About
The Flaming Femme was founded by Savannah to create a safe and creative space for women in the circus performing community. Born and raised in Kentucky, Savannah has traveled all across the United States to gain experience and training so she could bring it back to her home state and share her love of circus. With a safety first mindset she is able to curate a thrilling experience for her audience.
Savannah first found her love of circus through aerial arts which then expanded to other forms of circus entertainment such as hoop dance, wheel of death, cyr wheel, and most importantly...dancing with fire. She quickly fell in love with controlling the wild element and creating art through its movement. There is nothing quite like being surrounded by the sound of flames and feeling the heat against your skin. It's this love of danger and thrill that pushes her to continually pursue her craft. Throughout Savannah's years of performing she has had one consistent favorite: She loves taking an ordinary experience and creating something unique. With every show she strives to leave the crowd with something to talk about.
So often in artistic communities we forget what our unique presence has to offer. Skills and opportunities vary from person to person and day to day. But whether you're a potential client reading this, or maybe you are an aspiring performer looking to join The Flaming Femme, I want you to know that you can find a place here. This is a place that celebrates your worth and values you, who you want to be, and who you are right now. You are more than your potential or investment. You are feisty, flaming, and femme.
Savannah Barkdoll
Founder and Performer
Our Credentials
Fully Insured
Safety Inspected by the FCFD
Pyrotechnics Permit Holder
FAI Fire Safety Certified
What makes us unique?
Your job? Put on an amazing event! My job? Bring the circus AND bring it safely!! Did you know that in the state of Kentucky there are no official regulations for fire performance as entertainment? Are you shocked? Did you also know that fire is a dangerous element that is to be respected and not taken lightly? Hopefully that one didn't shock you. Did you know that if you hire a fire performer that your best friend's buddy met one day at the grocery store and he said he knows how to spin fire you aren't guaranteed to be hiring someone with insurance? You don't know their background, their education, their fire safety training, how and by whom they were vetted and trained, or how they handle an emergency if things were to go wrong. They may be one hell of a buddy, but your guests should come to your event knowing that their safety is YOUR priority.
So how do you know that safety is my priority? Even though there are no official regulations in the state of Kentucky, I have gone above and beyond to make sure I regulate myself and my performance. I have been vetted by 5 separate fire departments. I have a paid, and trained fire safety assistant who is trained in fire extinguishing and emergency management. I have three different methods of fire extinguishing at all times. I am fully insured to cover damages to any property up to $2,000,000.00 (wowie). I only use white fuel which is a highly refined form of petroleum. White Gas burns cleanly therefore producing no smoke and very few fumes. It burns at a low temperature, thus minimizing potential heat transfer ( because fire travels on vapors - so this is important). Myself nor any of my staff will ever be under any substance while handling dangerous materials. On top of this I will always procure a permit from your local fire department and have a chat with them about their safety concerns when it comes to your personal property. I will never perform during a burn ban, in low humidity and high winds, near hay or mulch, or inside of a building. I personally will never wear synthetic fabrics and will always check your location for potential hazards - you hire me to worry about this so you don't have to! I travel yearly to continue and update my fire education because it is my responsibility to always bring you the best I possibly can. Just to prove my competence I also hold a FAI certification in fire education and safety. To master something, first you have to know all of the ways it works! And just to drive the point home, I have performed at private parties for a fire department themselves! Whew, so you made it this far? Aren't you glad you don't need to research all of these things? Yeah that's what makes me unique. You can rest easy knowing I know what is necessary for a safe performance. Danger is always best when it's done safely ;).