The Empyre fire festival returned to Adelaide for its fourth year, showcasing a blend of gothic, tribal, pagan, and punk fire art performances. The event featured fire twirling, a practice that has origins in Pacific cultures such as Māori dance and Samoan knife spinning. Jax Watt, a PhD candidate researching contemporary fire poi at Massey University, discusses the fragmented history of fire dancing, particularly the poi, and its globalized nature. Fire arts have a long history within Polynesian cultures, with myths and traditions linking fire and dance.
The Dragon Mill School of Fire Art in Adelaide rehearses with various fire props, highlighting the meditative and performative aspects of fire spinning. Tim Goddard, the school’s founder, views fire spinning as a way to connect with viewers and reach a state of flow. He emphasizes the communal aspect of fire spinning and the cultural history behind the practice.
While fire art may be a relatively young form of expression, it draws inspiration from deep and complex Polynesian histories. Watt explains how modern fire art does not conflict with Indigenous belief systems but instead pays homage to the cultural inspirations that have influenced the art form. The fusion of different cultural elements in fire art has created a unique and diverse community of performers who continue to push the boundaries of the art form.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
