A lifetime of play, movement, performance and connection
Hi, my name is Brad Russell.
For more than two decades, I’ve had the privilege of playing, performing, teaching and exploring the world of Fire Twirling and Flow Arts.
Over that time, I’ve developed extensive industry experience across movement, prop construction and maintenance, fire safety, performance ethics, choreography, stage management, workshop facilitation and teaching.
For me, it has always been more than learning tricks or spinning props.
It’s about the physical, mental, emotional and social benefits that movement, play and creativity can bring into people’s lives.
I’d love to share that with you.
Where it all began
I’ve had a lifelong fascination with play, learning and human development.
Growing up, I spent a lot of time around a speech therapy clinic where my mother worked. I watched her use toys, games and creative activities as developmental tools for people of different ages and abilities.
I didn’t realise it at the time, but those early experiences had a lasting influence on me.
As a young adult, while working as a musician at night, I also worked alongside a diversional therapist in an aged care centre in Brisbane. This gave me an insight into the incredible role that play, creativity and meaningful activity can have in the lives of older people, including people living with dementia and those approaching the end of life.
It turns out that play is incredibly powerful.
Discovering Flow Arts
Then, somewhat unexpectedly, I fell into the world of professional Fire Twirling.
It quickly became a major part of my life. I was performing three to five nights a week, teaching students almost immediately, and before long I was performing at festivals and touring around the country.
Performance opened the door to an incredible world of experiences, friendships and adventures.
But it was teaching that really began to show me the bigger possibilities of Flow Arts.
I had opportunities to work with young people who were disengaged from traditional activities, using movement, creativity and Flow Arts as a way to connect, build confidence and create a sense of achievement.
Seeing someone discover that “I can actually do this” was incredibly rewarding.
14 years of toys, creativity and community
For 14 years, I owned and operated a magical alternative all-ages toy store in Cairns, Australia.
The shop was a place filled with toys, treasures, creativity and a fair bit of magic. Over the years, it brought joy to countless individuals and families.
We also supplied Circus, Flow Arts and Fire Twirling equipment, which allowed me to combine my love of play with my growing knowledge of movement and performance.
Running the store gave me an even deeper appreciation for the physical, mental, emotional and social benefits of play—not just for children, but for people of all ages.
Still spinning
Throughout all of this, I never stopped performing or teaching Fire Twirling and Flow Arts.
Hosting fire jams and full-moon beach events in North Queensland has been a wonderful way for me to share something I love with the community. My weekly Staff and Poi classes in Cairns have become a real highlight of my week.
Over the years, I’ve developed genuine friendships with many of my students, and watching people progress from their first awkward spin to confidently flowing with a prop is incredibly fulfilling.
There’s something special about learning together, having a laugh, challenging yourself and celebrating those little breakthroughs.
A new direction with SpinPoi
More recently, I’ve completed a SpinPoi Facilitator Certificate, opening a new chapter in my Flow Arts journey.
I’m now delivering Therapeutic Poi and movement-based sessions to a variety of different demographics, allowing me to share the benefits of Poi, movement, rhythm and creative play with an even wider range of people. With the support and research backing of Dr Kate Riegle Van West, the founder of Spinpoi in New Zealand.
This has given me a new perspective on Flow Arts.
It isn’t just about performance.
It can be about movement, coordination, confidence, focus, creativity, connection, self-expression and simply having a good time.
And importantly, it can be adapted to suit different people, abilities and environments.
So, what can I help you with?
Whether you’re looking to Book a Performance, learn Flow Arts, organise a Workshop, participate in a SpinPoi session, or find the right Equipment, I’d love to help.
After more than 20 years in this industry, I’m still learning, still performing and still finding new ways to share something that has brought me so much joy.
The Spin Doctor is about sharing that experience with others.
Come and have a spin.
Ignite your Flow.
Say Hi !
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