2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

The fifth annual Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest brought several premier poi, hoop, belly and fire dance groups to the William Land Park Amphitheatre.

The event was held on Saturday, August 11 at a new venue.

Drumsum, a world music group entertained guests before the Land Park Amphitheatre was taken over by dancers. Drumsum is a regular performer at the annual Fire Spectacular.

This year’s Fire Spectacular attracted a good sized audience who enjoyed a family festival atmosphere.

The first dance performance was a belly dance duo known as ShupaDa. I saw ShupaDa perform earlier in the year at Sacramento Raks. At that time they were performing for the first time as ShupaDa and since then they have appeared a many events and won several awards.

ShupaDa at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

ShupaDa’s dazzling belly dance performance at the Fire Spectacular was very entertaining and set the stage for the many other groups that followed.

Hillbelly, a dance troupe from Big Bend California brought their fire dance techniques to the stage.

Hillbelly at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

The Hillbelly trio describe themselves as “hip mothers, organic gardeners and land lovin’ devotees of Mama Earth!” Their performance was phenomenal and delighted the audience that grew by the minute.

Music selection for Hillbelly and other performers also captured the attention of the audience. Mystic, eastern and rock music selections allowed performers to further express themselves as they moved to the rhythmic beats and sounds of their music selection.

Several vendors were on hand and included Farm Fresh to You, Brenda Maureen Belisama Brennan, Rebecca Mann and Art by Jennifer Young who was also doing henna art.

Vendors at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

Arctic Fire is a group from Anchorage and Wasilla in Alaska who have expanded their base to include California.

The trio was truly amazing and their fire dance choreography was very entertaining.

Arctic Fire at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

One of the Arctic Fire members surprised the audience as during her performance she spit a magnificent fireball that caught everyone by surprise. Unfortunately I was not expecting it and missed the opportunity to capture it on a photo.

Andrew Sanchez and his wife Hilda, along with two of their children enjoyed the show from a shady bench seat.

When asked about what Sanchez though about the event he said, “This is great! My kids loved the music Arctic Fire used for their act. They kept looking around the stage looking for kids because they heard children laughing when the music started and I had to tell them it was the song selection. I loved the show last year but we did not bring the kids then. This year we had to bring them and they love it.”

A solo hoop dance performer from the foothills Sonya Castoe brought her theatrics to the stage.

Sonya Castoe at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

Castoe has performed at the Fire Spectacular for three out of the five annual events.

Castoe was one of the few solo acts and her mastery of the hoop was showcased as she maneuvered her fire hoop around the stage and moved with elegance and ease.

A white water rafting trip was included as a raffle prize for audience members who purchased raffle tickets. The raffle prize was to be drawn at the end of the event.

Performers were quick in taking the stage and for the most part the short break in between acts was almost unnoticeable.

Crimson Muse brought a theatrical cabaret dance display to the Amphitheatre. Crimson Muse, like other fire dancers, performs with other fire acts.

Crimson Muse at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

Crimson Muse performed at the first two Fire Spectacular events. Crimson Muse is also the founding director, of Healing Pathways Psychological Services.

As Crimson Muse started her performance she took the stage wearing a mask. At first I did not notice anything unusual but soon realized the mask was on the back of her head but to me it appeared as if she was facing the audience. The illusion worked great and Crimson Muse’s performance was magical.

Another performer who returned this year was the artist known as Vikram. When asked what he wanted on his bio Vikram was quoted by the emcee as saying, “Just tell them the disco ball shorts are coming back.” Indeed the disco ball shorts attracted as much attention as his fire dance maneuvers.

Vikram performs at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

Vikram performed at the Fire Spectacular for the third time.

The Unmata Street Team is the “little sister” to Unmata and Verbatim at Hot Pot Studios. Many of the members appeared to have been from a troupe that tried to perform at Hot Pot Studios during July’s Second Saturday but were shut down by Sacramento Police before they could light up their performance.

Unmata Street Team at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

Street Team demonstrated their fire dance technique and visionary choreography. They delighted the audience with their combination of belly dancing and what they call Improvisational Tribal Style. Selective music and fire dance demonstration awed the audience.

By this time the darkness of night and the feel of a slightly cooler evening manifested upon the stage and fire dancing created a greater spectacle as the fire danced higher and more intense creating for a great visual experience.

Flux has been around since 2007 performing at many public and private events. They have performed at Burning Man, weddings, fundraisers, parties and the annual Fire Spectacular.

Flux at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

Flux’s second appearance at the Fire Spectacular included rapid movement that showcased a wonderful display of dance and fire.

Sacramento based Flux is well known for being the home base for various skilled fire spinners, poi, contact staff, zip and hoop dancers.

Appearing for the first time at the Fire Spectacular was Fire Pixie who brought a wonderful show to Sacramento.

Fire Pixie at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

The San Francisco area based group was established by Erin St. Blaine in 2002. Fire Pixie now includes over 20 amazing performers.

Fire Pixie performed at the California State Fair two or three years ago. Their Cal Expo performance caught my attention but at the time I did not know who they were. Their amazing performance at the Fire Spectacular gained new followers.

Fire Pixie has also developed an entertainment package that includes a fashion line; kids show entertainment and their fire dance troupe.

Obsidian Butterfly continues to electrify Sacramento’s night skies at various performances throughout the year. Since forming in 2003 Obsidian Butterfly has developed a loyal following.

Obsidian Butterfly at the 2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

Audience participation is part of the Obsidian Butterfly repertoire and at the Fire Spectacular they were able to hypnotize the audience through artistic fire dances. The group used the stage and also had performers moving in front of the stage and walked among the audience. Willing audience participants were allowed to be part of the show as they touched the dancing flames.

2012 Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest (Image by: David Alvarez)

The Fire Spectacular was an exceptional event that included many of Sacramento and northern California's premiere fire dance performers. The performers involved in this year’s event provided great family entertainment.

Many of the troupes are also available for private parties and other bookings. The last time I saw Obsidian Butterfly they performed at a Sweet Dreams fundraising event and many in attendance were awestruck and happy as they left the event.

Log on to the performer's webpage to learn more about each of the groups and to find their performance schedules if available. Several of the performers also offer workshops and classes for the public.

The Fire Spectacular was a visual delight that lit up the Land Park Amphitheater as well as the faces of children and adults who witnessed dazzling performances at the event. 

Sequoia Jennifer Dawn together with Obsidian Butterfly continues to create a very entertaining annual event that amuses and inspires its audience. Like many of the visitors who attended the Fire Spectacular I look forward to next year's event.