The Lumberjack

Issue date: 4/25/07 Section: Scene

Media Credit: Milo Shumpert'Appel

Media Credit: Milo Shumpert'Appel

Media Credit: Milo Shumpert'Appel

Eli March turned to fire shortly after he picked up juggling a year and a half ago. He's been juggling harmless objects and fiery torches alike ever since. Most recently Humboldt Circus came to Humboldt State, presenting drumming and fire dancing on the Art Quad, in front of the Van Duzen Theatre, the night of Thursday the 19th.

A crowd gathered for a fiery display of juggling, poi, staff work, and the swinging of a ball on the end of a chain. Samba drumming came to drown out the sound of spectators' guitars and hand drums and stirred up the crowd early in the show. Noise complaints quelled the music as the night wore on but the fire dancing continued well toward midnight.

Close to a dozen performers of varying pyro-carney experience twirling burning objects and dancing to thundering drum lines came as a surprise to many. "This is awesome. What the hell is this?" said accidental spectator Erik Myxter. The performers burned white gas, paid for mostly from their own pockets. The night wore on as performers set rings of fire on the ground, juggled burning sticks back and forth over brave volunteers, tossed burning staffs to flare up above everyone's heads, and occasionally set themselves on fire.

"Most performers have received minor burns," said March, adding that none have been severe or permanent. Performer Jeremiah Jonston said he makes his own staff, torches, and devil sticks out of wood, as metal is more likely to cause burns.

This kind of modern fire dancing developed from the art of Poi, a dance involving swinging balls on ropes in circular patterns, originally practiced by the Maori people of New Zealand.

The art has spread across the world, developing an emphasis on fire. The dance is typified by women using Poi, fiery balls on the ends of thin ropes, and men handling staffs engulfed in flame. March has practiced fire dancing for the last year. "It's providing people with community," he said of the five performances he's given before.

The UPD confirmed that officers were dispatched to the Art Quad in response to a noise complaint made at 10:15. Once the noise quieted down the officers took a moment to enjoy the show. "I'd like to thank the UPD for being cooperative," said March.

Participation in the art of fire dancing has grown with the last few performances, said Jeremiah Johnston, adding "It's an extension of juggling and performing." And though the circus tends to decentralize over the summer break it's not too late to catch what the performers have in store.

Members of Humboldt Circus will perform at the starting of the Kinetic Sculpture Race on May 27. And there's no doubt that fire dancing will continue to emerge spontaneously on the North Coast.

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