Do you want to learn more about organizing a fire breather performance?
Among the most popular street performances, fire breathers take center stage. These masters of fire surprise, slightly frighten, and enchant. But behind this magic, there is naturally significant technical mastery.
The Master of Fire
When watching a fire breather performance, one is dazzled by the effects. It feels as if they are breathing fire from their mouth, and yet we know that this is simply impossible. We naturally know that having a flame in one’s oral cavity would be far too dangerous. And yet.
There is obviously a precise technique to becoming a fascinating fire breather.
The basis of the profession consists of putting a product—more specifically an flammable liquid, kerosene, or “fire water”—into one’s mouth. Kerosene has a particular taste and smell. The spectator may be able to smell it during the performance. This petroleum derivative is irritating to mucous membranes and creates darker flames than its counterpart, fire water. It is a specific mixture of de-aromatized and de-odorized hydrocarbons. The product is slightly less irritating and smells less strong.
The liquid is then sprayed in the form of droplets toward a flame. Professionals generally use Kevlar torches (or flames), a synthetic fiber composed of aramid fibers and glass fibers.
The flammable product then comes into contact with the flame, creating flames of varying sizes. It is the fire breather who decides the specificities of the flame they create, and to do so, they must perfectly master certain secrets.
This is the only equipment used for breathing fire.
Knowing the Secret Techniques
Naturally, having kerosene and a Kevlar torch is not enough to put on a great show. Art is also required. If you are an amateur, you have undoubtedly noticed that there are several types of flames: small, large, long, or short…
This comes from the artist’s talent in spraying the liquid. To practice, several methods are available. The simplest is to use water. The artist then aims at a target approximately 1.5m away. They will refine their work by adopting different sprays and mouth shapes.
The body also plays a significant role. Depending on the position of the torso, the projection of the product will differ. Droplets must be projected homogeneously to create a beautiful flame. One must then develop abdominal strength to propel the jet of liquid regularly and “powerfully.” This mastery takes time.
Another basic principle for a successful show: optimal preparation. To avoid any issues, one must ensure that their face and neck are perfectly dry. You fill your lungs and place the torch about twenty centimeters from your mouth. Care was taken to check the wind direction before proceeding with the spray of the product.
Different types of flames can be created.
One can thus offer a Flash (a small ball of fire), a Blowtorch (a thin and short flame), a Column (a wide and long flame), or even a Mushroom (a large-sized ball).
The Fire Breather Show
You now know a little more about the techniques of this street artist. And without a doubt, you would like to test your knowledge by attending a show.
You can then book an artist for your family celebrations (weddings, birthdays), your work events (themed corporate parties), or in your city (local festivals). Eklabul offers you many professionals from the circus arts and street performance: jugglers, dancers, aerial acrobats… and of course, fire breathers.
You will thus be able to observe the figures created with flames and attempt to recognize some of them.