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Playing with Fire

BY Elaina J. Martin

In 1994 Marnie Taylor was at a get-together with friends. As the night went on and darkness fell, she danced around a campfire and saw her shadow move in sexy and magical ways. Inspired by this, Taylor started a dance troupe called Shadows of Fire. Thirty years later, the dancing continues with seven members of this Fayetteville troupe including Debbie Belles, Samantha Thomas, and Rachel Gould who has been the troupe director since 2001.

The movement in performances is rooted in belly dancing – throw in some KISS music, beautiful outfits, and fire wands and you’ve got something intriguing to watch. The troupe is known for their mastery of dancing with flaming props and creative routines. “It can be hard picking music and costumes because everyone has to be on board,” Belles says.

Members of the troupe make some of their props. Props include palm torches, fire wands, fans, belts, and wings. Most recently they have created fire skirts.

This unassuming “family” practices their moves and creates new material on Tuesday nights at a gym in Fayetteville. Shadows of Fire showcases their enticing choreography at Downtown’s 4th Fridays. In August they performed in Paddy’s parking lot as a part of Art Attack and will be back performing at Art Attack again on October 30th.

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