As an iron-barred cemetery gate creaks open and welcomes you to Necropolis 13, your senses are heightened as fear and curiosity take over. Automated sound systems of tolling bells and cawing crows feel real as you stumble through the dark cemetery scene, and just as the anticipation gets the best of you, your eyes are illuminated by the glowing twirls of fire dancers like anthropology sophomore Dixie Hinson.
Hinson and the rest of her troupe light up the faux cemetery scene with fiery props to raise the dead of Necropolis 13, the outdoor haunted exhibit of the infamous 13th Gate located in downtown Baton Rouge.
Dressed in costumes ranging from simple face paint to intricate headdresses, the spooky troupe performs at least four times a night.
Hinson’s story began nearly seven years ago when she was introduced to poi — a performance art involving tethered balls twirled in rhythm — at a church camp, she said.
After a five-year hiatus, Hinson began engaging in flow props again, focusing on levitation wands — a wand attached by string that creates a floating effect.
In Baton Rouge, flow-ers, the community of people who work with flow props, really allowed Hinson to dive in, she said. Typically found at raves and festivals, the community is filled with people who “just like to live and have fun,” Hinson said.
She eventually met Lauren Cabrara through the flow community, who Hinson has deemed her “fire mom.” The pair bonded over their preferred flow prop, levitation wands, and developed a friendship that brought Hinson to where she is today, she said.
Cabrara introduced Hinson to fire interaction and dancing. After helping Hinson master the basics, like proper lighting, fueling and dancing techniques, Cabrara proposed Hinson try out for her troupe, Inferneaux.
Hinson made the troupe, and soon “gained a healthy respect for fire,” she said, as she began using flamed props for performances with poi, levitation wands and even a fire fan.
“When you first begin [using] flow props, you try to forget the worry that something is flying around your head,” Hinson said. “With fire, a healthy respect is needed to begin eliminating the fear aspect.”
Her troupe has instilled a high regard for preparing, fueling and performing correctly, Hinson said.
“Our biggest priority is doing everything correctly and safely,” Hinson said. “We wear materials that don’t melt on contact like cotton, hoods so our hair stays safe, and always have two safeties during every performance.”
Necropolis 13 is Hinson’s debut into the art of fire dancing. She said it’s the best first gig she could’ve asked for.
“Everyone’s been really supportive, and it’s just fun,” Hinson said.
Hinson attributes her success as a dancer to the leadership she’s found in Inferneaux and the passion she found in the thrill of fire dancing, she said.
Eventually hoping to take more aerial classes at the University, Hinson is laying the necessary ground work to hopefully turn her performances into a career.
“I think 13-year-old me would be proud of 20-year-old me, and I hope [in the future] I am at least this proud of 27-year-old me,” she said.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Staff Photographer

LSU anthropology sophomore Dixie Hinson gazes into the fire at Necropolis 13 on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017.