I've been thinking of taking up poi (firestaff dancing). Any tips?

Question:

I've been thinking of taking up poi (firestaff dancing). Any tips?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: My brother does poi and fire staff, my tips would be:
1.Find someone who can teach you, perhaps there is a group in your area that does that kind of stuff. It's easier if you can get pointers from someone who knows.

2.Make some practise sticks or poi. A broom handle with the broom head removed is a good thing to use to practise staff with. Just cut it to the length of the staff you'll be lighting. With poi, drill a hole through a couple of tennis balls, and thread some cord through them so you've got the balls dangling at the end of the rope. Tie some hand loops, and you're in business. It's a lot safer than practising with a lit staff or poi.
Oh, and don't practise inside, it's a fast way to break stuff!

There's a lot more to it when you get into it. But it's relatively safe, it's excellent for fitness, and hand-eye co-ordination, plus it looks extremely cool. And when you get better, and start working with flame. I'd suggest wearing fairly non-flamable clothes when you do, and nothing too flowy, it's easy to catch alight. Also with you hair. if you've got longish hair you might want to wet your hair before you start, or get hold of a 100% wool beanie, it'll help stop you catching your hair on fire, My brother copped a few singed patches of hair when he was learning. If you've got a circus arts store in your area, go along and chat to them, they should be able to point you in the right direction for equpiment, and they might be able to put you in touch with people who could mentor you.