Fire Dance Retreat FRANCE: April 14-20 2024

Fire jugglers in the fire circus show Caldera

Join us in April 2024!

Our annual fire dance retreat in France is back!  Join Srikanta & Jen for daily fire dance workshops, the basics of dance-based fire dance, fire jams and more from April 14-20 in Sommières France.  

Anyone interested in learning to fire dance is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced fire performers.  The focus of this event is on act-building and choreography and is specially catered to those looking to build or refine their fire or led shows.  

Discover the event!
REGISTER

TEACHING EVENTS

Fire jugglers in the fire circus show Caldera

Fire Dance Retreat FRANCE: April 20-26 2025

FIRE DANCE & FLOW RETREAT – POI & STAFF : FEB 19-25 2023 (OAHU HAWAII)

Learn, Play, Discover & Unwind!

The Fire Dance & Flow Retreat on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu combines poi & staff classes with pristine nature and adventure expeditions.

The event takes place at a private retreat center located in a secluded valley amidst majestic mountains & forests with a 15 minute walk to the beach!

Hauula Beach

Staff & poi lessons are balanced with playing, relaxing and discovering Oahu’s rich natural and cultural heritage.  Participants can choose their level of challenge but overall this retreat is very conducive to taking it easy and enjoying the ride. 

In addition to daily staff & poi classes & nightly fire jams, we’ll explore many amazing places around Oahu (private transportation organised): Pristine beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes. 

Join us for adventure & fun in Oahu, Hawaii!

About the Instructors

Srikanta Barefoot
Instruction in Poi, Staff & Dance-based Fire Dance:

Srikanta was the first Contemporary Fire Dancer featured by the Cirque du Soleil (2007-2010), performing over 700 shows using fire poi, fire staff, double fire staff & double fire swords. He has 20 years of experience fire dancing including his position of Fire Dancing Coach and Lead Fire Dancer for Cirque Du Soleil. 

As the founder of dance-based fire dance, Srikanta is passionate about combining fire dance techniques with stage presence, story, full body movement & dance!  He has taught poi & staff workshops at locations worldwide since 2003 and has created an Instructional Video Series called Dancing with the Fire Staff to help students learn fire dancing.

Jen Barefoot
Instruction in Poi, Staff & Dance-based Fire Dance:

Jen has a background in ballet & contemporary dance.  She has been an integral part of Srikanta’s teaching since 2011.  She continues to refine both their contemporary style of fire dance and the way it’s taught. 

The two combine fire dance technique with martial arts, acrobatics & dance in their shows as well as in their instructional classes.

About the Retreat Format

Adventure & Discovery Schedule

On Monday afternoon,  join the group for a walk to the beach for downtime & a sunset fire jam.  You can already test out some of the new concepts you’ve learned, or just hang/ do your own thing. It’s an opportunity to both connect with your comrades and to begin enjoying the amazing surroundings.

On Tuesday evening, we’ll have a bonfire & fire jam at the retreat center!

On Wednesday, we’ll set out for a jungle/ waterfall hike followed by a sunset cruise

On Thursday, we will enjoy sunset & a fire jam at one of the islands most beautiful beaches, Waimea Beach.

On Friday, we will stay at the retreat center & have an “in house show & tell”.  This is the opportunity to present your work in a very safe & supportive atmosphere.  Performing is totally optional but it’s a great opportunity to receive constructive feedback from the instructors & to appreciate the different styles evolving in the group.

Program Start & End Times

The February 2023 Oahu Fire Dance Retreat runs from Sunday February 19 to Saturday February 25.

Orientation begins at 4pm on Sunday  (arrive as early as 3pm).

Retreat activities finish with the “in house” show on Friday evening followed by checkout at noon on Saturday.

The retreat is preceded by a separate event which you are invited to attend.  On Saturday February 18, there will be live music, dance and circus  shows at the same location (including performances by Jen & Srikanta).  More info below.  

All Inclusive Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is provided for all retreat participants from dinner on Sunday February 19 through breakfast on Saturday February 25.

A shared kitchen is available throughout the week & weekend.  For meals during the weekend which are not provided, there are a few food trucks within walking distance which are really good!

Please inform us of any allergies or food restrictions. Meals are both organic & vegetarian.

Preparing for the event

Once you’ve registered we’ll send you an info pack with lots of useful info to help you to prepare for the event. For example:

You will need to bring your own poi & staff or alternatively, you can benefit from a participant discount and free delivery when ordering from the  Fusion Arts Shop.

