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Physical effort: High Inverted

The Dance of the Serene Fire: seated on the lap, legs raised to the shoulders

The Dance of the Serene Fire is an advanced, face-to-face position. The penetrating partner kneels, sitting back on their heels with knees apart. The receiving partner sits on their lap, leans far back and raises both legs straight up in front of the penetrating partner's chest, resting them on their shoulders. Held by the arms of the partner underneath, the receiving partner lets the penetrating partner set the pace. Penetration, vaginal or anal, is deep. It requires a lot of flexibility in the hips and the back of the thighs, as well as balance and strength.

Also known as: Torch

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Illustration of The Dance of the Serene Fire: The penetrating partner kneels, sitting on their heels; the receiving partner sits on their lap facing them, leans back and rests both straight legs on their sh
Anatomy and biomechanics

The penetrating partner kneels on the bed with knees wide apart and sits back on their heels, torso upright. The receiving partner sits on their thighs, face to face, with both arms around their back. From there, the receiving partner leans the torso well back and lifts both legs, straight and together, until they rest against the penetrating partner's shoulders, feet above their head. The penetrating partner holds the receiving partner's back with one arm and places the other hand under the buttocks. With the hips so flexed, the thighs press against the torso and penetration becomes deep. The receiving partner has little room to move, so the penetrating partner sets the rhythm by rocking the pelvis and drawing their partner closer with their arms. The legs between the two bodies make kissing difficult, and the receiving partner's head tends to tip back, so there is little eye contact. The penetrating partner's knees and lower back support much of the weight.

Why this position works

Some couples enjoy it as a challenge and for the feeling of being held: the receiving partner lets go and the penetrating partner guides the movement. With the hips so flexed and the legs together, many people notice deep penetration and a snug fit; in vaginal sex, some women feel pressure on the front wall, and in anal sex between men, some feel prostate stimulation, although not always. It is best kept for short moments and for people with flexibility. Sensations vary from person to person.

Power Play Vigor and Energy Sensory Exploration Difficult High Mobility Required Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: legs apart, one on each shoulder

The receiving partner keeps the legs raised but opens them, resting one on each shoulder of the penetrating partner.

Only the legs change: instead of being together in front of the chest, they open in a V and each rests on one shoulder. The hamstrings stretch a little less, the bodies can come closer and the fit is less tight. Depth stays high.

  1. Start in the basic position, with the penetrating partner holding the receiving partner’s back.
  2. The receiving partner separates the legs and places one on each shoulder.
  3. The penetrating partner draws the receiving partner closer with their arms.
  4. Rock gently and adjust the depth by leaning the torso more or less.

Variation 2: feet on the chest instead of straight legs

The receiving partner bends the knees and rests the soles of the feet on the penetrating partner’s chest; it requires much less flexibility.

Only the legs change: the knees bend and the feet rest flat on the penetrating partner’s chest or shoulders. The hips stay flexed, but the hamstrings are hardly stretched, so it is a more accessible version for people who are less flexible. The receiving partner can also push gently with the feet to regulate the depth.

  1. Sit on the penetrating partner’s lap, face to face, with arms around their back.
  2. Lean back while the penetrating partner holds your back.
  3. Bend your knees and place the soles of your feet on their chest.
  4. Use your feet to keep a comfortable distance and depth.

Variation 3: the receiving partner leans on their hands

The receiving partner lets go of the penetrating partner’s back and rests both hands on the bed behind them, taking weight off their partner’s arms and lower back.

Only the arms change: the receiving partner leans back onto straight arms, hands on the mattress behind. The penetrating partner no longer has to hold their back and can use both hands on the hips. It is more stable and less tiring for the partner underneath, though the receiving partner’s wrists and shoulders now take some load.

  1. Start in the basic position.
  2. The penetrating partner holds the receiving partner’s back while they lower one hand and then the other onto the bed behind.
  3. With arms straight, the receiving partner keeps the legs on the penetrating partner’s shoulders.
  4. The penetrating partner holds the hips with both hands and rocks gently.

✓ Tips
  • Warm up first and only try it if the receiving partner can comfortably raise straight legs: it requires flexible hips and hamstrings. If not, bend the knees (variation 2).
  • Penetration is deep: start slowly, adjust the depth and stop if there is pain or pressure in the belly.
  • Use a soft but firm surface and get into position slowly: the receiving partner can fall backwards if the penetrating partner's arms let go. Stop if either of you feels unstable.
  • The penetrating partner supports much of the weight on their knees and lower back: a cushion under the knees and short sessions help.
  • Use lube and a condom to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections; in anal sex, use plenty of lube, warm up first and go slowly.
Interaction type
Deep vaginal or anal penetration, seated on the lap face to face, legs on the shoulders
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal or anal penetration, seated on the lap with legs raised to the shoulders
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for beginners?

Not really: it requires flexibility, balance and strength. A good way to start is with the knees bent and the feet on the penetrating partner's chest (variation 2).

Who controls the movement?

Mainly the penetrating partner, who holds the receiving partner and rocks the pelvis. The receiving partner can guide with their arms, but has little room with the legs raised.

Can it be done with anal penetration?

Yes. Use plenty of lube and a condom, warm up first and go slowly: with the legs raised, depth increases quickly.

What if the lower back or knees of the partner underneath start to hurt?

Put a cushion under the knees, let the receiving partner support themselves on their hands behind (variation 3) or stop and switch positions.

Safety and evidence 1 topic · 2 clinical and academic references

Scientific context for common terms used on this page. Keeping these terms makes the content easier to understand; the sources clarify what is established and what remains uncertain.

G-spot: what the evidence says

“G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not established a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary between individuals.

Sources
O'Connell HE, Sanjeevan KV, Hutson JM. Anatomy of the clitoris. The Journal of Urology. 2005. PubMed ↗
Vieira-Baptista P, et al. G-spot: Fact or Fiction? A Systematic Review. Sexual Medicine. 2021. PubMed ↗

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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