Tommy Faulconer: Awe in the Fire Dances.

One of the most frightening and exciting spectacles of dance are the fire dances. In these dances, men and women twirl batons around fiercely while the batons are on fire. Watching these dancers fearlessly move with the fire inspires awe amongst the audience members. We have discussed the purpose of awe in religious art throughout the class, and I feel it is quite useful to the effect of the fire dances. The audience feels fear but cannot look away because they are entranced by the swirling flames as they circle around the dancers. It is this odd revulsion mixed with reverence that leaves such a huge mark on the audience. The dancers are literally playing with fire without the fear of being burned. While entranced, the audience reflects upon the boldness and fearlessness required for the task and possibly vow to make a change. It is in this reflective state that the audience is experiencing a taste of the divine. The fire is such a powerful and sacred force that it inspires the audience to reflect upon the awesome power of the divine and the power of creation and destruction inherent of the flame. Flame is one of the most powerful and provocative images in nature because it has a duality inherent in the divine. They can both create and destroy in a single blow which strikes fear and respect into most of mankind. Awe is a powerful thing and can inspire a great deal of communication with the holy through its power.