The Empyre fire festival returned to Adelaide for its fourth year, showcasing a fusion of gothic and tribal fire art performances. The event featured a variety of shows, installations, and food, all incorporating the use of fire in unique and mesmerizing ways. From Māori dance to postwar Hawaii tourism, fire art has roots in various cultures and has evolved over time to become a common sight at dance parties and festivals.
Jax Watt, a PhD student studying the history of fire poi at Massey University in New Zealand, explains that the origins of fire dancing, particularly the use of poi, are fragmented and difficult to trace due to globalization. However, the connection between fire and dance has deep roots in Polynesian cultures, with stories linking fire and heat to play and performance.
The history of fire art includes a complex migration of techniques from Taiwan and the Philippines, as well as the incorporation of fire into traditional Māori beliefs and practices. Samoan knife spinning and fire poi have played a significant role in the development of fire art, with performers like Freddie Letuli and Samson Clark contributing to its evolution.
Tim Goddard, founder of the Dragon Mill School of Fire Art, views fire spinning as a meditative and performance-based experience. He emphasizes the community interaction and cultural history behind fire art, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of props like staffs, hoops, fans, and poi. While relatively young, contemporary fire art respects and draws inspiration from Indigenous belief systems, creating a unique fusion of traditional and modern practices.
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