Temple of Poi

Isa is like the mother of flow arts. Ive read almost every article she has wrote (everything from performance to business) & have had the honor of getting advice from her on many different occasions that has helped my business as a flow artist tremendously. This extremely talented & inspiring woman is definitely worth your time. Her experience & knowledge shows in her work. Great communication skills & professional customer service. Highly recommended! Very lucky to have met such a great inspiration in many peoples lives. Once again thank you for everything isa.
–Tony Ra

I came to temple of poi because of the high ratings and because the owner was a member of a community I am also, which I like to support. My experience, however, was one that will have me recommending people do NOT do business here.
Bottom line: I paid $ 180 for ONE class, was injured terribly outside class (discs C5, C6, C7 and in my lumbar spine) and the owner was not only unwilling to discuss options or win-​win situations, she responded in a base, unprofessional, and frankly inhuman way. I was shocked. I am shocked. Even if she hadn’t offered any kind of option so I would not simply be out $ 180 (or technically $ 150, since I did take one class), she could have at least responded like a business woman. Or a human who had some level of authentic empathy and/​or awareness of professionalism.
I paid for classes in an eight week series upfront, knowing that I would need to miss two classes of that for work travel. One class in, I got incredibly sick and Isa suggested I just take the series in January instead (for an additional $ 50 fee –). I agreed.
Just before January’s class, I was then injured terribly (I was literally unable to walk or turn my head, so definitely couldn’t spin) When I relayed this information to her, and asked if she had a suggestion as to what I should do (note: I did not ask for a refund or even make suggestions myself as to what I might think was fair — I simply told her of my injuries and asked what she suggested I do given the circumstances), this is literally how she responded via email:
«Wow. You have to be kidding me. You bailed on me after I gave you a spot in two classes and I got screwed because I could have made money on someone else. No way am I going out of my way for you»
Have you ever asked someone something nicely, only to have them turn around and completely bite your head off? Do you know that feeling? That is how I felt reading her message. Completely out of left field and shocked.
I had asked in a professional and friendly way — and not even for a refund – and the response I received was not only unprofessional, but incredibly base and insensitive — this person is a good example of the «rainbows and unicorns/​be kind and love all» ruse that runs rampant in SF — it’s a complete farce as to the real person pontificating «love and peace». I guess being currently in PT for injuries that don’t allow me to even function is considered «bailing» ?? Don’t do business here if there is any chance you could be in a car accident during those eight weeks, lest you be labeled a flake.
I think her email speaks for itself in revealing who this person really is, and it is not the happy hippie persona who loves everyone.
1. «wow. you have to be kidding me» (No, not kidding, but I’m not sure what she thought I was kidding about when I hadn’t even asked for anything specifically.)
2. I «bailed» on her? (apparently sustaining life altering spinal injuries is a really flaky thing to do to someone)
3. She «gave» me a spot?
4. She feels she «got screwed» by my inability to participate. (I wonder if talked to my clients this way how that would work out? And, pretty sure it was actually the other way around, considering I am now in pain, physical therapy, AND also out $ 150 since I can’t participate)
5. She could have made money on someone else. (Yes. This is exactly how she sees her students. Big $ and nothing more. I suppose many businesses do, but having worked at a gym and several yoga studios, I know how things like this are usually handled. This is not it. a future credit, partial refund, hold on class, or even a rare «Im sorry, we can’t do anything for you» response is the norm. This is not.)
Honestly, it says a lot about this business and how they are doing that less than $ 200 (a lot to me, as a teacher) is such an issue. They must be struggling, and after interacting with them, I can see why. That does not, however, explain or condone the shocking response I received after asking what she suggested given that I had paid and could not participate.
Stay away from this business and this woman, unless you like inauthentic rainbows and unicorns hiding a really base unprofessional.

