Who We are
Founded amidst the vibrant culture of Spokane, Burn Works is a collective of fire enthusiasts united by a shared love for the exhilarating art of fire dancing. With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, our troupe thrives on the adrenaline rush of igniting the night with our mesmerizing displays
Our Performances:
From the hypnotic swirl of flaming poi to the graceful movements of fire fans and the daring feats of fire breathing, Burn Works delivers electrifying performances that leave spectators spellbound. Whether gracing the stage of a local festival, illuminating the night at a private event, or enchanting audiences in a theatrical setting, our dynamic fire dancers infuse each performance with an unparalleled energy and spectacle.
Instructors
Performers
Expressionists
Meet Our Troupe
Mastering both technical skill and creativity, our performers choreograph routines that showcase the beauty of dancing with fire.
Owner | Founder
Teri Simpson is the founder and organizer of BurnWorks in Spokane, WA. She began fire dance and flow arts back in 2010.
Since then she has immersed herself in fire dancing with fans, hoops, torches and staff. Her love of dancing grew and she started bellydance, aerial silks and burlesque, and now combines them together in her own unique style. She performs at events ranging from small parties, festivals, corporate to events and Burningman. She also teaches BurnWorks fire classes in Spokane and hosts community flow jams. Fire dance and movement is her medicine and she loves to share it with the world.
Instructor | Costume Designer | Performer
My name is Willow O’Hara, and I am currently an Aerial and Circus Instructor, Performance Coach, Make-up and Costume designer at Coil LLC, as well as a Fire Instructor and Performer with BurnWorks.
With over 10 years experience, I have been performing Circus Arts professionally in Spokane and surrounding areas since 2013, including venues such as Coeur d’Alene Resort, NorthernQuest Casino, all 3 of the Davenport Hotels, Bing Crosby Theater, Fox Theater, as well as numerous festivals and events. I have performed well over 200 times, both locally and nationally, from NYC Theaters to San Diego Fringe festivals, and have taken extensive training all over the country.
I ran a local Performance Troupe and Aerial Studio in Spokane from 2013-2019, and continue to direct, coach, and train local upcoming performers, recreational athletes and fire flow artists. I perform fire regularly with Sovereign Citizen and the Non-Prophets currently, as well as Luaus, random events and private parties.
Trained in CPR and Fire Safety, we take our events very seriously, following all the protocol for regulations and rules surrounding Fire Events, as requested by the Fire Marshals in various counties. Our fire safety people are trained to know what to do in case of emergencies, and we provide all the necessary safety equipment to keep things running smoothly.
Attached are a few pictures from recent events, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments or concerns!
Performer
Jayson began his flow journey over 10 years ago, mainly specializing in hoop dancing. Since then, he has picked up a multitude of props and has found love for fire. Whether it be a flaming hula hoop, intense flames from a staff, or even eating fire, he will leave you speechless and gripping your chair in excitement!
Performer
Desiree has been spinning fire for about 4 years, but has just started dipping her toes into performing. The flow props she dabbles in are hula hoops, fans, and fire staff.
When she’s not lighting things on fire, she can be found spinning yarn, skateboarding, roller skating, and learning how to juggle, because she thought she needed another hobby.
Performer | Photographer
More info coming soon!
See us in action
See us in the news
Northwest Profiles | PBS October 2025
Season 39 Episode 1 | 26m 2sVideo has Closed Captions
Join us for the season premiere of Northwest Profiles! Mesmerizing displays of fire swirl around us as we explore the art of Fire Dancing. A little heat, a lot of heart – meet the woman behind Los Cinco Locos Salsa. Uncover the world of insects though the lens of a brilliant photographer. And, we travel to Winthrop WA, learn about birding, and discover the beauty of the Methow Valley. 10/23/2025
Spokane-based fire-spinning troupe Burn Works fosters community with flames
“Fire is often rightfully viewed as something to fear, a force that can destroy starting with a single spark. But for Spokane-based fire-spinning troupe Burn Works, the element becomes an entrancing partner, tamed and spun into a dance with fuel-lit props like poi (balls on a metal chain), fans, hoops and staffs.
While now commonly a subset of “flow” arts — movement-based disciplines like juggling, object manipulation, and dance that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s in festival and rave scenes in the U.S. — fire spinning’s origins date back to ancient Polynesian war dances with knives. Fire was added to the blades in the 1940s, thanks to Samoan-American performer Uluao “Freddie” Letuli after he was inspired by a Hindu fire-eating act.”
““Dancing with fire is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.” At Burn Works Spokane, Willow O’Hara brings movement and flame together in a mesmerizing performance that honors ancient traditions and ignites modern audiences. #firedancing #northwestprofiles“