Dance of the Fireflies

The dance of the Fireflies is a traditional dance that is performed during celebrations of the summer solstice in Wolfsbrunn. It is a stepdance that is known for the sweeping leg movements. Dancers wear special shoes which have small metal plates and studs on the bottom and sides specifically made for this dance. Performances are done on a metal surface which causes sparks to fly and flurry as the dancer strikes the metal on the shoes on the metal of the surface they are standing on. Some dance groups utilize oils or special metals to make certain steps spark with different colors. Modern variations of the dance may feature acrobatics where dancers strike the shoes of other dancers in mid-air to cause a shower of sparks.
 

Do you remember? Every summer we would go to the city, Before the sun would even start setting we would try to find the best spots. When the sparks started flying, I couldn't help but look at your face, entranced by what must have seemed magic to you.

— Excerpt from a letter from a father to his son

 

Structure

The total length of the dance and the choreography may be different between groups of performers, but generally speaking the dance always consists of three acts and is traditionally performed at nightfall or right before midnight.
  Act 1: Sunset. Romantic and slow, the sparks stay low during this act. Over the course of this act the dancers perform in one large circle that grows smaller towards the end.
  Act 2: Twilight.Mystical and whimsical. Dancers pair up and switch partners often during the act. The music and rhythm builds in intensity and suddenly stops, leaving the dancers in complete darkness.
  Act 3: Midnight. Loud and Festive. The final act is akin to fireworks. Sparks fly in dazzling patterns and shapes. Ending in a deafening and blinding crescendo of steps and sparks.