Wowza South Africa
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Wowza aims to provide unique and classy performances for various events, from private functions, to corporate and team building events, to stage performances and even concerts! We aim to bring fire dancing, a diverse art form, into the mainstream hospitality industry. We not only provide the usual freestyle performers, but also choreographed shows with complimentary acts such as belly dancing and drumming.
We want to break the stigma and existing negative image associated with fire dancers specifically by putting a new spin on who we are and what we do. We are professional, experienced entrepreneurs who want to fill a gap in the entertainment market. Previously fire dancing and other complimentary skills have been seen as part of an isolated community with similar interests. Our goal is to break away from that barrier.
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Fire Poi
The Flower
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The first known fire poi shows were part of private men's rituals in Hawaii. Traditional knife spinning was modified to include fire in 1946, then known as fire knife. The first public appearance of these rituals started around 1959, and became a tourist attraction by the early 1960s.
Fire poi are constructed from chain, with kevlar blend wicks, sometimes also stuffed on the inside with more absorbing non-melting material such as cotton, that can be soaked in fuel and set on fire. Fuels used include paraffin, kerosene, naphtha (also called "white gas") or alcohol. Each geographic and social cluster of performers has its preferred fuel. Typically these decisions are based more on legality and availability than on showmanship. Though each fuel has its strengths and weaknesses, proponents of any given fuel tend to be fiercely faithful to their particular type. Generally kerosene seems to be the safest choice for fire spinning, due to its low burning temperature.
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The Spiral
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Many kinds of fire poi are available, the simplest utilizing two wicks. The fire wicks are generally one of four varieties, a cylindrical wrap, cathedral stack (square), a monkey fist knot or a braid tied with kevlar blend rope. Some performers select their wicks according to the performance they intend to give, controlling their burn time and the brightness of the flames. Other variations of fire poi include multiple wicks, snakes (a length of rope, or long kevlar/hybrid wick that can produce a long flame), Toi (torches with a short poi chain and grip), hollow wicks (providing short lived but very bright flame), and sculpted wicks for specific theme shapes.
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Partners in Fire...
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The company is owned by Robyn Cameron and Ryan Heystek who both have a varied amount of experience in the world of Fire Dancing and Poi.
Robyn has been fire dancing for over 8 years on a freelance basis. She has gained her skills through various performances (at restaurants, clubs, for TV adverts etc) and from a general passion for this alternate form of exercise and entertainment. Her drive has led her to continue to learn and improve and look for bigger and better things to come.
Alternatively, Ryan has been fire dancing for over 8 years on a freelance basis. He is constantly improving and learning through practical experience from a variety of different performances (from restaurants, to club openings, to corporate events). Through his passion for hands on experience and networking, Ryan is now looking to apply this in a more formalised way.
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Target Market of Wowza
Their target market is diverse. They offer our service to anyone looking for that wow factor at their event, whether it’s a private birthday party, launch of a new club/restaurant or a large corporate event.
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What Wowza Offer
Individual performances
- usually 1 or 2 freestyle fire dancers for 30 minutes
- this can be for a longer time period
Choreographed performances
- 2 or more fire dancers doing a choreographed show
- usually 5-7 min long but is flexible depending on how many fire dancers
Complimentary acts
- Belly dancers, drummers, DJs etc.
This art form is one that needs and deserves any and all exposure. Their incredible talent is testament to their individual contribution and commitment to their company! Each of the artists bring their own set of skills to company and individual talent to the performances.
ZAGlamour was privileged enough to host these two talented artists at our previous event, "Fire and Ice" held at the glamorous AMI Restaurant and Champagne Bar. Their performance was incredible to say the least and the reception they received was a true reflection of what lies ahead for this talented duo!
We at ZAGlamour are proud to be supporters of this proudly South African talent.
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