Take advantage of free shuttles between the retreat venue & the airport.

Tips on what to bring to make the most of your experience

About the Retreat Venue

The Hawaii Spiritual Center is nestled deep in the valley of Hauula in the fabled North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. It is surrounded by majestic mountains and forests. There is a stream that goes through the land and into the nearby pristine beaches about 15 to 20 minutes away on a leisurely walk.

The retreat center fosters Hawaiian culture via gatherings and workshops. Cultivating native and local crops, the HSC has acres of agricultural land.

There is a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in this secluded retreat space revered by the ancient Hawaii people. There are sacred sites which are kapu, and should only be entered with explicit permission.

There are numerous hikes with beautiful breathtaking views that stems from the center itself.

In addition to daily instructional classes & nightly fire jams, we make the most of being in one of the world most amazing spots!

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Fire Dance & Flow Retreat with Srikanta & Jen: 13-19 FEB 2022 (OAHU HAWAII)

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Learn, Play, Discover & Relax!

The Fire Dance & Flow Retreat on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu combines poi and staff with pristine nature and adventure expeditions.  

Suited for all levels of poi and staff spinners, the event will take place at a private retreat center located in a secluded valley amidst majestic mountains & forests with a 15 minute walk to the beach!

Hauula Beach

Instructional Classes are balanced with playing, relaxing and discovering Oahu’s rich natural and cultural heritage.  Participants can choose their level of challenge but overall this retreat is very conducive to taking it easy and enjoying the ride. 

In addition to daily classes & nightly fire jams, we’ll explore many amazing places around Oahu (private transportation organised): Pristine beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes. 

Join us for adventure & fun in Oahu, Hawaii!

Get a discount! Get an Early Bird Ticket!

Get my ticket now

Who is welcome to attend?

All levels from beginner to advanced are welcome.

Instructors will offer beginning, intermediate & advanced options for many techniques.  Instructional Classes will take place from 9am to 12pm on an outdoor dance floor which we are building specifically for the event. 

About the Instructors

Srikanta was the first Contemporary Fire Dancer featured by the Cirque du Soleil (2007-2010), performing over 700 shows using fire poi, fire staff, double fire staff & double fire swords. He has 20 years of experience fire dancing including his position of Fire Dancing Coach and Lead Fire Dancer for Cirque Du Soleil.  Srikanta has taught poi & staff workshops at locations worldwide since 2003 and has created an Instructional Video Series called Dancing with the Fire Staff.  Click here for more info & to purchase.

Jen has been an integral part of Srikanta’s teaching since 2011.  As a teacher with a background in classic dance, she continues to help create and refine both their dance-based style of fire dance and the way it’s taught.  The two combine fire dance technique with martial arts, acrobatics & dance in their shows as well as in their instructional classes.

Typical Retreat Concepts

-Improvisation/ Freedom of Movement/ Expression
-Creative and Dramatic Choices- dare!
-Bringing out your own style
-Dancing with the unforeseen- what to do when things don’t go as planned
-Special Focus on Body Movement & Dance
-Techniques for creating interesting and inspiring performances

About the event format

Srikanta Barefoot & his (life & stage) partner Jen are overjoyed to be embarking on this adventure with you.  The Hawaii event will be unlike our other Fire Dance Retreats which are more rigorous & focused on creating & performing dynamic fire dance choreography.  The goal of the Oahu retreat is to learn, discover, have fun & relax.

Periods of exploration & discovery are a necessary process for renewal and regeneration.  Srikanta will be offering a solid curriculum with options for beginning to advanced. We invite you to come with an open mind, ready to explore, discover and see where your inspiration leads you.

As the Oahu event is less structured than our other teaching events, we’ll be more able to adapt to the interests of the group.  We may decide to spend more time on tech, or flow, or performance aspects, or double staffs, or partner poi/staff.  We are also along for the ride ; )

Just as a great tower has a solid foundation, the more solid your foundation is, the higher your potential to soar.  Please verify your proficiency.  If you think you could benefit by learning a few more techniques prior to the retreat, we invite you to check out Srikanta’s instructional video series on Dancing with the Fire Staff, available for download/ streaming and Nick Woolsey’s beginner poi series.  

Adventure & Discovery Schedule

In addition to morning instructional classes & nightly fire jams, we plan to make the most of being in one of the world most amazing spots!

