Credit: Yamini
In the world of performing arts, there are artists who illuminate the stage not just with their talent but with actual flames. Yamini, a renowned Dubai-based fire artist, is one such luminary.
From the inspiration behind her artistic name, Fairy Rider, to the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career, Yamini took Creativity Undefined down the fiery path she forged and the burning passion that fuels her art.
Her journey had humble beginnings as a dancer supporting her then-boyfriend, now-husband, a talented psy trance DJ. Their shared love for music as well as the vibrant party and festival scene introduced her to awe-inspiring fire performers whose mesmerizing displays of this unique art form beckoned her on a profound level. This ignited a passion that she pursued with unwavering determination.
Credit: Yamini
It wasn’t easy though – acquiring fire props was a challenge, and the few fire artists she encountered were guarded about sharing their knowledge. Yet, remained determined to discover the secrets of this mesmerising art form. Her husband, recognizing the fiery passion within her, gifted her with her first fire prop. It was a pivotal moment that set her on a path of dedication and artistry.
“When I first attempted to light it at home, my parents reacted with panic and concern. Despite my sincere attempts to explain the safety precautions and the beauty of this art, they struggled to comprehend my fervour for dancing with flames,” she said, laughing.
She further revealed that she was especially surprised by her father’s reaction – grabbing a camera to document her first-ever performance – despite his struggles to initially understand her new calling.
“His support and belief in my talent gave me an immense boost of confidence. Fast forward to when my dad visited Dubai and saw the larger-than-life image of my fire gypsy character blown up on billboards scattered throughout Atlantis. The sight was beyond my wildest dreams,” Yamini said.
Credit: Yamini
She added: “The feeling of joy that washed over me was indescribable. To have my art celebrated and showcased in such a prominent way was a validation of the countless hours of practice and dedication I had poured into my craft. Seeing my character captured in vivid flames, towering over the cityscape, was an incredible affirmation that my journey as a fire artist had touched people’s hearts and left an undeniable impact. It was a truly joyous and unforgettable experience.”
Yamini’s journey as a fire artist has not been without challenges. One memorable incident involved inhaling fire flames, resulting in singed nose hair and a painful lesson learned. This experience underscored the risks inherent in working with fire and emphasised the importance of caution and precision in her performances.
“I faced numerous burns while honing my craft like my lips my tongue my hair my neck…[they] served as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in working with fire and the importance of caution and precision in my performances. [It] also fuelled my determination to master the art of fire manipulation in indoor spaces. I studied different techniques, perfected my safety protocols, and sought guidance from experienced fire performers to expand my knowledge and ensure a seamless and awe-inspiring performance, even in unconventional settings,” she said.
However, challenges have been pivotal in her growth. They taught her the importance of adaptability, professionalism, and continuous growth as an artist. By pushing the boundaries of what was traditionally possible with fire performances, she not only developed new skills but also gained a deeper understanding of the artistry and responsibility involved in such acts.
“Of course, it is important to note the inherent danger associated with such a skill. I have experienced my fair share of burns on my lips, neck, tongue, and even my teeth. However, through countless trials, errors, and taking risks, I can confidently say that I have honed my abilities, and I am immensely proud of the level I have reached,” Yamini said.
As a fire stage performer, Yamini combines dance, costumes, and characters with the element of fire to create mesmerising performances that transport audiences to another realm. Over the past eight years, she has continuously honed her skills, pushing the boundaries of what she can achieve.
“My passion lies in the art of storytelling…the thrill of manipulating fire, combined with the artistry of storytelling, takes my performances to new heights. It is a testament to the power of pushing boundaries and creating experiences that are both mesmerising and awe-inspiring. Sharing this remarkable skill with my audience fills me with an incredible sense of fulfilment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue pushing the boundaries and evolving in my craft,” Yamini said, smiling.
Credit: Yamini
One of her favourite aspects of her performances is fire eating and manipulation, a rare and exceptional skill set that sets her apart. The thrill of manipulating fire, combined with storytelling, elevates her performances to new heights. Mastery, she believes, is an ongoing journey, with new techniques and ideas evolving every day.
