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Fire Dance

A performer in traditional attire dances through fire during a ceremonial event at night. The scene is illuminated by flames, with statues and a group of onlookers in the background


“Fire Dance”
Location: Bali, Indonesia 
Date: July 2026
Photographer: Justine Franklin
Affiliation: Alumni
Home Country: United States
Category: Arts & Culture
2026 International Photography Exhibition

“In southern Bali, Uluwatu Temple temple hosts a fire dance. The actors perform a Hindu story of Prince Rama attempting to save his wife Sita after she was stolen by the demon king Rahwana. An ally comes in the form of the monkey king, Hanoman. While infiltrating the demon king's castle, Hanoman is captured and imperiled by a ring of fire. But Hanoman escapes his bindings and begins kicking the fire back at his captors, leading to Rama ultimately defeating the demon king and rescuing Sita. It was an amazing play and I still don't know how the actor managed to safely kick the fire across the stage!”