The famously beautiful beach sunsets of 30A have often been described as fiery – the reds, pinks, and oranges painted across the sky. Friends and families gather to roast marshmallows and enjoy the shift from day to night as the flames of beach bonfires flicker. So, it makes perfect sense that the art of fire dance and performance would thrive in our beach community.
“Fire performance is a fun, glamorous, and artistic form of entertainment for any event or area, but since it goes hand-in-hand with the beach, it complements the entire Panhandle,” said Danielle Torley, Founder of Emerald Flame Dance.
Fire performance typically involves equipment or other objects made with one or more wicks, which are designed to sustain a large enough flame to create a visual effect.
Flow Arts by Emerald Flame Dance
Ladies who play with fire! ???? Watch the team at Emerald Flame Dance create magic as they combine fire dance with passion and energetic flair! ???? ~ 30a.com
Posted by 30A on Tuesday, 29 October 2019
Performers manipulate fire with different types of props including, but not limited to, poi, hoop, fans, staff, ropes, torches, swords and jump ropes. It also includes skills such as fire breathing and fire-eating. Modern touches also include using LED lights as an alternative (or add on) to fire performance.
A few months backpacking through Central America introduced her to fire dancing in 2004, she founded her first troupe in Dubai a few years later.
After moving back to the US in 2014, Danielle was looking for a much-needed creative outlet to counterbalance her corporate day job and Emerald Flame Dance was born.
“After moving back to the States, I decided to focus on my family and career and took a step back from events and fire performing. After being in Destin for a year, I reached out to Sandestin to inquire as to whether they were interested in a fire performer for their luaus and the rest is history!” said Danielle. “It’s been tough to balance my day job with fire performance and my family, but I enjoy the performance aspect and I love being able to show my children that they do not need to choose only one thing to “be” when they grow up.”
Emerald Flame loves to perform for private, public, and corporate events across the Florida Panhandle with past performances including events like Digital Graffiti, Hannah Martin’s La Lumiere Party, Sandestin Luaus, Destin Charity Wine Auction Patron Dinners, and Seascape Town Centre Family Fun Nights. Performers can also be hired for birthday parties and private events in the 30A area.
“I also truly love to collaborate with other performers and spinners for a unique and more impactful experience. I regularly spend time with a few friends in the area and we’ve developed a great rapport, supporting each other in our training and performances,” said Danielle.
Do not try this at home.
Lydia Faith
A healthy respect for fire is needed for any skilled performance and fire safety is crucial. Performers are insured and adhere to safety best practices that include a minimum distance from the crowd, fire safety personnel, fire safety equipment, and safety barriers, as needed.