On Monday afternoon, after the morning instruction and lunch, join the group for a walk to the beach. Don’t forget your staff and poi! At the beach we can have an impromptu jam, where you can already test out some of the new concepts you’ve learned, or just hang/ do your own thing. It’s an opportunity to both connect with your comrades and orient yourself to the amazing surroundings.

Wednesday
Trial by Fire – Fire Circles are gatherings of flow artists specialising in interpretive fire dance. They hold classes and skill share at 5 pm and burns at sunset.

On Thursday, we are planning a boat cruise with instructional classes and jams happening at incredible locations upon the way. Depending on the size of the class it is most likely that these will be included free of charge.

Friday, after the retreat
Lunar Vibes Community Retreat.
Lunar Vibes is an Audio Visual Movement Meditation Community Weekend Retreat.
All students are welcome to stay on & attend Lunar Vibes FOR FREE!

And, and, and…
And how about a fire jam at a nearby waterfall?! It’s the first year and as such we aren’t 100% sure about what else we will get up to, but the good news is, there are some great choices.  In addition to these fun adventures in nature, we hope to find some cultural activities which give us an opportunity to connect & share with the local Hawaiian people

Program Start & End Times

The 2021 Oahu Fire Dance Retreat runs from Sunday February 13th to Saturday February 19th.

Orientation begins at 6:30pm on Sunday February 13th (arrive as early as 6pm).

The retreat ends at 6pm on Friday February 18th and is directly followed by the lunar vibes festival (details above).

Checkout is at noon on Saturday February 19th.

About the Retreat Venue

Hawaii Fire Dance Retreat

The Hawaii Spiritual Center is nestled deep in the valley of Hauula in the fabled North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. It is surrounded by majestic mountains and forests. There is a stream that goes through the land and into the nearby pristine beaches about 15 to 20 minutes away on a leisurely walk.

The retreat center fosters Hawaiian culture via gatherings and workshops. Cultivating native and local crops, the HSC has acres of agricultural land.

There is a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in this secluded retreat space revered by the ancient Hawaii people. There are sacred sites which are kapu, and should only be entered with explicit permission.

There are numerous hikes with beautiful breathtaking views that stems from the center itself.

Hawaii Fire Dance Retreat

Meals

Lunch and dinner are provided for the duration of the 5 day retreat. There will be a special dinner on Friday evening. Please inform us of any allergies or food restrictions. There is a shared kitchen which you are free to use. Meals are both organic & vegetarian.

Booking Private Instruction

Srikanta & Jen are available for individual and small group instruction. If you are interested in learning any props not taught during the retreat (ie. double staffs, swords, double swords, etc), workshopping your choreography or show, or delving deeper into any aspect of the week’s poi & staff instruction, please contact us in advance to book your private session.
It’s best to plan these sessions for the days either preceding or following the retreat as the weekdays are packed with group activities.

Private Instruction Rates:
Individual Instruction: 60eu/hr
2 Individuals: 80eu/hr (40eu per person)
3 Individuals: 100eu/ hr (33eu per person) *1 hour minimum booking

Get a discount! Get an Early Bird Ticket!

Get my ticket now

More about our teaching events

“It was great fun.  Best holiday ever!”
Matt (Stromboli – 2015)

“I went last year and this was such an amazing time! Be prepared to work hard and learn tons! Srikanta is a fantastic teacher!”
Jennifer  (Costa Rica – 2012)
“Thank you for a great event and all your energy you spent in my improving.  I enjoyed every single minute and wish I could stay much longer.”
Suzanna (Stromboli – 2015)

From Bali to Hawaii, our Retreats are always an adventure!

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Poi & Staff Retreat w/ Srikanta, Vojta, Jen & Kevin: April 14-20 2019 (Sommières FR)

***As of Feb 19 2019, the retreat is full. Join us next time in April 2020!***

Get ready for an adventure!

Join a fun and diverse group for daily poi & staff classes, theatrical games, fire/led jams and more with Vojta, Jen, Kevin & ex Cirque du Soleil Fire Dancer & Coach, Srikanta Barefoot. The week-long Intermediate/ Advanced-Level Poi &/ or Staff Retreat in Sommières combines a full immersion in dance-based fire dance with natural and cultural expeditions.

Discover Sommières!

