We had the good fortune of connecting with Tammy FireFly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammy, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always felt a strong passion and purpose in my life when creating an art project. It was in 2005 when I fell in love with circus arts. It was originally a tool I used to keep me motivated and inspired in my personal life. I loved the feeling of pushing myself physically, strengthening my body in an innovative way and having permission to be artistic and unique.

In 2008 I received my first circus contract. It truly went from a hobby and personal discovery to something I was also able to earn an income off of. It wasn’t my goal when I started but once I discovered it could bring people the same joy from watching a performance as it did to me delivering the performance it quickly gave me a new depth of purpose and passion for circus and movement arts. I loved looking out and watching the smiles and the awe expressions when witnessing a circus show.

Money has always been secondary but I was also very grateful I was able to live through my passion and have it be sustainable financially.

Choosing an artistic lifestyle is not always easy but is fulfilling in so many ways. I have permission to be myself, offer something visually appealing to the eyes and bring audience members into a moment where they can disconnect from their world and come into a creative space to experience something unique and leave smiling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The path of a circus artist is not always easy. It takes a deep level of discipline and drive. What’s hard about it is also what I love about it. I’ve learned how to cultivate a deep level of body awareness, spatial awareness and physical awareness. This art taught me a level of discipline and focus I never before experienced. If you want to be the best you have to train with the best and push yourself to be the best, even when you’re tired or feeling depleted, you wake up and start again.

What sets me apart from others are my two speciality acts featuring high flying aerial acrobatics and fire stunts. The fusion of the two defeats danger yet is elegant, brings a wow factor and a creative element to the stage which hasn’t been seen in normal circus shows. The two acts consist of aerial straps and fire and the other is a sacred geometry shape of a star tetrahedron in which 6 of the points are lit on fire.

Not only do I thrive to offer top notch entertainment, my main goal is to bring a positive feeling and emotion to the audience. It’s a moment to connect with something deeper inside of us all. When watching a visual art piece it brings stillness to the mind and a sensation into the heart. Like watching a good movie or reading a book you can’t put down. It’s a story between myself, and a secret language with the audience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I were to host my best friend in San Diego I would take them to Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla Cove, a stroll down Shelter Island and around the Harbour following dinner at Umi Sushi in Shelter Island. I would also take them for a coffee in Ocean Beach and if we were in town for Wed night I would make sure to attend the Wed night market for a little grocery shopping and people watching.
Also a sunset surf session in Encinitas and a hike down to Blacks Beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shout out to my mentor and artistic coach Sandi Croft, she has been the artistic director with Cirque Du Soleil for over 10years. We met on a Cirque show back in 2018 when we formed a strong bond. Since then she has truly supported my work through all the ups and downs and taught me so much about expanding myself as an artist in a high level professional industry.

I would also like to give a shout out to my straps Coach Dima Deyneko who has taught me so much technique in the area and apparatus I chose to excel in.

I understand the importance of having mentors and teachers in your life, especially in the circus world. I am grateful for my mentors and those who have supported and believed in me during the years of my career.

Website: www.TammyFireFly.com

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/TammyFireFly & https://www.instagram.com/cirquetraincation/ & https://www.instagram.com/fireflywear/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammy.firefly.98 & https://www.facebook.com/TammyFireFly

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TammyFireFly/channels

Other: www.FireFlyWear.com www.CirqueTrainCation.com

Image Credits
photographers from Cirque Du Soleil – One Night for One Drop On Set – Americas Got Talent Championships

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.