circus skills and performance arts like busking. Others embody aspects of mindfulness and meditation. But for all Flow Artists; playing, for the sheer joy of it, will always be a high priority.
What is Fire Dancing?
The art of dancing with fire can be done with any Flow Arts prop! Fire dancing is a unique form of creative expression that's fueled by a respect for fire, confidence in and awareness of self and a dedication to the practising of your technique.
Clifton Fire Jams are an excellent place to learn to dance with fire once you've trained with practice toys. These community gatherings happen monthly, during summer, and are announced on FireTribe's Facebook Events once the weather forecast can be seen.
Alternatively, you can request a Workshop that fully or partially involves fire - depending on how brave you're feeling!
Why learn Flow Arts?
Learning to move with a prop is a highly rewarding practice. Flow Arts can be a creative outlet, a form of physical and mental meditation or an exciting problem solving challenge. It is beneficial to people of all ages for many different reasons, some of which have been explored by Dr Kate Riegle van West in her PhD research into the effects of poi on health for older adults.
Learning Flow Arts helps develop, among other things, upper body strength and flexibility, full body co-ordination, dexterity, balance, spatial awareness and rhythm. It also encourages mindfulness, self-awareness and self-confidence while exercising patience, instruction following and concentration.
What are Props?
A 'prop', short for property, is a moveable object that a Flow Artist manipulates to create a flow of movement. These props become an extension of the artist's moving body and they spin, twist and twirl to create patterns and illusions in space.
There are an infinite number of potential props out there with new innovations being developed every day. Some of the more common Flow Arts props are:
- Poi - weights on tethers
- Staff - a long pole
- Hoop - a circle of plastic tubing
- Fans - circle segments
More FAQs
Look through the Flow Arts Classes above and choose the one you think will suit you best. For Cape Town classes, you can book your class online. For Johannesburg classes, use the above Contact Form to let us know which class you are interested in joining. We'll then confirm that there is space for you and send you banking details so you can EFT the appropriate class fee. Please send your proof of payment to training@firetribe.co.za to then confirm your booking.
If you can't find a class that suits you, you can use the above Contact Form to tell us What you'd like to learn and Where and When. The relevant instructor will then either offer you Private Classes or, if there is enough interest from other students, create a new Group Class in line with your request.
If you are interested in having a once off learning experience for a group of people then we recommend booking a Workshop.
Our most commonly taught prop is poi, but training in almost any prop can be arranged if you simply ask! We have instructors available for one-on-one classes, group classes (min 3-5px) or workshops in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. If you're interested in learning a prop other than poi, hoop or staff please contact us and let us know!
Comfortable clothing is recommended along with soft shoes – or a willingness to be barefoot! We have practice toys for you to borrow for your first few classes after which you will need to bring your own props. This is recommended so you have your own equipment to practice with in between classes.
As with any type of skill there is no real end to the learning process. Naturally, how much effort and time you invest into your prop will determine your progress with it. The Beginner Poi Series is designed to move someone from absolute beginner to being confident with the basics in just 5 weeks. Each individual is unique though, and everyone learns (and practices!) at their own pace.
This one is actually entirely up to you. As soon as you feel confident that you can spin your prop around (in any pattern) and not get yourself totally tangled up then you could try the fire version. Of course, mastering the skill may take much longer, but spinning with fire doesn’t really require you to do any special moves – just bravery! Anyone is welcome to join the Clifton Fire Jams which are a great space to learn with fire.
Our weekly evening classes are aimed at students who are 13yrs and older but in Cape Town we also have extra mural poi classes at primary schools . If your child is at a school that is interested in adding a Flow Arts discipline to their extra mural (or curriculum) activities please let us know: training@firetribe.co.za. Our workshops, on the other hand, can be adapted to suit any age – as long as they can hold onto a poi!