As Fire Week continues, Russ Megowan writes, "For many, fire dancing is a novel party trick that appears at a range of gatherings from luaus in Hawaii to house parties around the world. Acting as a source of light, warmth, and entertainment for millions of years, fire transforms everything it touches for better or worse. While it clearly takes a level of self-confidence and bravery to study this art form, the culture, communities, gatherings and endless practice sessions that create these performances are largely unknown to the general public. “Fire is such a mysterious element,” said Anthony Rutland, a Santa Cruz performer. ... “It’s nothing that we have a whole lot of control over, and when you’re spinning fire, you kind of have control. Sometimes it can be spiritual as well. When I’m spinning fire, I forget about everything except what I’m doing then and there.” City on a Hill Press