Meet the Crew 2025 - Nellie Mayani
For over ten years, she has been spreading a sensitive and graceful approach to the art of Fire, with poi at the heart of her practice — although she also enjoys working with staff, fans, fire palms, and even the lycopodium torch.
Nellie Mayani is an artist driven by flame and movement, originally from the Île-de-France region and now active between there and Centre-Val de Loire.
🌟 From Modern Jazz to the Flames of the Palais
It all began quite by chance — like many beautiful stories: a group of friends, a Saturday evening, and the magical discovery of the fire gatherings at the Palais de Tokyo.
From the very first dancing flames, it was love at first sight. Nellie fell in love with this unique atmosphere, surrounded by marble, murals, sacred fire, and the Eiffel Tower watching overhead.
From that very first Saturday, she never left the community: birthdays, countless Saturday night gatherings, and co-organizing several BCC events, including a BC Convention. For her, it is a true space for expression, connection, and sharing, loyal to the original spirit of Burn Crew Concept.
🎭 An Artist of Connection, Movement, and Transmission
Trained in modern jazz, Nellie has developed a personal style that blends fluidity, precision, and musicality in prop manipulation.
She invests herself in transmission by offering poi workshops, especially with fluffy poi, and also shares her expertise in fire safety, especially during juggling conventions.
Since 2018, she has been performing with the Compagnie Luminescence, taking part in shows such as the 12th anniversary gala at the Palais, where she performed a “Little Red Riding Hood / Big Bad Wolf” duo with Burno.
✨ Inspirations & Community
“The first person who inspired me was Nawal. I admire what she radiates through her poi practice.”
She also mentions Krista Palm, Linda Farkas, and many more meaningful encounters at the Palais, at the 104 arts center, or during long nights around a fire space.
For Nellie, it’s the rehearsal partners, creative collaborators, and long-time friends who have truly nourished her journey.
Today, she can often be found training in Chartres, alongside other artists such as Pollen, building a warm, curious dynamic that draws people in.
🌐 Follow Nellie
- 📸 Instagram / Facebook: Nellie Mayani
- 🎪 Company: Luminescence
- 📍 Performing soon in Chartres… or perhaps once again at the Palais de Tokyo?
- 📷 Photo credits: Wowceanwarm
💬 A Word to the Community
“So many slices of life... It’s a truly beautiful global community, one I’m proud to be part of.
It’s a conscious, open-hearted group, rooted in sharing and returning to the essence of things — a community that carries the ‘inner flame’.”
Tags: Artist, Nellie Mayani
