Playing With Fire

A fire spinner twirls her flame at a performance in Santa Cruz, California. image details »

Some people like to perform by playing an instrument, singing or dancing, but it turns out that a whole bunch of people like to spin fire. At least that’s what I discovered down in Santa Cruz, where a group of performers regularly meet at the lighthouse to spin fire for themselves and the crowd that assembles.

A performer balances a flaming hoola-hoop with her feet. image details »

Some spin flaming staffs, while others perform with chains, balls, and even hoola hoops that are lit on fire. Talking with some of the performers I leaned that the gathering has been happening regularly for a while now. Some of the performers are professional jugglers while others are talented students at nearby UCSC.

I’m not sure how one learns this craft but it takes playing with fire to a whole new level for me.

Posted at 9pm on 12/1/11 | | Filed Under: Assignments, Places