On the 21st September Fionna Greig and Aaron Hilton had the pleasure of twirling with the students of Jigalong Remote Community School. 

The kinder and lower primary students were an absolute ball of excitement learning new tricks on poi, staff, devil sticks and juggling balls.  We even learnt a few new tricks off some of our students. 

The older primary school students were interested in the history of poi as some had seen fire twirling before.  Quite enthusiastic to learn as many tricks as possible on all of the toys, they showed some very promising fire twirling skills for the future.

The high school students were quick learners of both the staff and poi.  When it came to the devil stick a new game was created, somewhat resembling a game of hacky sack, we now call it the 'Jig-a-long' and play it reguarly.  After they had mastered the art of staff twirling it was time to light up.

With a controlled day burn the high school students could get the feel and hear the roar of fire as they twirled on the oval.  The day burn is an extension of the safety involved with firetwirling.  All of the students were shown a fire twirling safety video and could now see in a practical situation the safety equipment required to make this a safe activity.

After the sun had sliped away it was time for some music and fun.  The whole community invited for a disco, where the students could play with their practice poi and staffs; which now had glow sticks attatched.  It was like a sea full of phosphorescence.

In front of the community a primary student and Fionna performed some glow stick tricks that they had worked on earlier in the day, greeted by applause.  Then Angela from  the high school took centre stage to show off her fire spectacular, greeted by much applause.  To wrap the night up Fionna and Aaron put on a fifteen minute fire show involving poi, staff, crazy stick and fire snakes.

We had a great time in Jigalong, taking away as much knowledge as we gave.  The students were a pleasure to teach and their willingness to learn was very encouraging.  We hope that we have left an impact in the community, as we left with a great impression about our experience.


Click on the photos to see a larger version.

You can email us at:
aaron@firetwirl.com.au
fionna@firetwirl.com.au