How to Hire a Fire Dancer For Your Event

Fire dancers add spark and pizazz to your event! Whether it's a backyard luau, a tribal-themed party, or a circus-themed corporate event, fire dancers can be the perfect element to take your event to the next level. But it's not always easy to find the right one - especially a professional. Here are some easy steps to help you hire that perfect performer for your event.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with Internet access
• An email account
• A telephone

1. First, determine the theme and scope of your event. When contacting the performers, you'll want to have as many details as possible, so they can give you an accurate price.
   
   Things to think about:
   
   * Will they be performing indoors or outside?
   * Is this a private event or a public one? If it's a public event, you may need to acquire a fire permit. Contact your local fire marshal for more information.
   * How much space will the performers have?
   * What date will the event take place?
   * What time will they perform? Note that fire performance looks much better when it's completely dark out. As the days get longer or shorter, you'll need to take into consideration when the sun sets.
   * What is the theme of your event? Possible options might be luau, circus, tribal, black & white, children's party, or fire & ice.
   * How long of a performance would you like? Most performers do 15-20 minute performances, sometimes several of these throughout the night.
   * How many performers would you like? One performer can be cheaper but the crowd might get bored - you're better off with at least 2 or 3 for a small show, or as many as 10 for a large show.
   * Will the performers have a dressing or changing area?
   * Will the performers have access to bottled water or other refreshments?
   * How far will the performers you're contacting have to travel for your event? Some performers charge travel fees, so it's good to keep that in mind.
   * Determine how much you are willing to pay. Some performers can be hired for as little as $100 for one person for a 15-minute show; others provide several performers for longer periods of time, and can charge several thousand dollars. Having a flexible budget will allow you to be able to hire exactly the right performers for your event! Also, some troupes require a deposit - make sure you are ready and willing to pay for them, to secure the performance!

2. There are a couple of great online resources that list professional fire dancers available for hire all over the world. Two to try:
   
   
   Fire-dancing.com - click on "Fire Performers" and search for professionals in your area. All performers here have a safety rating - look for those with at least four stars.
   
   HomeOfPoi.com - click on "Meet Others" and search for performers in your area.

3. Contact the performers via email or phone. Most professional performance troupes have a website with this information listed. If they don't have a website, you can ask them for more information about their group when you contact them. Make sure you are clear on payment and delivery terms before making any final decisions. If the troupe requires a deposit, make sure you get it to them promptly or they might cancel. If you enter into a contract, make sure both parties are equally clear on all the terms. Stay in contact with the performers a couple of weeks before the event. Make sure they have a phone number where they can reach you in case of an emergency. Make sure they have correct directions to your venue.

4. When the performers arrive, welcome them, show them where their set-up area and performance area will be. Check in with them regarding the performance time, and then allow them time and space to set up. When the show is ready to go, sit back and enjoy! Prompt payment immediately after the show is always best. Tipping is not required, but always appreciated. Send a short thank-you email after the event, along with any pictures you may have taken - performers always love it when you share your enthusiasm for the show!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the performers have a phone number where you can be reached on the day of the event.
• Give the performers clear and accurate directions to your venue.
• Welcome them but allow them time and space to set up their equipment before the show.
• Keep children and dogs away from the performers' set-up area.
• Make sure the performers' set-up area is well-lit and far away from the performance area. Discuss with the performers beforehand how much space they will require.
• ONLY hire fire dancers who provide their own safety person! This person should be trained in fire safety, and should provide their own Duvetyn blanket or wet towel and fire extinguisher. Beware of any fire performer who does not provide their own safety person.
• Do not ask the performers if you can play with their tools, if you can try spinning fire, or if you can try eating or breathing fire. If you have hired professionals, they will decline your request.
• Safety always comes first. If anything happens at your event that would undermine the safety of the event, always feel free to cancel or delay the fire dancing show.

Resources

• Fire dancers for hire in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Fire dancers for hire around the world

[adrugay]

on 4/2/2009 Thanks for the *helpful* comments, everyone! PLEASE no spam or marketing comments or you will get flagged. Thanks.

[StarrySkye]

on 11/19/2008 Very interesting and informative...thanks for posting!

[StreetBloggers]

on 11/6/2008 I never knew people really did this for hire, thanks

[beyond]

on 10/12/2008 I might consider hiring one someday. It would definitely be something the other guys wouldn't be doing.

[luvxoni]

on 9/25/2008 I'm going to bookmark this, because my friends are always looking for entertainment for their events. Thanks!!