I took my first class at Temple of Poi in 2002. It changed my life. Isa gave me a huge gift (of the many) way back when: to enact the power of YET! «I don’t have this trick *yet.*» So beautiful! Empowering, grounded, truthful, positive, creating possibility without pressure. That is just a big act of YES in the world. And it applies to EVERYTHING!
I’m blown away by how quickly she responds in class. And how she can see what each person is doing and can be so incredibly clear about how to overcome the obstacle. «Scoop with your right hand, there… there… there… YES! Did you feel that?» Really clear specific feedback is actually transformative. And her attitude of practicing your edge, it’s like she zooms up to the tender scary bits with a giant smile and gentle wise attention and says, «How can we make this more fun? Would you rather be in the light than this dark place? Right this way…»
I strongly, strongly recommend Temple of Poi!

I’m fascinated by Glitter Girls passion. I have been a fan of hers since the beginning. I have watched her grow over the last several years from the very first time I saw her at the Crucible way back when.
Her commitment to this work is outstanding and I truly believe that she has paved the way for so many. I only hope that the new comers to this community can understand what it truly takes to make it in this business. Myself included.
Her articles drip with depth and I enjoy getting each and every one of them. So much pours out of her that I’m amazed she still has the energy to continue. A true inspiration.
No need for any matches round here, that Glitter Girl is on fire!

To put it mildly connecting with Isa and the Temple of Poi has transformed my life. It is a pleasure being one of Isa’s and the Temple of Poi’s many students.
I first picked up poi about 12 years ago and it was an on and off again hobby, mostly off. Then at Outside Lands 2013 someone let me use their poi and that feeling of being in flow convinced me that I wanted to pursue this practice in a more serious way. This lead me to reach out to Isa and the Temple of Poi. I went in and did an assessment of my skills and dropped in on a few classes. That was just the start. It has now been a year and I have taken classes almost non-​stop.
With Isa’s teaching, direction, and connection to the flow arts community I have integrated poi into my life as daily practice. She has helped me past my sticking points, opened my mind to new families of moves, taught me to be comfortable spinning fire and preforming in front of large crowds, introduced me to the process of choreography, and showed me a very welcoming community of passionate, awesome, and talented people.
All of this has impacted me in way I could not of anticipated. The meditative aspects of poi as a practice have helped ground me mentally and enhanced the connection between my mind and my body. The physical aspects have grown my strength significantly, improved my posture, eliminated my back pain from a career of computer work, and sustainably brought my weight to a much more healthy place. This is just one year later and I see no slowing down. I have built a ritual of spending the first moments of my morning spinning and it hard not to start the day off without a smile. I can’t wait to see what I learn and incorporate in this next year.
I have great flow in my life and I can’t thank you enough Isa! I am immensely grateful to be your student.

I’m writing to review the 6 week Beginner Poi Moves class.
As you can guess by the star rating on this review, I’m a big fan of the class I took at Temple of Poi. The course material is structured very well such that you always feel like you’re making progress. If you take 15 – 20 minutes a day to practice outside of class you’ll find yourself amazed at how far you come in just four weeks.
The course instructor, Nova, is also excellent. He is absurdly knowledgeable about poi and he is always happy to share tidbits of knowledge, even if they feel like they’re outside the scope of the class. What’s more, he’s also super friendly and patient, which is necessary when your students are busy smacking themselves with projectiles for 90 minutes.
Overall I’m super happy that I went to Temple of Poi to get started with my poi practoce. The welcoming environment has made me fall in love with spinning and I’ll definitely be coming back for more classes.

