Pilrig Park, Leith – Iga Sobieraj

Pilrig Park will always be special for me because of the memories I have there, and how it contributed to the place I am in right now in my life.

"The first time I learned how to fire spin was when I was 17, back in Poland at summer camp. We had salsa workshops, drumming classes and circus workshops – and within circus workshops I learnt stilt walking and fire spinning. The camp finished with me and two of my friends making a little show. It was great, but I never followed it up until six years ago. My life had changed a lot, and I decided to visit Thailand for a break. Seeing the fire dancers on the beach, I was so inspired. I remembered the summer camp experience I had and when I came back, I really wanted to continue dancing with fire. I joined Edinburgh fire club which is still happening on Mondays in the Meadows. People were really talented there from my beginners perspective, and I wanted to be good too. So I started to practice more. Pilrig Park is the park near me, and it has a special place in my heart. This is where I went to practice by myself, in the sunset rays, learning new tricks and recording myself for the feedback - so I could get better.

Now 6 years later, I am a professional performer and fire spinning teacher. I have my own workshops and run my own business the best I can. I feel that Pilrig Park will always be special for me because of the memories I have there, and how it contributed to the place I am in right now in my life. I usually run my workshops in the Meadows due to the central location for participants, but there are times when I still take people to Pilrig Park, to the exact same spot when I used to practice. It always feels so nice to bring back those memories."

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