“It brings me immense joy to showcase this rare and exceptional skillset that only a select few in the world possess. Surprisingly, I’ve yet to come across another performer in the UAE who incorporates fire eating and manipulations into their acts, making it even more exhilarating to share this unique talent,” she said.
Speaking of unique, every artist carries a name that resonates with their creative essence, and for Yamini, it’s ‘Fairy Rider’. But what’s the story behind this enchanting moniker?
“In folklore and mythology, a fairy rider typically refers to a person who can tame or control fairy-like creatures, such as fairies, pixies, or other magical beings. These individuals are often depicted as skilled riders, able to navigate through the ethereal world of these fantastical creatures,” the fire artist explained.
For Yamini , ‘Fairy Rider’ takes on a different dimension. It represents the phenomenon of ethereal lights or glowing forms associated with fairies or supernatural beings. In folklore, these lights are sometimes believed to be the result of fairies dancing or flying through the air, casting a spellbinding aura of magic. It’s a name that encapsulates the mystical allure of her performances and the ethereal connection she seeks to create with her audience.
Credit: Yamini
“The energy of the spotlight, the connection with the audience, and the opportunity to share my artistry is an exhilarating experience for me….[it] allows me to express myself in ways that words alone cannot capture. Each performance is an opportunity for me to connect with the audience, to create moments of joy, inspiration, and wonder. I am grateful for the opportunities that being on stage has brought into my life,” she said.
While she’s grateful for all her hard-earned recognition, Yamini understands that staying innovative is important. She keeps things interesting not only by adjusting her techniques and performances, but also exploring new fire manipulation methods, incorporating unique props, and experimenting with different choreography to keep her performances fresh and exciting.
“Being here has been absolutely incredible. I have had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with exceptionally talented artists from all over the world, each with their own unique art forms. Witnessing the performances of these artists has truly pushed the boundaries of my own abilities and helped me develop my own distinct style and show. I believe that my journey is only just beginning, and I am eager to take it to the next level in terms of production, costuming, and overall presentation of my performances,” she said, smiling.
Balancing her artistic identity while exploring new dimensions is a challenge she embraces. She believes in a mix of exploration, collaboration, reflection, risk-taking, and staying true to her own voice. It’s about finding the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, allowing her performances to evolve naturally.
“My work with fire is strongly influenced by my background in martial arts. Having dedicated the past 20 years to practicing and coaching Taekwondo, I have developed a deep understanding and appreciation for discipline, precision, and movement. In addition to martial arts, I have a passion for expressing myself through music and dance. I find inspiration in various genres, using these art forms as a means to convey emotions, tell stories, and connect with an audience on a deeper level,” she said.
Credit: Yamini
As a Taekwondo Black Dan 3, she competed in prestigious events such as the World Taekwondo Championship and Asian Taekwondo Championship, both individually and as a coach. She revealed that it was through these experiences that she learnt the importance of commitment, perseverance, and pushing oneself beyond perceived limits.
“By combining my martial arts foundation, love for music, and flair for dance, I strive to create captivating fire performances that blend elements of power, grace, and storytelling. This fusion allows me to create a unique and dynamic experience for viewers, intertwining the raw energy of fire with the precision and fluidity of martial arts and the emotive power of music and dance,” Yamini said.
Even as she continues pushing herself to new heights in her fiery craft, Divakar understands the importance of balancing art, self-care, and commitments, despite the challenges she may sometimes face making sure that enough time’s allocated for the different areas in her life.
She advised: “Life itself can be a series of challenges and obstacles, but I believe it’s crucial to keep moving forward. Just like swimming, we must keep pushing ourselves, even when the currents are strong or when we feel tired. The key is to persevere and maintain a steady momentum, knowing that progress and growth come from ongoing effort and determination. So, I will continue to stay afloat, staying true to my passions, and embracing the fulfilment that comes from pursuing the art form I love.”
Credit: Yamini
Throughout her artistic journey, she firmly stuck to her belief about diligently honing her craft, patiently waiting for the ideal moment to unveil her performances to the world. She further revealed that she’s excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the opportunity to showcase her talents on stages around the world.