I’m writing to review the «Zero to Fire» family class we did last week, which was a fantastic experience. Participants were three adults and two kids, ages 11 and 13.
Isa did a great job of communicating in advance to set expectations and make sure we were prepared with the right clothes etc. (and to build excitement).
The actual evening of the class, we started with a review of the safety information and the Temple of Poi philosophy. Isa brought samples of different materials, and demonstrated why it was important to only use fabric that was fire safe.
Then, we went outside for some training with beanbag poi on a series of simple moves. There was a very wide range of experience and physical ability in the group, and Isa was terrific with everyone – very encouraging and patient, and very good at explaining the movements to us all.
Then, we changed into our fire-​safe apparel and began the fire portion of the class.
We started with an extensive fire-​safety section to ensure that everyone would be comfortable spinning fire. Isa had us pass our hands through the fire, wrap it around our bodies, squat over it, and put it out safely. We practiced each thing until each person was completely comfortable managing the depot, being the Safety, and handling a handled chain with a big flaming wick at the bottom of it. The younger kid in particular started out being very fearful, and Isa was so beautifully patient and encouraging with her (with us all). The child did conquer her fears, and it was clear that it was extremely empowering to her to work through them and be able to feel confident that she could manage the fire.
Then, we each had the opportunity to spin. I expect that it will be no surprise to anyone reading this review that it’s a completely thrilling experience to be in the center of the whoosh and heat of a couple of beautiful flaming poi. We were all having an awesome time trying our moves and supporting each other. What a rush for ALL of us!
And then we concluded the class with a little demonstration by Isa, showing us what’s possible with focus and practice. Beautiful!
I could not possibly recommend this class too highly. Every one of us loved it, and it was a major topic of conversation for the rest of our family vacation week. Even if we never do it again (and I hope we do!), it will be a uniquely special and memorable experience to have had as a family. Excellent, excellent, excellent!

This review is for the Fire Dancing Expo in Union Square.
My family and I love this event. It is magnificent.
I can’t say enough about how wonderful all of the performances are. We love the expert acts because they are awe inspiring, we love the beginner acts (because heck, maybe would could learn to do it to). The whole expo/​performance just feels wonderful and is so fun to watch.
Thanks for having this as a free, all ages inclusive event.

Isa is a great instructor! I went into her intro to poi class with some poi experience and left with some new really fun & useful fundamentals. She broke down some basics and worked in combos, and gave great individual instruction. She’s also an awesome performer. I highly recommend her class whether you’re aiming to become a pro or just want to try something different. Take her class!

My partner and I have been taking the beginner moves class with Nova for the past 6 weeks and we are completely hooked!
First, the class itself is great. The pace is pretty good and what we have learned really has helped us to expand on our own practice (and motivated me to practice more!). Second, Nova is a very patient teacher. Let me tell you — having a calm poi instructor is incredibly important as you whack yourself in the face or other places (the butterfly is the most dangerous of all living creatures). Finally, Isa (the studio owner) is such a nice person. She regularly checks in by e-​mail and informs us of future opportunities to expand our flow repertoire.
I am planning on signing up for many more classes with Temple of Poi. I just wish that their studio was closer, but honestly… it’s completely worth the drive!

My sweet boyfriend gifted me lessons here at the Temple of Poi. We were wanting to take a class together, and somehow ended up here. and we couldn’t be happier. :) We had such a great time learning with our gifted instructor, Patrick. He was very friendly, patient, and talented. The small class really allowed the opportunity for individualized attention and care — since everyone learns at a different pace.
Isa was also so kind and accommodating towards us. I immediately felt like we were friends, and her spunky and fun attitude made us feel very welcome. She worked really hard with the group to make sure we could all attend the following classes — which, I felt went above and beyond her duties. Great customer service!
We loved it so much we are going to continue with more classes in the near future!
Thanks Isa and Pat for such a great experience!

I have taken classes there for a few months now, and I have really enjoyed them. The classes have taken me well out of my «zone» which was the main motivation in taking these classes. The instructors (Isa and Nova) have been positive and patient and encouraging. They have been great about breaking down the moves in a way that I have been able to have my mind/​body take it on.
Spinning poi (or any sort of flow arts/​dance) is not something that comes naturally to me, but that is not the point, the point is I am learning, doing something different, and really enjoying it all.

I’ve taken classes at the Temple of Poi for over seven years and I think they are fantastic! All the instructors are very knowledgeable and patient and have a really supportive positive attitude. Even if you feel you are someone who is not coordinated or graceful, you will feel comfortable and supported here.
This week for the first time I had a 1:1 poi lesson with Isa! Even better than the excellent standard classes (that usually have about 6 students). It was really wonderful having even more individualized attention that was tailored even closer to my skill level. Best of all it was really, really fun!

