On fire - Rochdale total beginners deliver show-stopping performance at Ignite Fire Festival

Date published: 06 December 2024

Rochdale’s arts scene blazed bright last month as a group of first-time fire-spinners delivered a show-stopping performance at the Ignite Fire Festival.

A group of 12 total beginners had just completed an intense eight-week fire-spinning challenge under the expert guidance of Travelling Light Circus, before bravely taking to the stage and delivering a scorching show in front of thousands of people.

The project, funded by the Culture Coop, began in early October, with free workshops held at Skylight Circus Arts in Rochdale. It allowed the group of novices to step out of their comfort zones and master the fundamentals of fire movement  - whilst choreographing an impressive torch-lit routine.

After weeks of flaming hard work, instructors Shona Roberts and Dan Zahler transformed total beginners into “show ready” performers.

Dan Zahler, performance director of Travelling Light Circus, patiently instructed the group along with his colleague Shona. 

He said: “Everyone did so well. Both myself and Shona were super proud of all of the participants. To get to the level that we achieved in eight weeks was astounding, and those that took part in these sessions should feel really proud of themselves.”

The workshops, part of a larger project with Skylight Circus to bring opportunities to Rochdale, aimed to spark a sense of creativity and accomplishment in the community, introducing participants to an art form they may never have considered. 

Dan added: “We had a group of mixed abilities, and it was a true journey that we went on for eight weeks. Everyone showed dedication, hard work, and resilience to create something that blew the audience at Ignite Fire Festival away.”

Shona Roberts, fire instructor and choreographer for Travelling Light Circus said: “Clear directions on how to safely use the prop and what to do if problems arise were some of the first lessons.

“Being able to feel comfortable working with fire was also important, so we made it a key point to practice with fire each session, reducing fear and building confidence.”

For many, the experience was transformative. Shona added: “Getting the opportunity to try new things is really important. It's not every day that you get the chance to spin fire. We were blessed with a really receptive group that were empowered in a new skill that, before eight weeks ago, they were totally new to.”

“Art and expression are important to us all, and exploring the ways we can do this is really needed in the world we live in. There are very few opportunities to engage in positive artistic activities, so it was amazing to provide this to a local community.”

Braving the stage 

Despite severe weather calling off the first performance on the Saturday, the determined group performed their polished routine at the Ignite Fire Festival at the Sunday light switch-on event on Sunday, 24 November. 

Their dazzling display transformed the stage into a blaze of movement and light, proving that hard work and creativity can spark something extraordinary.

The festival itself, a highlight of Rochdale’s cultural calendar, celebrates community, art, and performance. This year’s event added a special glow as the local fire-spinners stold the show, embodying the festival’s spirit of inclusivity and innovation.

Alongside the adult performers were Skylight Circus' Youth Circus, who despite being part or the circus, had also never handled fire before. 

Charma Force, who leads the Skylight Circus Arts Youth Circus said: "Our Fireflies project is an exciting new opportunity at Skylight, thanks to funding from Rochdale’s Culture Coop supporting us here at Skylight to offer the Rochdale community a chance to engage with learning fire spinning and performance.

"So far, we’ve teamed up with the amazing Travelling Light Circus to work with local adults and introduced fire spinning to our teen youth circus. The opportunity to learn fire in our teen youth circus has given them something else to be proud and excited about."

Sam Stephenson, who took part in the course, said: "I have felt so incredibly lucky to have been able to participate in such an exciting project and to have contributed to the Ignite Fire Festival.

"The festival is such a vibrant and important addition to Rochdale and everyone I know feel really lucky that our town is hosting such a brilliant event. I really hope that this event and projects like this continue for our lovely community."

The organisers and participants alike hope this ongoing project will inspire more people in Rochdale to explore new artistic endeavours.

As the flames from Ignite Fire Festival continue to flicker in the memories of those who attended, one thing is clear: Rochdale’s arts scene is truly heating up.

For more information about Ignite Fire Festival and other projects supported by the Culture Coop, visit: https://www.culturecoop.co.uk.

For more information on the fire spinning workshops, visit their page here.