An Interview with Adam Busch, Owner & Lead Fire Performer of Radiate Fire Dancing (Los Angeles)
Fire dancing has become one of the most powerful ways to elevate an event—creating atmosphere, excitement, and unforgettable moments for guests. Whether it's a wedding reception, private party, festival, or corporate gathering, people hire fire performers because the artform instantly transforms a space into something cinematic. The movement, music, and elemental energy provide the kind of visual impact that photos and videos can't fully capture—and you don't need a huge stage or tech team to make it possible.
To help clients understand what goes into hiring a professional, we sat down with Adam Busch, Owner and Lead Fire Performer of Radiate Fire Dancing in Los Angeles. Adam has performed across the U.S. and internationally, specializing in spotlight fire shows, ambient entertainment, and duo acts that combine choreography, musical storytelling, and advanced prop work.
This Q+A covers the essentials—fire insurance, safety teams, performance options, what clients should expect, and how to choose the right type of fire experience for their event.
Q: Why do people hire fire dancers for their events? What makes it special?
Adam: Fire creates a sense of wonder that's instantly felt. When the lights go down and the flames come up, the mood shifts—people stop talking, they start filming, and they're pulled fully into the moment. My job is to take that energy and build a story with it, whether that's a 15–20 minute spotlight show or a series of ambient sets.
Fire performance works for almost any type of gathering because it's self-contained. I bring the props, the fuel, the music, and the safety team. Clients just need a safe space and an audience ready to have an amazing experience.
Q: What should clients know about fire insurance when hiring a fire dancer?
Adam: Fire insurance is not optional—it's essential. Any professional performer should carry specialty performer liability insurance that specifically covers fire arts. For clients, there are two big reasons this matters:
1. Venue Requirements
Most hotels, event spaces, and private venues require proof of insurance before flames ever touch the ground. Without a valid policy and a Certificate of Insurance (COI), many venues simply won't allow fire on site.
2. Protection for Private Homes
When I perform at private residences, insurance becomes even more important. There may not be a legal requirement to show coverage, but it protects the homeowner in the rare event of property damage—things like scorch marks, landscaping issues, or accidental contact with a structure. A proper policy ensures that any incident is covered by my insurance, not the homeowner's.
3. Risk Protection for Everyone Involved
Fire performance is extremely controlled, but if something unexpected happened, insurance protects both the performer and the client. It's not just about complying with rules; it's about giving everyone peace of mind.
I provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) upon booking, naming the venue as additionally insured if needed. This gives everyone peace of mind and keeps the event fully compliant with safety protocols.
Q: Why do fire performers bring an assistant or a dedicated fire safety?
Adam: Fire performance requires a team—even if only one person is on stage. A trained fire safety assistant is there to manage everything happening outside the choreography:
- Monitoring wind, audience distance, and the environment
- Managing fuel stations and equipment
- Keeping extinguishing tools ready and visible
- Watching the performer's props for any abnormalities
- Ensuring the performance zone stays safe and secure and free from guests.
This isn't just precaution—it's standard in the professional fire community. Having a safety present allows me to focus on delivering an incredible performance while knowing that every detail around me is being managed with precision.
Q: What's the difference between a Spotlight Fire Performance and Ambient Fire Entertainment?
Spotlight Fire Performance (15–20 minutes)
A spotlight show is a choreographed, high-impact performance designed to be the main attraction of your event. It's structured like a miniature theatrical experience with:
- A curated soundtrack
- Multiple props (e.g., dragon staff, rope dart, fire fans, fire palm torches, fire cub, etc.)
- Big visual moments
- A narrative arc or emotional tone
- A dramatic finale
Spotlight shows are perfect for weddings, retreats, private parties, after-dinner entertainment, and moments where you want everyone to pause and focus.
Ambient Fire Entertainment
Ambient sets are more fluid and atmospheric. Think of them as moving visuals that enhance the energy of the event rather than taking center stage. These are usually:
- 10–15 minute sets between other activities
- Performed intermittently throughout the evening
- Done with smaller or mid-sized props that allow closer audience interaction
- Designed to elevate the vibe without stopping the flow of the event
Ambient fire works incredibly well for cocktail hours, festival walk-arounds, receptions, and venues where you want guests to experience fire multiple times throughout the night.
Q: How does a client decide which type of performance is right for their event?
Adam: I always ask clients what role they want fire to play. Do they want a centerpiece moment that everyone gathers around? Or a dynamic visual element woven through the night? The space, schedule, and energy of the event all help determine which format is best.
If you're not sure, I walk clients through both options and recommend what will fit the environment. Sometimes it's a hybrid—starting with ambient sets and ending with a full spotlight show.
Ready to Bring Fire to Your Event?
Whether you're planning a wedding in Los Angeles, a rooftop celebration in San Diego, a corporate event in San Francisco, or a private retreat in Palm Springs, fire performance can transform your space into something unforgettable. Radiate Fire Dancing offers both high-impact spotlight shows and atmospheric ambient entertainment designed to elevate any gathering.
We perform throughout California—including Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, San Francisco, and Palm Springs—as well as internationally in destination locations such as Costa Rica and the Maldives. If you're hosting an event abroad and want to create a truly cinematic experience for your guests, we travel.
To check availability, request a quote, or start planning your custom fire experience, reach out to Radiate Fire Dancing. We'll help you choose the right show format, review your space, and handle all safety and insurance details so you can focus on enjoying your event.
Your moment deserves something extraordinary.
Let's create it with fire.
