Fire fan facts for kids
A fire fan is a special fan-shaped tool used in exciting fire performances. It's made from strong materials like metal and special ropes called Kevlar wicks that don't burn easily. These wicks are soaked in fuel and lit to create amazing fire effects. Fire fans are used by performers to create beautiful and exciting shows.
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Ways to Perform with Fire Fans
Fire Fans in Belly Dance
Fire fans are often used in belly dance, especially in a style called tribal fusion. Belly dancers usually move the fans slowly and gracefully. They combine the fan movements with the flowing hip and arm movements that are special to belly dance.
Fast Spinning Tricks
Some performers, called "tech spinners," use fire fans in a way similar to poi. They spin the fans very fast and do many complex tricks. Many moves from poi, like weaves and flowers, can also be done with fire fans. Fans can even be used like small double hoops. There are also unique moves just for fans, like "choo choos."
Mixing Dance and Tricks
Some fire fan performers combine both styles. They mix the slower, more graceful dance moves from belly dance with the faster, trick-focused moves of tech spinners. This creates a unique and exciting performance style.
Different Kinds of Fire Fans
Torch Wick Fans
Torch wick fans are a popular choice for performers of all skill levels. They usually have between 3 and 7 spokes (the parts that stick out). These fans are often made from aluminum or steel. Each material has its own good and bad points.
Most torch wick fans have at least one ring at the bottom. This ring helps the performer hold and spin the fan. Some fans have many rings, or no rings at all. The size of the rings can be very different, from small (3 cm) to large (10 cm). In North America, tech spinners often use a small ring for one finger. In Russia, tech spinners tend to use a larger ring that their whole hand can pass through.
Rope Wick Fans
Rope wick fans are built a bit like torch wick fans. However, the spokes on a rope fan end in rings. A piece of Kevlar rope is threaded through these rings. Rope fans usually create a bigger flame than torch fans. It can be tricky to add fuel to rope wick fans without a special tray. Many performers pour the fuel over the fan into a special container to keep it safe.
Collapsible Fans
Collapsible fans have a hinge at their base, so they don't have finger loops. This can make some spinning tricks difficult. Because of this, collapsible fans are often used for slower movements and posing. They can look very impressive when they are opened wide. Some collapsible fans can open completely flat (180 degrees), unlike static fans which usually open to about 90 degrees. Their ability to open and close adds a new dimension to a performance.
While these are the most common types, many people who build their own fire equipment also design new and creative fans.
LED Fans
Sometimes, fire can't be used in a performance space. In these places, performers might use LED fans. These fans have LED lights instead of wicks. They create a bright light show without any flames.
Images for kids
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A performer using fire fans.
