Thanks for the comments, yes it is true it is repetitive and not a whole lot of sword play, footwork or things like that. I've been fencing for many years, both competitive foil, sabre and epee as well as learning several tai chi forms, including a two person form. But my partner is a rank beginner with swords, so we need to keep it simple, and therefore safe. Also, many of the moves I would normally use become a bit of a problem with the flames -- as it is I always burn the hair off the back of my hand. I wanted to start with a tai chi pose where the tips are meeting about knee height between us, but can't do that due to the flames. I'm confident enough in my control that I would do strikes to the chest or legs and know just how hard I would land, but I hesitate big time for now.

I think I need most of all to get some good music to work with and work out a routine with. The simple up-down pattern works with just about anything, but like you say, isn't really all that interesting -- though the audience does seem to like it.

So get out there and make yourself a pair of swords! I have pictures of the ones I made here, though I've since added more fire rope so they will burn a little longer. These are not really swords at all, just strips of metal with handles and fire rope, but at night they work just fine. I also found some cheap chinese style broadswords and set them up with fire rope.