Hiring a fire performer isn’t like picking a cake flavor. It’s not about “oh they look cute spinning flames” — it’s about safety, skill, and storytelling.
So before you book that fire twirler for your wedding, festival, or corporate shindig, here’s what really matters:
🔥 Quick Fire Takeaways (Pun Intended)
- Safety first, flambé second – Make sure they know how not to set your venue on fire
(or set of the fire alarms, thats costly ..) - Experience counts – Years of spinning flames = fewer “oops” moments.
- Community cred – A connected performer is usually more skilled and responsible.
- Dance & storytelling – You want drama and story, not just a human torch.
- Fire-safe costumes – No polyester, no hairspray no tragedy.
- Passion & professionalism – On time, prepared, and genuinely skilled.
2. Experience is Everything
Before you hire a fire perfomer Ask for:
- Videos of past performances
- References from events or councils
- Safety documentation and past risk assessments
(always happy to provide examples however you need to book me to have me do custom admin!)
Experience means calm under pressure and shows that look effortless, thrilling, and fun.
1. Safety Record is Non-Negotiable
Fire is mesmerizing… until someone screams. Make sure your performer:
- Has proper fire safety training (we train others — come learn!)
- Brings safety gear and a trained fire marshal
- Has safely performed at similar events before -we have experience with weddings, NYE, fire themed events, multicultural events and large-scale fire shows (6 people).
This experience was professional paid work – not in exchange for tickets..or $50 ( & not doofs!) and while this may seem weird to point out we strongly believe in a culture that supports sustainable art practices and see many festivals taking advantage of younger artists willing to work for exposure..that too is an unsafe practice we can’t support.
Because nothing kills the vibe like a performer kicking over their fuel on stage with a crowd of onlookers…or setting fire to themselves with kids watching…the horror is real !
3. Fire Community Involvement
Fire performers are often part of a tight-knit community both localy and nationally This matters because:
- They keep learning and improving
- They can coordinate safer, larger collaborations
- They’re often mentors and teachers
Look for local community events, national workshops, and festivals:
- The Ifritah crew do courses in Newcastle & Maitland & mentor performers to get professional experience
- Poi, multicultural dance, and fire jams
- Teaching at Glowfest, Flowstate, Newcastle Bellydance Festival, Synergy (Brisbane), Gothla, and more
4. Dance Background & Storytelling
Fire is the medium; dance and story are the message. The best performers:
- Choreograph routines instead of just wafting flames
- Use props like poi, staff, and dragon staff
- Turn your event into an experience, not a hazard zone
You’re hiring an artist with years of dedication — not a fire twirling model.
5. Fire-Safe Costumes
- Flame-resistant materials
- Proper fit so nothing catches accidentally
- Artistic design without third-degree burns
It’s possible to look spectacular and stay safe — your performer should know this.Ive been costuming for years now and even teach a fire safe costume workshop for sustainable practices (second hand gear!)