Riemer uses a series of props to dance with fire, which the 31-year-old said is a way she expresses herself and receives an adrenaline rush at the same time.

Last week, Riemer performed for The News at Bay View Park where she used fire fans, a fire staff, and even a fire-eating torch.

The art of fire dancing is relatively unknown in the Alpena area, Riemer said, but she added that she has been doing it since she turned 21. She said her passion for the hobby developed when she began tinkering with hula hoops and staffs and then she took it to the next level by incorporating the flames into the props.

“I saw somebody doing it at Blissfest and I thought it was so cool and I had to learn how to do it myself,” she said. “I have always kind of danced to the beat of my own drum and this was just something that was very interesting and unique.”

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz A wall of flames burns in front of Grace Riemer as she dances with the fire props on March 21 at Bay View Park in Alpena.

Riemer said when working with the fire, she is always conscious of the power and danger of it and she always has a person or two there to assist her, one with a fire extinguisher and another with a blanket. She said she respects the flames and has burned herself while dancing. Despite that, she said fire can be relaxing, mesmerizing, and peaceful.

“Fire unto itself is a very powerful element and it is easy to think the only emotion you can feel when you look at it is fear,” Riemer said. “That changes when you are able to dance and be physically active with it and feel really close to such a powerful element and learn how to respect it.”

Riemer said she is certified with the Fire Arts Association and that her safety, as well as those assisting and watching her, is always at the forefront of her mind.

“Safety is always the number one priority,” she said. “Anyone who has worked with fire props will tell you that.”

Riemer said she wishes there were more people nearby who share the same hobby she has. She said it would be nice to have other fire dancers to dance and converse with, as well as learn from and teach.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Grace Riemer, left, extinguishes her fire fans, as Chris Connelly, center, and Brandon Chen stand by with a fire extinguisher and blanket in case something goes wrong on March 21 in Alpena.

She said there is a group of people who use fire props on the other side of the state, but engaging with them is difficult.

Riemer understands there may be people who become interested in her unique talent and they may decide to try fire dancing for themselves. She said before anyone begins to work with the fire, they need to do a lot of homework and learn as much as possible about the art form.

“Do your research and don’t just run out and buy everything right away,” she said. “Find someone who is part of the community of fire arts and talk to them and get advice from them. Don’t just start lighting the props on fire without knowing what you’re doing.”

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Grace Riemer spins a fire staff as the flames grow on both sides of her on March 21 in Alpena.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Grace Riemer checks over a fire extinguisher and other fire dancing gear after dancing at Bay View Park on March 21.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Grace Riemer moves her fire-eating staff toward her mouth while practicing her fire dancing on March 21 in Alpena

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Grace Riemer makes it look as if she is holding a flame in the palm of her hand while practicing her fire-dancing moves on March 21 in Alpena.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Grace Riemer twirls a fire staff over the top of her head while showing off her fire-dancing moves on March 21 in Alpena.