Imagine fiery balls of fire being spun on chains, synchronized with percussive music, creating trails of yellow in the night. Meet Samiya, Ishraq, and Ashique – the fire spinners of Bangladesh.

Professional Spinner (Anthelion)

Fire spinning or POI spinning is a new trend of the youth in the world and fire has now caught onto Bangladesh. In the beginning, Samiya Ahmed, a member of the professional fire-spinning group named Anthelion (www.anthelion.net), after coming back from the US, started exhibited her graceful talent of spinning fire at home.

Ishraq and Samiya during practice

Awing people with the thrilling beauty of spinning fire, Samiya soon won over the hearts of all spectators. Out of fun and passion to learn, two new spinners emerged from the urban Dhaka - Ashique Selim and Ishraq Dhaly. Now, these three daredevils go wild with fire at all hours of the night (sometimes even at day!).

Ashique and Ishraq during practice

With plans of introducing fire spinning as a unique form of entertainment, Samiya and Ishraq first performed in Dhaka at the Advertising Festival held on the 18th of April, 2003 at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon. With the brilliance of modern dance schemes intertwined with twirling balls of fire, the duet immediately caught on to the minds and imaginations of the audience. Now, all three are planning for their upcoming events and are open for professional bookings.

Samiya and Ishraq during practice

Professional Performer (Anthelion)

The fire spinners extraordinaire - Samiya, Ashique, and Ishraq - are expanding their learning and performance matrix each day through persistent practice. With plans of teaching more people the art of POI spinning or fire twirling, these three are relentless in their pursuit of adventure, passion, and thrill through a wholesome, healthy dose of physical prowess mixed with spinning techniques. In their 20's, all working, this passion for fire is the perfect release for all three.

Ishraq Dhaly