By Chuck Foster

“The show’s over folks. It’s time to go home.” These are perhaps the most disappointing words you’ll ever hear spill from Xavier Frost, ring master of PURE Cirkus. It’s worst than last call. It should be as their performances are nothing less than addictive for those of us who crave a fix for the darker side of circus entertainment. Having just celebrated their second anniversary last October, it could lead one to believe that their success is almost one of overnight. That’s hardly the case. As a troupe they have been around for about four years now, changing leadership and direction two years ago. In the beginning they were PURE Suspension, mainly a brotherhood of piercing and suspension performers and enthusiast. Then Xavier took the helm and turned the gang of freaks into a circus troupe, creating acts that are hotter than spit fire!

The Sinner and PURE Cirkus have developed a close relationship over the years, some might even say that we’re joined at the hip; not literally, of course. Although Xavier has tried on numerous occasions to get me to do something that fucking crazy. But I know my place in this weird world, here behind this desk, far away from the lights of stage. It’s that kind of off-balance mentality that makes us non-performers flock to the stage for a simple glance of PURE Cirkus on a regular basis. And the list of what this troupe does is almost endless, leading me to take time out this month to expose the better half of PURE, or at least the sexier side, the ladies.

I decided to ask the gals how they found their way into the circus? Amber says that she found out about PURE through an acquaintance, as did Wendy Fujinaga. Pantera said it was a “whirlwind of stripes” and that somehow she just fit right in with the troupe.

PURE has grown at an amazing rate in two years, now consisting of fifty-plus entertainers, making this one diverse group. Amber is primarily a belly dancer, but also performs with fire. She admits that she kind of fell into the fire thing.  She credits her extensive background in gymnastics, dance, and martial arts as part of her success, but feels that her “body awareness and movement familiarity has made it a bit easier” for her to catch on.

Wendy eats fire. She plays with it too but how often do you get to write that line? “Eating fire with Delaney is definitely the most consistently sensual thing that I’ve experienced. She and I mirror each other so well - it’s like we share a body/mind when we’re on stage.”   Wendy also mentioned that Delaney taught her how to eat fire several years ago on her front porch with “tiny little cotton wicks soaked in rubbing alcohol set on twisted wire.” “I picked it up right away and she was amazed at how unafraid of the fire I was, right from the beginning.”

I asked Pantera about her act, “Pole dancing is an aerial art mixed with acrobalancing. It’s not for pussies!” When asked about the dangers and fear of injury, she says “If you’re worried about getting injured you might as well go play on the sponge beds.” Tough words. Tough gal. Amber on the other hand said, “Ha!  Heck yeah it has.  One needs a healthy respect for fire.  For the dance, I have to listen to my body more - I am not a spring chicken any longer!”

When I asked Wendy about fire and the dangers involved, she said, “I am unafraid of the fire and have a few scars because of it which isn’t exactly smart. Laney gives me the look every time I get a new one. It is definitely dangerous.” She also shared a couple horror stories. One was of a friend eating fire who accidentally inhaled, burning her esophagus and lungs. The other was of her accidentally grinding the inside of Laney’s thigh. “There were no lights for the set and she only had the crotch piece. She laid down on her back and threw her legs up in the air and I bent down and ground her flesh instead of the metal. I still feel bad every time I see it.” OUCH!

If you think this is all fun and glam, think again. These gals train and practice religiously. I decided to ask them to share some advice for those of you out there that might have a thing for clowns and the circus. Amber says, “Follow what your instinct tells you to do.  Talk to people, ask questions.  Practice. Practice. Practice!  The world (and Seattle) needs you!” Wendy suggest to “Practice. Be safe. Be freakishly safe.” Understandably so after that thigh story. Pantera says to find the guy running the show and kick him in the balls until he gives you the job, then say, “thanks, pussy!” No, just kidding. Pantera says, “Talk to the troupe!! Being shy won’t get you anywhere in a performing world. Be dedicated and ready to sacrifice.”

For a final thought the girls wanted to tell their troop that they love them and personally thank Asshole the Klown - “thanks for keeping us safe.”

You can find out more about PURE Cirkus at: www.purecirkus.com. You can also catch them at the Noc Noc on January 25.