Barefoot Daisy's Artistry of A Cultural Dance

​ Interview with Art Loft on PBS: "Belly Dancing in Key Largo"
​Art Loft | Belly Dancing in Key Largo | Season 7 | PBS

Bellydance is one of Barefoot Daisy's cultural dance studies. Watch her teach, Lolo of PBS's Art Loft, some belly dance moves at the Key Largo Yoga studio. Lolo wanted to know what inspired Florida Keys Belly Dancer, Daisy to belly dance and how she incorporated her pet ball pythons and the fire element into her performances. Daisy taught her some of the moves from the "Awaken The Snake Goddess" bellydance workshop she created. The workshop which was inspired by watching her pet snakes' serpentine movements. Daisy, created Florida Keys Belly Dance as a way to connect students with teachers and promote the art of bellydance throughout The Florida Keys.

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Private Dance Classes Price Packages

Upper Florida Keys Only (Islamorada, Port Antigua, Venetian Shores, Plantation Key, Tavernier, Key Largo, Ocean Reef)
Hourly Rate (One Hour Private Class)
• $75 Single Dancer
• $35 Per Person for 2 Dancers
• $25 Per Person for 3-4 Dancers
• $20 Per Person for 5-12 Dancers
• $375 Dance Parties and Bachelorette Parties

Upcoming Classes & Workshops

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Spring Fire Dance Safety Workshop
Tuesday, April 8th
12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Islamorada, FL
(Address Provided Privately)
Must RSVP via Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, PayPal $50 Includes Lunch and Beverage

Fire Dance Workshop Outline
Why Attend This Workshop?

For Fire Performers:
This is more than just fire safety training. You will gain first hand knowledge from my experiences, so you don’t have to learn these lessons the hard way. We will go through troubleshooting real-world scenarios, venue approval strategies, and performance techniques to help you succeed in the industry. You will also get to network with other local fire artists you may want to collaborate with on an act or project.

For Venue Managers & Event Planners:
Get to know your local fire artists and their specialties! I will be inviting local fire performers to join the panel. Fire performances can elevate your venues guest experience, making events unforgettable and setting you apart from competitors. I will cover how to vet fire performance companies and ensure fire effects like sparklers and fire dancers are executed safely and professionally. Many Florida Keys venues already trust me due to my reputation for fire safety, and I’ll show you how to confidently book fire performers without added liability.

Why Fire Performances Are Perfect for Florida Keys Venues

Tropical Island Ambiance: Fire performances enhance the paradise setting of the Keys, adding a mesmerizing visual element to sunset and beachside events.

Destination Weddings & Luxury Events: Couples and event planners seek unique entertainment, and fire dancers create a magical, social media-worthy experience.

Outdoor-Friendly Entertainment: Fire performances are well-suited for the open-air, waterfront spaces that define the Florida Keys event scene.

Competitive Edge: Offering fire entertainment makes a venue stand out as an exciting, high-end destination for private events, festivals, and weddings.

1. Fire Safety Essentials

• Understanding fire behavior and the fire triangle: Fuel, Heat, Oxygen.
• How to eliminate oxygen to extinguish flames.
• Emergency response procedures and fire safety plans. We’ll go over what to look for when your looking around your fueling area and dance space.
• Fire safety team roles and why they are essential.
• Fire blankets, extinguishers, and first aid kits: When and how to use them.

2. Materials, Fuel, and Storage

• Common Fire Props (Kevlar Wicked): Fire fans, fire swords, dragon fire staff, fire poi, fire palms, fire wands, and fire headdress.
• Fuel types and properties: Ultra-Pure Paraffin Lamp Oil vs. White Gas: burn time, soot levels, and safety considerations.
• Safe fueling process and storage: Fire and water-resistant rolling storage box.
• 1-gallon metal paint can for fueling.
• Safe dipping and shaking off excess fuel.

3. Costuming and Performance Preparation

• Non-flammable costume materials and why they matter.
• Fire-safe hair and skin protection.
• Practicing in costume before the show.

4. Performance Space & Venue Approval

• Indoor vs. Outdoor Performances: Ventilation, ceiling height, and fire suppression indoors.
• Wind conditions and space control outdoors.
• Venue approval process: Getting permission from venue management and local authorities.
• Requirements for fire performer insurance.
• Flame effects operator permits.

5. Audience Safety & NFPA 160 Compliance:

• Required distance from the audience.
• How to navigate performance space safely.
• Special considerations for tight spaces like outdoor restaurants.

6. Role of a Fire Safety Assistant (and Why I Pay Mine Well!)

• Inspecting props before the show.
• Ensuring backup props are packed.
• Managing the fueling station.
• Keeping audience members at a safe distance.
• Monitoring environmental factors (wind, humidity, venue conditions).
• Not walking away or getting complacent and always staying alert.
• Communication and emergency planning to protect the performers safety and reputation.

7. Emergency Response & Incident Mitigation

• Fire extinguisher training (why and when to use CO2 vs. water).
• Handling minor burns and first aid best practices.
• Steps to follow if a prop malfunctions or a costume catches fire.

8. Understanding Flame Effects & Narrative Description

• How different flame effects enhance a performance.
• Timing fire breathing and fire eating with wind conditions.
• Integrating fire into choreography for flow and audience impact.

9. Troubleshooting & Real-World Scenarios

• What to do when a venue initially says no to fire performances.
• Handling last-minute changes and unexpected safety concerns.
• Common mistakes performers make and how to avoid them.
• How to educate clients and venues on fire safety to build trust.
• What to do if something goes wrong during a performance.

10. How to Vet Fire Performance Companies (For Venue Managers & Event Planners)

• Red flags that indicate an inexperienced or unsafe performer.
• Questions to ask before booking a fire act.
• Why hiring an insured, trained performer protects your venue.
• My personal experiences working with different venues and how fire-friendly venues can gain a competitive edge.

Hands-On Training Workshops:

Workshop 2: Hands-On Training Without Fire

• Proper handling of unlit fire props.
• Safe spinning techniques and how to control momentum.
• Practicing costume safety and prop handling without fuel.
• Partner exercises to develop communication with a fire safety assistant.
• Simulated audience navigation in different performance environments.

Workshop 3: Live Fire Drills & Performance Readiness

• Participants will light up only if drills are performed correctly.
• Controlled fire drills with small fire palms.
• Learning to safely light and extinguish props.
• Real-world performance simulations with fire safety procedures.
• Final evaluation before receiving a fire performance training certificate with Islamorada Barefoot Fire Dance.
• Private fire dance lessons and workshops will be available once you receive certificate of completion.

Conclusion & Q&A

• Recap of key safety points.
• Open discussion on real-life fire performance scenarios.
• Hands-on safety drill review (Only for Hands-on Workshop).

By completing this training, you will not only be a safer fire performer but also a more professional and marketable entertainer. Venue managers will gain the confidence to host fire performances, making their venue stand out as a premier event space in the Florida Keys.

Bellynesian Choreo 2-Hour Workshop

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Check back soon for the next public lesson!
• Awaken The Snake Goddess Bellydance Workshops
• Fire Dance Workshops
​• Bellynesian Choreo Workshop
• Bellynesian Fire Dance Workshops