I started working with Isa in 2004. Poi has, quite literally, changed my life for the better! Not only have I learned a joyful and unusual talent, but I have been able to participate in amazing performance opportunities (such as the FREE Temple of Poi Fire Expo Isa organizes every Spring in Union Square!) as well as having had the privilege of meeting a beautiful community of creative, magnificent people.
Isa is an incredibly patient teacher. She has not just taught me how to spin poi, she has helped me reshape how I think about new challenges. Poi is not just about what cool tricks you can do — there is a whole spirituality that comes along with it that you can access if you wish. Spinning poi helps me think about where else I am in «Flow» — or not in it — in other areas of my life.
Isa can take the most complicated and daunting move and break it down for you. She literally will draw pictures if needed. She has an arsenal of analogies, shortcuts, and stories to help crack the «technicialities» behind poi and make it accessible for students at all levels. She is constantly seeking out new information and moves to pass along to her students and works around the clock to keep herself at the edge of her abilities. You could not ask for a more brilliant and informative teacher.
If you are a new student to Temple of Poi, prepare yourself for an incredibly fun and energetic set of classes that will expand your range of motion and creativity!
Isa is great about sending out all the information you need to know about the class ahead of time, as well as keeping her website up to date. While there is nothing out of the oridinary, you will need to read the policies and be accountable for what you agree to when you sign up. Take advantage of the information she gives you — it’s incredibly valuable!
Most of all — have fun. Isa really knows how to make that happen in a class!

Where do I begin?
A couple of years back I was fascinated by a fire dance performance, and decided that I had to learn the art of fire dancing. I was lucky enough that the one and only best school (Temple of Poi) in California, and possibly U.S. was right here in my back yard in San Francisco!
I took the beginner series boot camp, because I wanted to learn all of the basics. I was hooked. The teachers, and the founder Isa care genuinely about the success of each and every student. They are extremely knowledgeable, and provide everyone with the tools to succeed. They encourage you to practice, and after even a couple of sessions you see how much progress you have made! (Granted you practice at least a couple of minutes a day).
It gets better though, because this has been such an inspiration to learn about the art of Fire Poi. I have started performing with the fire poi, and glow poi. I am hoping that this will be my full time occupation at some point, and I wouldn’t have been able to take the steps towards becoming a performer without Isa and the rest of the teachers at Temple of Poi (Sparky and Bevin — you guys rock!).
So how’s that for an inspiration? Anyone can learn! Not only I learned how to do some amazing stuff with poi, I also got inspired to pursue my dream of becoming a professional performer. And Isa, has been very instrumental in this. As a matter of fact, she is still a huge part of this journey, and I have started to take private performance coaching classes with her. After a first session last night, I feel like an elite athlete who’s got a private coach and is training for the Olympics. Isa’s level of professionalism is unparalleled, and her energy and enthusiasm are contagious!

I used a Savvy Avenue e-​coupon for a class with two companions quite some time ago (during 2010? I think?), so this is a review for an old negative experience that hasn’t really felt any better with time, so a review is finally in order.
After very poor communication by email, I was able to finally schedule the class and there was a misunderstanding about the class start time. We showed up at the website start time but Isa’s personal calendar said 2 hours later. The exchange that took place between us was just uncalled for, and really unprofessional. She accused me of lying to her about our email exchanges. She expected us to wait around 2 hours for her preferred start time. (She DID hold class when other students showed up at the earlier website-​stated time, which made this whole exchange even more ridiculous. Incidentally, I never received an apology for her attitude or her accusations.)
One of my companions (who inspired me to take this class in the first place) has said that this experience has really soured their opinion of the SF poi scene. I have to agree. Isa’s behavior was anything but inspiring, and I wouldn’t give Isa another dime. They not only lost 3 potentially long-​term customers/​students, but now we wouldn’t recommend the Temple of Poi to anyone, ever.
It’s possible this was just a case of Groupon Syndrome, where throwing out all those coupons to the various discount sites drummed up more customers than the business could comfortably handle, and customer service suffers as a result. However, just because this experience really affected how I feel about the business of teaching poi (or any other form of expression), I think this is more than just a crappy cup of coffee or a cold pizza.
I expected better, but I think 1 star is pretty generous.

