Balefire made it into Anna Marie Cancelli‘s Play With Dangerous Toys article series in Zaghareet!. We have included the segment of the article concerning our Darlings below. Consider subscribing and getting some excellent insights into belly dance in all of its myriad manifestations
Hecate’s Darlings, a non-profit art collective wherein visual and performing artists collaborate to create a unique brand of self expression, brings belly dance, fire, and sometimes even live animals together. Based out of Savannah, Georgia, this collective is comprised of the Tribal Fusion troupe The Painted Graces, two fire troupes, Balefire and Firebelly, and photographic artist Charlie Snyder. The performing artists of the troupe each have their own connection to fire and individual reasons for using fire with dance. Alexandra Mitchell is the collective’s “seasoned veteran of all things belly dance and flames” and handles safety and direction. According to Alexandra, “fire adds a dark element of mystery to the dance. It allows the moves to be illuminated and gives the dancer the ability to showcase an area where they would like the audience to center their attention.” Hot stuff Eric Reber, the sole male belly dancer of the group, enjoys the meditative quality fire staff brings to a performance. Eric believes that “fire brings a sense of balance and peace that provides benefits above and beyond the moment of performance.” Alexandra appreciates the harmony and balance fire brings to her and the power the element has to relax her and clear her mind. Alexandra notes that, “fire is primal and feared. It has a life force that demands respect.” In addition to its awesome power, Alexandra believes fire infused into the dance to be magical and also finds that it “adds a threat of looming suspense” in the way it fascinates and mesmerizes the audience. Hecate’s Darlings takes advantage of every opportunity to pull out their fire toys and light up the night.
Cancelli, Anna Maria. (May/June 2011). Zaghareet!. “Play With Danger Toys, Part 3″.
Eric Greenfingers 