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Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School ( 866/DRAGSTER [37247837] or 856/753-8000; www.dougfoley.com).

When to Go: Courses are scheduled throughout the year nationwide; check the website for details and schedule.

300

Congo Camp

Feel the Beat

Maui, Hawaii, and Pike, California, U.S.A.

Whether you’re a drummer, a dancer, or just excited about joining a group of people who are, Congo Camp is your chance to live out your fantasy. Imagine a community of hundreds of people dedicated to one thing: drumming, and the dancing that accompanies it. Whether you’re an expert Congolese drummer, or a newcomer looking to share in the fun of dancing to the ancient rhythms of Africa, Congo Camp is a great chance to hone your skills in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. And the thrill of playing side by side with others who share your passion only makes the experience that much more exhilarating.

There are two camps each year; a summer camp is held in July in the forested mountain community of Pike, California, midway between Sacramento and Reno, Nevada. Winter camp is held in March at Camp Keanae on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Each camp lasts about 10 days, but those who show up for a day or who want to attend classes on a drop-in basis are also welcome. Work-study opportunities are also available. Classes in singing and dancing as well as drumming are held several times each day, and there are more informal sessions held at special events like the Hawaiian beach party.

Congolese drumming involves much more than the sound from a musical instrument—it’s described as an all-encompassing, empowering communal experience, and the camp reflects that tradition. Food is served three times a day, and children are welcomed to participate in supervised arts and crafts, dance and musical activities. Indoor and outdoor camping accommodations are available. There’s even an African-style marketplace where vendors display handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and more. And for folks who want to enjoy the atmosphere without attending classes, the camps welcome vacationers who simply want to relax, swim, sunbathe, and soak up the good vibrations. —ML

Congo Camp ( 530/288-3603;www.congolesecamp.com).

When to Go: Mar or July; check website for exact dates.

Sacramento (85 miles/137km) or Maui (30 miles/48km).

301

Fire Dancing Boot Camp

Baby, Light My Fire

Major Cities across the U.S.A.

Flames are whipping around your head and body in a flash of light and heat while the speakers are thumping out a rhythmic bass groove. A disco inferno? Not exactly—you’re at fire dancing boot camp, and you’re learning the ancient art of poi, having a blast and getting one of the best workouts of your life. Originally practiced by the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand, poi—which translates as “ball”—was used to enhance strength and flexibility by men and women alike. The weighted poi ball is tethered to a rope and swung in a coordinated rhythm to work out arm, shoulder, and back muscles. And once you’ve mastered the initial steps, the poi is set aflame and suddenly you’re caught up in a brilliant dance with fire.

Playing with fire at the Temple of Poi fire dancing boot camp.

Novices are encouraged to take a few poi classes before attempting fire poi. (Classes are reasonably priced at around $20 per class.) In addition to poi, fire staffs, hoops, and fans can be incorporated, depending on the class level and instructor. Boot camps and lessons are offered in a number of major cities, but California has earned its reputation as a hotbed of fire dancing, and well-regarded schools such as Fire Groove in Los Angeles (www.firegroove.com), Fire Arts Collective in Oakland, and San Francisco’s Temple of Poi (www.templeofpoi.com) offer a series of boot camps, online classes, DVDs, performances, private lessons, and respected instructors with years of experience and safety training. There are several levels of classes available, often with discounts for multi-class series.

Fire dancing has, in just a few years, gone from being a cult-like practice