“There is something magical about surprising audiences with unexpected and awe-inspiring shows, and I want to embrace that element of surprise…when the time is right, I look forward to sharing my experiences with the world and creating unforgettable memories through my performances,” she said, smiling.
One magical moment that stood out was when she first saw images of herself on numerous billboards and screens in iconic locations such as Atlantis and Nakheel Mall. It affirmed that she was on the right path and making a mark amongst audiences across Dubai. It also encouraged her to push her skills further to perform in unique settings.
“The challenge of bringing fire into an indoor space pushed me to expand my skills in fire eating and manifestation tricks. Typically, fire performances are best suited for outdoor venues, so performing in closed and small spaces presented a unique set of challenges, especially when it came to ensuring fire safety,” she said.
Credit: Yamini
While she has a firm eye on the future, Yamini is reflective about her journey as an artist and the advice she received when she actively set out on her path. The most important ones that stuck with her were focused on fire safety – both for herself and her audiences.
“Coming from Goa, India, where outdoor performances were common and fire safety rules were not as strict, I hadn’t encountered any mishaps in my eight years of performing. However, since moving to Dubai, I have learned that the rules and regulations around fire safety are very different here,” she said.
Yamini added: “Understanding and implementing proper fire safety measures has been crucial in successfully transitioning my productions indoors. By anticipating what can go wrong and being prepared for it, I have gained a tremendous amount of confidence in my ability to ensure a safe performance. In fact, I have even had the honour of performing inside Burj Khalifa at 3BK, which wouldn’t have been possible without adhering to these safety guidelines.”
When asked if she had any advice for those starting out on their own journey as a fire artist, this is what she shared: “If I had been aware of the harmful effects of inhaling smoke from fire props, I may have reconsidered pursuing this art form. However, I was young and enthusiastic to learn the beauty of fire performance, and I didn’t fully understand the potential risks involved. Nevertheless, I have since become much more conscientious about safeguarding my health. I make a conscious effort to exercise regularly, refrain from smoking, and give my lungs the opportunity to rejuvenate.”
She also stressed the importance of building a public presence, especially on social media, which helps artists build a following and land opportunities.
“When I first started my journey as a performer, I heavily relied on social media to showcase my talent. In fact, around 60 percent of my gigs were a direct result of my presence on various social media platforms. The power of social media cannot be underestimated, as it has played a significant role in connecting me with opportunities and expanding my audience base,” Yamini said.
In fact, it’s so crucial that the fire artist makes it a point to stay active and continuously learn about new tools and techniques that can enhance her online presence: “I am truly grateful for the impact that social media has had on my career. It has provided me with a platform to share my art, connect with fans and fellow artists, and open doors that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The ability to reach a wide audience and engage with them in real-time is something I cherish and continually strive to make the most out of. Social media has been instrumental in my growth as a performer, and I am grateful for its existence.”
As Yamini looks to the future, she envisions herself performing on renowned international stages, surprising audiences with unexpected and awe-inspiring shows, including renowned festivals like Ozora. Her ultimate dream project involves assembling a talented team of fire artists and traveling to Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, to showcase their skills and captivate audiences from around the globe.
“The recognition I have received for my fire eating and manipulation skills has exceeded my expectations. I am proud to say that I have been featured on billboards here in Dubai, showcasing the rewards that come with the dedication and effort I have put into mastering this craft…the idea of bringing our unique brand of performance art to one of the most renowned stages in the world fills me with excitement and motivation to work toward making this dream a reality,” she said, enthusiastically.
Yamini’s indomitable spirit, passion for the art of fire performance and her journey thus far is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, creativity, and a fiery spirit. Whether illuminating the stage with flames or inspiring others to pursue their dreams, Yamini is an artist who continues to ignite the world with her unique brand of fire artistry.
So, as the curtain rises and the flames flicker to life, let us all be captivated by the magic of Fairy Rider, a name that truly embodies the enchantment and wonder of the world of fire artistry.
CREATIVITY UNDEFINED 