How To Dance With Fire 5

Alter ego exploration with intense flame; David Stevens at the HTDWF laboratory

HTDWF emerges from the twilight of research and development.  Yesterday, in the 
laboratory, we conjured up bright, fickle, flames of the soul and the alter ego...and then 
considered the endurance of the artist's spirit, burning through the long, dark nights. 


Footage, for the filmed part of the project (see post #4), is currently at the rough edit
stage.  And, as the above frame shows, it's black and white and influenced by old movies....


Fire-sticks at the ready, we're dancing!

Night Vigil - the artist's spirit lives

How To Dance With Fire 4

Tristan explores his alter ego - "Dancing With Fire"...

Tristan demonstrates a "little dance" with a candle night light.
Also a "big dance", using fire sticks; a pre-filmed, projected, movie that 
represents the 'think bubble', of his fertile imagination.  Thank you, Tristan,
for sharing your aspirations and alter ego - we do appreciate your work.  

Soon we'll train some other performers to fill Tristan's shoes so that we can
realise this exciting new performance project.  Please watch this space!

How To Dance With Fire 3

 

"A little snippet of Dave and Amy, inspired by the transient flame...."

 Artist David Stevens practising fire-dancing to Amy Winehouse

in the darkness of a December afternoon.  With thanks to

Saint Stephens, Bristol.  

http://www.gyroscopic.org

How To Dance With Fire 2

David Stevens dancing with fire. Photo by Manuel Vason .

Superman of the street, 

With fantasy fire and neon, 

Who brings light into our urban dullness.

With thanks to photographer Manuel Vason,
Inbetween Time Festival.

http://www.gyroscopic.org 

How To Dance With Fire

Photo by David Stevens

"It's fun.  A bit dangerous so be cautious...
'Dancing With Fire' is the working title of our latest project."

Photo by David Stevens

"I'm no expert, but below are a few things I've learned:"

• It helps to melt into the movement, stiffness of the body will cause the activity to resemble flag semaphore.
    
• Become master of the fire-sticks, as if they are an extension of your arms...think a bit like Edward Scissorhands.
   
• Lead the fire with soft arms; just enough tension to hold the sticks - they are not heavy.
   
• Keep your centre of gravity - the pelvic area or just above the pelvis - low. 
  
  
• Imagine your feet are bigger and wider than they really are to give yourself sureness of foot, then you will move more confidently.  If you're working without shoes think about spreading the metatarsals and phalanges (your toes).
   
• Plié the legs.  Imagine your legs are a little weak, as if slightly intoxicated.  Let your weight drop into your legs.
  
  
• Keep the movement soft and flowing as if you're in water, keep moving and the fire-sticks will follow your lead.
  
  
• Do everything possible to remove tension from the neck and shoulders.  Then you'll make it look easy; all part of the illusion. 

David Stevens. Photo by Manuel Vason. 

http://www.gyroscopic.org