Fire dancer: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What fire dancer is

A fire dancer spins and juggles fire props in a choreographed show at events, festivals and parties, with safety plans and trained helpers. People book one for festivals, weddings and night events when they want a dramatic show, and only with a venue that allows open flame.

Signs you need it

  • You are planning an evening event where a dramatic live act would suit the theme
  • The venue allows open flame and has a clear plan for fire safety
  • You want a show for a festival, a themed party or an outdoor night event
  • You want an act with a trained team that handles the safety side
  • You want a performer who can work with the audience at a safe distance
  • You want a show that fits a tribal, fantasy or festival theme

What the pro does

  • Asks about the venue, the audience size, the space and the length of the show
  • Checks the venue's rules on open flame, fuel storage and fire equipment
  • Sets a safe performance area, a clear audience line and a fire-safety plan with the venue
  • Performs the choreographed show with trained helpers and any required fire watch
  • Keeps the audience at a safe distance throughout the show
  • Puts out the props, cools the area and packs up the fuel and equipment in the way the venue requires

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the show and the number of performances
  • Number of performers and helpers, including any trained fire watch
  • Fire props and fuel types the performer uses
  • Venue fire-safety requirements, inspections or permits that must be arranged
  • Travel distance and setup time for equipment
  • Audience size and the space needed for the safe performance area
  • Whether the show includes a dance with fire and a separate juggling act

What a written quote should spell out

  • Length of the show and the number of performers and helpers
  • Fire props, fuel types and the storage plan
  • Venue fire-safety rules and any permits or inspections that apply
  • Performance area size, audience distance and the fire-watch plan
  • Setup, rehearsal and teardown times
  • What happens if the show cannot go ahead because of weather or venue rules

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Does the venue allow open flame, and what permits or inspections are needed?
  • Who is the trained fire watch, and what fire training do the performers and helpers have?
  • Where will you store fuel, and how do you handle it on site?
  • What is the audience distance, and how do you keep guests safe?
  • What is your plan if the weather or wind changes?
  • Can I see a video of the full show and your safety setup?
  • Do you carry liability insurance that covers the performers, helpers and the audience?

Red flags

  • They say they can perform without checking the venue's fire rules
  • They have no written fire-safety plan or no trained fire watch
  • They want to store fuel in an unsafe spot or in the venue without a plan
  • They put the audience close to the fire with no barrier or distance rule
  • They will not share their insurance or training documents

What you can do yourself

Do not try fire dancing or fire props yourself at an event. You can prepare by checking the venue's fire rules, clearing the performance area of anything flammable and choosing a spot with a clear audience line. Hire trained fire performers and a trained fire watch, since the risk of burns and fire spread is high even with experienced performers.

Licenses and permits

Fire performance is often regulated, and a permit, a venue approval or a fire inspection may be needed before any open flame is used. Check with the venue, the local fire authority and your state or local licensing agency before booking, and ask the performer to show their permits and insurance.

Fire dancer questions

Does a fire dancer need a permit?

Often yes. Many venues and local fire authorities require a permit, inspection or approval before open flame is used. Ask the performer to show the permits.

Can a fire dancer perform indoors?

Often not without special approval. Indoor open flame is strictly controlled, so confirm the venue's rules and any fire authority approval before booking.

What should I ask about the safety plan?

Ask who the fire watch is, what fire equipment is on site, where the fuel is stored and how the audience is kept back. Get the answers in writing.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See screened pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

More music and entertainment guides

Find a pro near you

Find a pro

About this guide

Request fire dancer