Sommières is a commune in the Gard department in southern France, located at the border with the Hérault department It lies 22 km from Nîmes, 28 km from Montpellier. Wikipedia

“It was great fun.  Best holiday ever!”
Matt (Stromboli – 2015)

“Thank you for a great event and all your energy you spent in my improving.  I enjoyed every single minute and wish I could stay much longer.”
Suzanna (Stromboli – 2015)
“I went last year and this was such an amazing time! Be prepared to work hard and learn tons! Srikanta is a fantastic teacher!”
Jennifer  (Costa Rica – 2012)

About the Instructors

Vojta is a Czech poi pioneer who excels at combining poi tech tricks with dance.  With a style and approach all his own, he has invented some innovative new poi techniques.
Vojta has shared his poi enthusiasm far and wide and taught more than a hundred workshops worldwide. In addition, he’s filmed many inspirational poi videos, including the world’s most watched poi video “The Future Is Now”. Check out Vojta’s videos and personal website to learn more about this talented Artist.

Srikanta was the first Contemporary Fire Dancer featured by the Cirque du Soleil (2007-2010), performing over 700 shows using fire poi, fire staff, double fire staff & double fire swords. He has 15 years of experience fire dancing including his position of Fire Dancing Coach and Lead Fire Dancer for Cirque Du Soleil.  Srikanta has taught poi & staff workshops at locations worldwide since 2003 and has created an Instructional Video Series called Dancing with the Fire Staff.  Click here for more info & to purchase.

Jen has been an integral part of Srikanta’s teaching since 2011.  As a teacher with a background in classic dance, she continues to help create and refine both their dance-based style of fire dance and the way it’s taught.  The two combine poi & staff technique with martial arts, acrobatics & dance in their shows as well as in their instructional classes.

Kevin (bio coming soon!)

Who is welcome to attend?

This Retreat is catered to those whom aspire to take their technique and act choreography a step further.  The poi and staff classes are intermediate/ advanced level and there are specific prerequisites (below).  The retreat is open to hobbyists as well as aspiring & professional artists.

The emphasis of the retreat is two-fold: improving technique with staff and/or poi AND building or refining choreography.

Instruction is given in English while French will be widely spoken as well.

ACCOMMODATION

The accommodation which is provided as part of the retreat package is on the Kedez compound.  The rooms are on the first story with the dance studios and kitchen below.  There are even a couple of trailers outside which can sleep a few people.  Its a great communal space and a fun creative atmosphere.

All participants will be required to share a room with 2-4 people per room (we’ll place you with someone of the same sex, if you prefer or with your friends or partner).   Alternatively, you may choose to find your own accommodation elsewhere.

THE RETREAT INCLUDES:

6 nights of accommodation at an Artistic Retreat Space. The week will consist of a 90 minute staff and/or poi workshop + open studio space every morning and a 2 hour assisted play/ experiment/ jam time every evening, M-F. The evening playtime will consist of different activities from guided individual play & experimentation to group games and activities. Focus will be on incorporating the mornings’ technical knowledge into play & performance, experimenting with movement elements, theatrical presentation & stage presence. The second hour of the evening session falls at dusk and flows into an impromptu glow & fire jam. Students can continue experimenting & playing on their own with unlit props or try out their new moves on fire!

Also included is a trip to the temple-ruin-like Carrier du Bon Temps to explore and jam, plus some built in down time to hit the river and to explore the village of Sommieres. Organic vegetarian meals can be booked (lunch and/or dinner) at 9eu per meal.

On Thursday we’ll have a fire jam at the Carrier and be filming student promos (for those interested in creating a fire or led promo of their act).

Instructional classes are held within 2 spacious studios on the Kedez compound. The studios are available almost around the clock for those who want to continue training or creating their acts.

Workshop Content & Prerequisites

Please do your best to understand the pre-requisites to ensure that the level of instruction is appropriate for you.  To enrol in the intermediate or advanced staff curriculum, please see the prerequisites for Staff Levels 2 & 3 respectively.  

TYPICAL RETREAT CONCEPTS:

STAFF:

  • Stage Presence and Character Building
  • Choreography and Act Building
  • Creative and Dramatic Choices- dare!
  • Maximizing effect: How to get a response from your public
  • Optimizing your training
  • Improvisation- Freedom of Movement/ Expression
  • Bringing out your own style
  • Advanced Fueling and Fire Safety Techniques
  • Research techniques in act creation
  • Creation Tips Technical help- music editing, etc.
  • Dancing with the unforseen- what to do when things don’t go as planned

