Burning love: a wedding act to remember

It’s a love story that’s grown into an award-winning entertainment business.

When professional movie stuntman Michael Collins approached acclaimed violinist Rachele Wildmare for lessons in 2006, he couldn’t have known they’d end up building a life together and travelling the world with their unique, jaw-dropping fusion of violin, acrobatics and fire.

Known collectively as Strings on Fire, Nellie and Mare (Michael and Rachele’s stage names) have toured the world three times over having played to tens of thousands of people during more than 600 performances. Their show, which combines Nellie’s background in circus performance and acrobatics with Mare’s inspired violin skills, offers a truly unique and engaging entertainment experience.

“Nellie came to my house for a violin lesson and, as he said later, he was smitten within 60 seconds,” says Mare who has performed for the likes of Elle MacPherson and Lucy Liu.

“It took me a little longer, 90 seconds, maybe?”

“Eventually, he began to teach me circus skills. We added in some fire acts, a little Argentine tango and, our mutual love, the violin and realised we had an act that was truly special and unique.”

Nellie and Mare’s stunning – and passion-filled – act combines the seductive moves of the Argentine tango with the heart-rending strings of a violin. Throw in some fabulously imaginative acrobatic moves – and a few flames (they play violin with burning bows) – and you’ve got Strings on Fire.

Their mesmerizing show is in demand globally (and nationally), and the couple have performed at such acclaimed events as England’s Glastonbury Festival and Germany’s prestigious music festival, Das Fest. Locally, they have been hired by the likes of the Royal Australian Air Force and The Lady Mayoress’ Charity Luncheon in Melbourne.

The couple tour nationally and, this year, will be available to perform at weddings, a once-in-a-lifetime experience guests are unlikely to forget.

“It’s very different from the usual guest dancer or cover band at a wedding,” says Mare who, by the age of 9 had performed internationally. “It can be incredibly romantic and exciting, and it’s a real thrill to see the reaction from the audience.”

“We use Tango and violins to invoke an air of passion and  romance and then throw in some fire to add an element of danger. It’s very exciting.”

Mare’s partner Nellie was born in Zimbabwe into a travelling family who changed country every three years. “I’ve lived on every continent except Antarctica,” he says. “One of my fondest memories as a child was embarking on an ocean liner and sailing off to all sorts of  mysterious and fabulous destination. It gave me a sense of freedom and adventure that I still carry with me today.”

After completing a double honours degree in Marine Biology & Zoology in Wales, he left academia after, he says, feeling drawn to learn various circus acts including juggling machetes and, even, balancing an axe on his chin. He performed professionally for 12 years, before embarking on a career as a specialist stuntman in film (his latest roles were in Superman and Wolverine) and TV (he taught Lucy Lawless breath fire on the set of Xena Warrior Princess).

Though he still does the odd movie spot, he spends most of his time touring Australia and the world performing with Nellie and says he’s looking forward to spending time in Australia.

“We’ve played to audiences across the globe, in theatres, stadia and at festivals, but there’s something really special about performing at a wedding and being such a big and memorable part of a couple’s big day,” he says.

“A few years ago, couples  began seeking us out to perform at their wedding because they saw that  the combination of  violins, romance and passion in our shows suits a wedding perfectly.”

Strings on Fire offer wedding packages that include entertainment for guests on arrival as well as a main show and an appearance in the evening. They are available for shows nationally (and internationally).

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