Dancing with Fire: Balancing Flames, Photography, and Parenthood

A Tale of Igniting Passions and Dodging Burnout

So, there I was in 2017, juggling five kids and a photography business, thinking, "Sure, my life's hectic enough, let's add fire dancing to the mix!" Because nothing screams “busy mom” like playing with flaming objects in your spare time. But hey, when you see your subjects twirling fire, the only logical step is to join them, right? And so did @borniet. He always joins the party.

Fire Dancing: A Brief Introduction

Fire dancing, for the uninitiated, is like regular dancing but with a higher risk of third-degree burns. It's all about manipulating fire with various tools like poi, staff, and hoops. Think Cirque du Soleil meets backyard bonfire party. The thrill, the adrenaline, the occasional smell of singed hair – it’s all part of the experience.

The Photography Angle

As a full-time photographer, capturing fire dancers was a thrilling experience. There’s something magical about freezing a moment where sparks fly and flames dance. It’s like trying to catch lightning in a bottle, only with more potential for singed eyebrows. The trick? Timing, a steady hand, and a decent insurance policy. The interplay of light and shadow, the intensity of the colors, and the raw energy of the performers – it’s a photographer’s dream. Plus, the photos make for great conversation starters at PTA meetings.

The Mom Angle

Now, let's sprinkle some reality into this. As a mom of five, my daily routine is already a circus. Adding fire to the mix? Well, that’s just a whole new level of chaos. Picture this: helping with homework while practicing my fire poi routine. One kid’s asking about fractions, another needs a snack, and I’m in the backyard, perfecting a trick called "the butterfly." Multitasking, folks. It’s an art form. It’s also a fantastic way to make your kids pay attention – nothing like the threat of mom setting the backyard on fire to get everyone to listen.

Staying Playful

You might wonder how I manage to keep it all together. The secret is simple: stay playful. Life’s too short to be serious all the time. Kids keep you young, and they remind you that it's okay to have fun and try new things, even if those things involve potential fire hazards. Plus, it’s a great way to embarrass them in front of their friends. “Your mom plays with fire? That’s so cool!” – said no teenager ever.
A Few Tips for the Brave Souls

1. Safety First:Always have a fire extinguisher handy. Trust me, you’ll need it.
2. Involve the Kids:Let them watch (from a safe distance). It's a great way to teach them about safety and spark (pun intended) their curiosity.
3. Balance:Find the balance between your passions and responsibilities. It’s okay to take time for yourself, even if that time involves playing with fire.
4. Community:Find a community of like-minded fire enthusiasts. They can offer tips, support, and a shared love of all things fiery.

Final Thoughts

Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a flaming hobby isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s about finding joy in the chaos and igniting your passions, no matter how wild they may be. So, to all the busy moms out there: never stop exploring, stay playful, and if you ever feel like your life needs a spark, maybe try fire dancing. Just remember to keep the fire extinguisher close by. And always, always have a camera ready – you never know when life will give you a perfect moment worth capturing.

In the end, it’s about embracing the madness, finding your fire (literally and figuratively), and showing your kids that it’s okay to follow your passions, no matter how crazy they might seem. After all, what’s life without a little bit of fire?

Pictures taken by me or @borniet with our Canon material ( you can check his list because i’m to busy sorting the house 😉). Fotografie Luna is our photography business and these pictures are shared on our socials accounts.