So imagine my excitement when an East Bay friend tells me there's a FREE fire-dance performance in downtown San Francisco? I had already known about this, but forgot.... and am so happy I went!
The chilly wind had been blowing strong all day, but as the sun dipped lower in the sky, it seemed to get even gustier. Of course this could and did affect the fire-spinning but even then it was still an awesome display!!
The chilly wind had been blowing strong all day, but as the sun dipped lower in the sky, it seemed to get even gustier. Of course this could and did affect the fire-spinning but even then it was still an awesome display!!
At six they were setting up in Union Square for the 4th Annual Temple of Poi Fire Dancing Expo! I didn't even hear about this last year but will be sure to search the web next year to be sure of the event dates! Featured on the stage would be internationally renowned fire dancing performers, some who had traveled from three continents and at their own expense. In all, the show had a total of 25 separate acts consisting of over 47 different fire dancers and troupes, which also included GlitterGirl of San Francisco fame and founder of 
the Temple of Poi, Manda Lights from France, and Mireneye from far-away Sweden.There was a good amount of people present for this show, many not knowing what was going on but decided to stay... considering the wind and cold, I was eventually surprised at the amount of people who watched - I know they were not disappointed!
I was there very early to claim my spot, and other photographers soon arrived like clockwork; I did see a few flickr friends, plus even some fellow-Yelpers! Knowing it was to be cold, I actually walked from home carrying my little-used tripod, thinking I was to freeze so much tonight that I wouldn't get any good snaps with shaking-cold fingers, and it was probably the best decision I've made in a long time! It is not easy to use a camera in low-light situations. It is made more difficult when the fingers and soon the mind is frozen over.... add to that a subject that has in their hands a very bright flame, and their performance routine takes them from one side of the stage to another, plus stepping toward the camera a few steps, then back again. Add to this equation a wind that exhausted the fuel used for the flame sooner than expected.... all very difficult but not impossible, but with just an inkling of estimating the peak of any movement can one perhaps capture the mood of the event and even better: of its performer(s).
I really enjoyed the accompanying music and in one case, there was a solo guitar player strumming a flamenco bit which I loved immensely!
I'm a lousy dancer but it was so cold I was soon dancing in place! I could look around and see people wrapped in blankets and wondered if they would be angry if I stole/borrowed their blankets? Soon the performances started and the tripod saved my life and images!! I was able to focus well and quickly, and got some decent pictures which you see here. Many more as usual are posted at my foto site.
EnJoy!! On the way home, walking up and down the steep SF hills with cold frozen stiff legs, I passed the Fairmont Hotel, where I saw within its garage a classic antique car... I walked inside and saw a whole garage filled with antiques as an antique car convention would start in the City the very next day!! I snapped away with the cell fone till I got frustrated, then eventually got my frozen camera out of the bag.... ;-) more pixs are posted at the website!!!