This review if for the performance that happens each year in union square.
If you haven’t been to see their performance then you are missing out on one of the cultural finds of SF. It happens once a year, union square, and it brings together hundreds of performing artists into the heart on union square for an inspiring show.

Isa is an amazing teacher, she’s upbeat, fun, encouraging and AMAZING to watch. My class was an awesome workout and way way way more fun than a boring trip to the gym.
I highly encourage everyone to give it a try. Being left handed and pretty uncoordinated I was worried about keeping up with more normal people but the class size was small enough to accomodate some invidual instruction and I felt pretty comfortable right away.
Slightly dodgy neighborhood late at night. I parked in the lot of Minna and 5^th. Totally worth paying 7 bucks versus walking by myself around 6^th or Minna.

UPDATE BELOW: The owner contacted me via email to my blackberry at 1:17am, demanding I update my review. Below my original review is her email to me. My entire review is honest of my experience, so I’m not sure where the slander is. However, ever since I purchased the Groupon from Temple of Poi, I’ve received weekly spam emails in my inbox, which I’ve kept to show Groupon what kind of businesses they’re including on their site.
Original Unilocal Review
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I purchased beginner fire dance lessons from Temple of Poi on Groupon, thinking it would be a fun thing to do. Before booking, I looked at the schedule and they did not have weekend classes. However, after contacting the school, they said they would start offering Saturday classes once a month.
So we booked the first available Saturday class, which was supposed to be this Saturday. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend, so I contacted them today, Tuesday, giving them plenty of notice of my need to reschedule. However, they would not reschedule me, and were not flexible with it at all.
Being Unilocal Elite, I fully believe in good customer service, especially in times of recession like this. With that being said, I do not recommend Temple of Poi to anyone on my Unilocal,Facebook, or Myspace pages. There are other activities and events out there that actually want to teach you things, instead of just taking your $ and running off with it.
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Here is the email I received from the owner.
Vi:
You wrote in your email:
I just found a deal to Hawaii I can’t pass up. Hotel/​air from SFO to
Maui is $ 224/​person! :) I know the class doesn’t have refunds, but
could you please please make an exception, because we still really
want to try it out. :)
You wanted me to make an exception and lose money because you wanted to run off to maui and play, knowing what my policies are. Our policy is clearly listed on the web site — no changing dates unless i get 7+ days notice — and it was clearly in the email you received from me. Yet you wanted me to lose money and accommodate you because of your selfish attitude? And then you post a slanderous review of my business because you didn’t get your way?
You must be joking!
Would you like an opportunity to make your review right before I contact Unilocal about the slanderous review?
Let me know.
Blessings,
…isa
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I’m not sure how she lost money, considering I already paid in full for the class. Basically, she kept the full amount, and I didn’t get to take the class. Who lost $ here? Whether I went to Hawaii or I had a death in the family, the outcome is the same, I could not make it to the class. Instead of rectifying the matter by coming up with a compromise, I was written a threat email. Nothing in my posting is untrue or «slander», so I’m not sure why Unilocal would remove the posting. Horrible customer service, now with threats even? I think it’s time for a restraing order…

We went to the 4^th annual Temple of Poi Festival on Sat 4÷25÷09 FREE at Union Square part of the National Dance Week. Awesome fun. Too bad it was so Cold outside!
We were there waiting starting at 7pm and it started at 8:05pm. Show was really long. We stayed until 10pm and it was still going.
Lots of dancers that spin w/​fire. I loved the International Dancers from Japan, France, Scotland, etc. Local people from SF, Oakland were good too.
I hope they do it Every Yr.
Tip: Bring a chair if you’re late, blanket, gloves, beanie, lots of clothes cuz SF can be COLD at Night!
Website: