The Firebird in a flaming tutu (with real fire)
The Firebird dancing on stage with a stunt motorcycle??!?!!?!
Blow-torch fire fingers on the villain.
Traditional ballet fused with B-boy dancing -Iron Monkey is crazy
Flaming metal trees and flowers
A real Pontiac Firebird “flying” onto the stage, with flames coming out of the hood, neon lights underneath and the firebird in the driver’s seat
Women who know how to fight
Flaming trapeze performances
Wow.
I don’t have any pictures, no photography was allowed unless you had a press pass. But here are some links
The official Crucible Firebird Ballet page
Eric Gillet’s Flickr set Firebird L’oiseau de feu (an outstanding set of photos)

The Crucible in Oakland is a nonprofit space that teaches, supports and encourages all the fire arts- blacksmithing, glass blowing, flame working fire dancing, forging and casting, jewelery, kinetic arts and many more. They also sponsor out reach programs for schools in the fire arts and support local artists by giving grants to help fund specific fire oriented projects. My kinda place. Every year they host a number of events that are really fun to go to. The next event is the Fire Arts Festival. If fire art really cranks your tractor, then consider taking a class or joining as a member you won’t regret it.

This was the first time I got to go and see the hangers on Moffet field from anywhere closer than the interstate at 70 mph. Not only did it have art and performances by Zoe Keating, Bad Unkl Sista, The Flaming Lotus Girls, and Capacitor, there was also a massive list of DJ’s in the “house” hanger, and an impressive list of cool performances on the other main stage. We even caught a very entertaining talk by famous game designer Will Wright on the history of the Russian space program, which is much more colorful than our own! How come our astronauts don’t get to carry guns and vodka on every mission?

There were a lot people in costumes and generally having a good time. I got to wear my Utilikilt out for the first time, That took my friend Ursa by surprise. I kinda enjoy that moment of comprehension on people’s faces when they see you in a kilt for the first time.

I think my favorite piece was the waves of the interactive wall, that worked by measuring your silhouette on a huge screen and then creating wave patterns based on your motions. Comrades Matt and Isa of Clay Planet showed up with Yosuke, from Japan, a rep for the clay equipment company Shimpo. Yosuke used to work in Shigaraki as a potter and was in town giving a demo. His throwing is amazing (by throwing I mean on a potter’s wheel). Pretty sure he had a good time, but I think, the angel with glowing, moving wings was to much for him.

Yuri’s night don’t miss it next year, comrade!