Fire Spinners

What do you get when you combine a homemaker, factory worker, a civil defense contractor and the daughter of a firefighter? Something youve got to see to believe! "Its definitely an adrenaline rush. Theres just no way to describe having that much fire that close to your face," says Chris Engelhart, a member of Sphyre of Prometheus. Sphyre of Prometheus. The sparks behind it? Families who come most Saturday nights. Even a 10-year-old girl enjoys spinning her own ferris wheel of fire. This group of trained performers works with trained spotters, and one of the first things out of their mouths is dont try this at home. "We dont want beginners going out there without trained spotters helping them in case something safety wise happens," says the groups Bob Brummell. Sphyre of Prometheus secured a special permit from the fire department. It has extinguishers and wet blankets at the ready to put out flames. Performers also keep their hair under wraps. "I was definitely nervous. I was sweating bullets, but you just have to keep your wits about you and be safe," Engelhart says. These performers are not fanning the flames of any religious or political group. Years ago, tribes in New Zealand used fire spinning for the women to gain dexterity in the fields, and men to become more agile in times of war. Today, its rekindled as a way to express yourself, and even burn a few calories. "Its a pure element, and even having the slightest bit of control over a pure element has got to be one of mankinds things theyve always strived for," says member Krista Murray. "Its just great to come out here and do something you enjoy with people who enjoy it, too," Engelhart says. If you want more information, visit www.sphyreofprometheus.com.