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In Focus: Flow and Fire

Stacie Burkett performs with the fire-spinning troupe, Whitefire

By Greg Lindstrom
Stacie Burkett performs with Whitefire at the Whitefish Christmas Stroll. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

At the center of a large crowd at the Whitefish Christmas Stroll, Stacie Burkett found her space in the firelight and went with the flow.

Burkett and the rest of the fire-dancing troupe, Whitefire, mesmerized the audience by spinning, tossing and even “eating” fire. There was a fluidity and grace to the group’s movements, despite the flame burning on their instruments.

Flow art, as Burkett describes it, is a type of dance that involves continuous movement. Instead of stopping after a choreographed trick, artists move seamlessly and spontaneously into the next series of tricks.

“You can get lost in it, which is a fun, beautiful feeling,” she said.

In many ways, Burkett feels it is a meditative exercise. There is a freedom to the movement, but a challenge to keep flowing. Then there is the adrenalin rush with the added danger from the fire.

But after just a few minutes of spinning, Burkett feels relaxed.

“You come back from it a little more grounded, a little more put together,” she said.

Stacie Burkett performs with Whitefire at the Whitefish Christmas Stroll. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Stacie Burkett performs with Whitefire at the Whitefish Christmas Stroll. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon