Hi tribe!

I'm Kristen, worshipper of fire (among other things) but total and complete newbie when it comes to dancing with the element. I've been bellydancing my heart out for the last year or so, and am looking to spice it up a bit. I saw a woman with what I now know as glowing "poi" rings at a drumming event and thought to myself, "I want that, but for fire." So I searched and searched and finally found this tribe! (Hooray!)

Are there any local NYC/NJ folks who get together and play with fire? I'd love to just come for a night and watch how it's done. Are there any products that are better than others to learn with? I'm just spinning with excitement and don't know where to start.

Thanks!
Kristen