POI:
– increasing our ability to learn fast by practising coordination, hand independence
– beautifying moves that you already can do (also individually)
– incorporating our body into the motion
– contrast moves, transitions between different planes, crosspoints
– anti-spin based moves (flowers, CAPs, wall plane & wheel plane hybrids and variations, 3Ds, cateyes)
– pirouettes, tracers, negative space
– under the legs, jumps
– hyperloops (orbitals, learning to exit from orbital, infinite hyperloops, looped-turning and plane changes)
– wraps (spiral wraps, body wraps)
– stalls, transitions between all the moves
– advanced butterfly variations
– behind the back moves
– one handed spinning & triple poi basics (from one-handed weaves to one-handed anti-spin patterns)

* note that we probably won’t be able to do all of this due to lack of time and the curriculum will be adapted to the skill level of the workshops participants. Individual instruction is possible.

NEED HELP PLANNING?

Once we’ve received your registration form and payment, we’ll be sending you a Student Orientation Guide with a ton of practical information to help you plan well and get the most out of your experience.  There is a lot of essential info in this guide including tips on getting to and from Sommières, what to pack, etc.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

Vojta, Srikanta & Kevin offer a special discounted rate for workshop participants interested in booking private one-on-one sessions. If you are interested in learning triple staffs, swords or double swords, please contact Srikanta or Vojta in advance to book your private session. It’s best to schedule these sessions in advance to guarantee availability.  You will also be able to sign up for free one-on-one sessions with any of the 4 instructors during the week with the specific intent of workshopping your own act creation/ personal choreography.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION*:

***As of Feb 19 2019, the retreat is full. Join us next time in April 2020!***

Please complete the Workshop Application Form.
After clicking on “submit”, you will be led to the retreat payment page where you may pay the 200eu deposit and complete your reservation.
If submitted correctly, we will send you a confirmation email within 72 hours.
*Please read the Fusion Arts Payment and Cancellation Policy for all applications.
Please contact us with any questions or for more information.

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE:

Sunday April 14th
6:30-8:00pm Student Orientation & Welcome/ Games + Apéro!
8pm Dinner (Organic vegetarian meals are available for 9eu/ meal)

Monday – Friday
8:30-10:00 am: Poi or Staff/ Open Studio (alternating)
10:15 am-11:45 am: Staff or Poi/ Open Studio (alternating)
8:30-11:45am:  Open Studio in Studio A (for those not participating in both poi & staff)
12pm Lunch (Organic vegetarian meals are available for 9eu/ meal)
11:45 am – 6:30 pm: Free Time + Open Studio Space for all
6:30-8:30 pm: Assisted play & experimentation time.  Choreography and Theatrical Workshops. Glow and fire jams.
8:30pm Dinner (Organic vegetarian meals are available for 9eu/ meal)

*In addition to this action-packed daily routine, the group sets out to explore the village, the river and the temple-ruin-like Carrier du Bon Temps.

Monday April 15
13h30-15h Group Hike to the Château of Sommières (Optional but awesome!)
6:30-8:30pm Instructor Presentations (yes, we’re performing for you!)/ Theatrical Games + Performance Concepts Discussion + Jam/ Act Building

Tuesday April 16
6-7pm Student Presentations (Optional)/ Discussion
7-9:30pm Fire Jam at the Carrier du Bon Temps

Wednesday April 17
6:30-8:30pm Student Presentations (Optional)/ Discussion + Jam/ Act Building

Thursday April 18
6pm Dinner
7-10pm Fire Act Presentation, Jam and filming at Carrier du Bon Temps (Optional but awesome!)

Friday April 19
6:30pm We’ll have a party/ Jam at the Kedez!!!

Saturday April 20
Morning: Check out the Saturday Morning Market in the village and gear up for…
12pm Farewell Picnic on the banks of the river

PROGRAM START & END TIMES

The 2019 Poi & Staff Retreat runs from 6:30pm on Sunday April 14th to 13pm on Saturday April 20th.  The farewell lunch on Saturday is optional and just for fun.  There are no activities planned on this day except packing up and saying goodbye.

***As of Feb 19 2019, the retreat is full. Join us next time in April 2020!***

PRICING:

Early Bird: Register before January 15
750eu Poi & Staff
600eu Poi or Staff
45eu/ lunches Monday-Friday (9eu per meal)
54eu/ dinners Sunday- Friday (9eu per meal)

Register After January 15:
850eu Poi & Staff
700eu Poi or Staff
45eu/ lunches Monday-Friday (9eu per meal)
54eu/ dinners Sunday- Friday (9eu per meal)