| |
SINGAPORE : Our parents have always warned us against going near fire.
But for these street performers, getting burnt is the last thing on their minds, as they learn how to play with fire.
For the third year running, the unique Bornfire Festival gathers world-class artistes to ignite your senses through various breathtaking fire performances that incorporate the dangerous element into dance and circus acts.
Antti Suniala, a professional fire and circus artiste from Finland, has been practising the art since the year 2000 and is now one of the top fire performers in the world.
For someone who was “burning himself a lot more” in the first year of training, Suniala said the key to mastering the art is to have lots of training with the equipment, and to find out the technique. Understanding how the fire works and reacts when spinning is crucial.
Citing influences from circuses and dance shows, Suniala set a high standard for himself and described his performance as pure, simple entertainment.
For Swedish performer Thomas Johansson, it was a trip to Southeast Asia where he met a girl who showed him this path of light.
Johansson saw a girl doing fire art on a beach in Malaysia and was immediately enchanted by her fluidity and skills.
“The movements, the emotions, everything, it was so beautiful”, said Johansson. “Her body was moving so beautiful, the fire and the sound is amazing.”
Like most parents, Johansson's mum and dad had initially disapproved of his career choice.
“My parents thought I was nuts, but now they really love it, really glad I’m doing it.”
Johansson specialises in the art of poi, a form of juggling, and is a well-known performer in the international spinning community.
If you think this is something only for the men, Meghan Claire Pike would prove you wrong as she shines in her brand of fire art.
Having trained for five years, the Scottish artiste now manages to make her intricate performances look effortless and elegant.
Pike said she first took up the art when she went to a juggling society and found it to be “better than computer games”.
On a more serious note, Pike said she was entranced by the lure of the fire, its sounds and the ability to control this element. After some time, she found satisfaction in learning this skill.
The most dangerous stunt Pike has ever executed was to roll a staff entirely covered in fire, all over her body.
“It’s like jumping off a cliff each time.” she said.
Catch these sizzling acts in action during the Bornfire Festival which runs till August 24. You can find out more about the calendar of events on www.bornfire.com.sg.
– CNA/yt
|
