You’ve mastered the baton, but that’s not enough for you. You’re ready for the next level: fire twirling. Although spinning a baton that’s on fire seems cool, it can be quite dangerous. To ensure safety, always check your equipment before use. Check each area for signs of wear, and fix them, such as keeping your wick trimmed and not frayed. Wear tight-fitting clothing, sticking to natural fabrics and cloth, and avoid extremely flammable synthetics and fleece. Tie back long hair, and refrain from using hair spray and other highly flammable products. Instead, try wetting your hair, which will both keep it in place and safe from the flames. Never spin alone. You are in danger if you spin without a buddy to be there in case of an accident. Your spotter should hold onto a fire blanket and fire extinguisher in case of an emergency. Take your audience into consideration; their safety is in your hands. Always be aware of where your audience is in relation to your performance. Your dipping station should be some place away from the performance and the audience in a well-marked area. Practice your routine before incorporating the flame. When you’re ready to perform, ready for the real deal, always light from below the wick, pointing away from your face and your fuel station. When you’re done, store your baton in a metal baton case for safety. If mistakes are made, seek medical attention for burn injuries right away. The most important thing is to know what you can handle. Be honest with yourself. Your safety is a top priority. For more tips and a wide array of baton accessories, go online to Starline Baton, or call 931-528-7829.

Posted: 10/9/2019