Meet Gabriel Ford | Fire Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriel Ford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It began when I was first introduced to the fire performance community many years ago. I had noticed that many of my fellow artists were providing fire entertainment for either free entry to events or quite a low payment. That is if there was any payment given at all. I was quite confused as I had always felt that there should be an ample compensation for fire spinning given how dangerous and life threatening it can be. I soon began to research the industry standards for fire entertainment all over the world and discovered quite a few implementations I then wanted to include into my business. As I added up my costs and gains for beginning I felt that my overall package for booking was off to a good start. So I began to advertise myself as a fire entertainer with a professional look and have been enjoying the results since then. As of the last few years I have reached great strides in now adding skills to the rosters of other talent agencies while still being able to conduct my own personal brand of being a fire dancer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a fire and LED entertainer. I dance and spin with a variety of props such as poi, double staff, and nunchaku. My clients and bookings mainly consist of various events both private and public including music festivals, wedding receptions, corporate events, restaurants, birthday parties, grand openings, and many others.

I have been performing professionally for over the last decade. I got into this line of work by meeting others at events who were also fire artists. Since I had an extensive background in martial arts weaponry I was able to learn quickly and moved onto adding fire to many of the implements I had already been spinning.

It wasn’t too difficult getting into the business side of things once I learned more about the industry standards, booking practices, insurance, rates, and cost to gain ratios one should familiarize themselves with when wanting to invest time and money into the building of promoting their signature style and offerings. I had some great mentors who were highly willing to share some of their experiences and knowledge that helped pave the way to being a sought after performer.

One challenge I did come across was setting a standard rate for my experience and skill in my part of the country. There weren’t many solo performers such as myself in my city and area. It was mainly comprised of a few groups of five or more performers but very few solo acts. So as I set my rate for potential client and bookings I had to be mindful of these questions – What is my worth? How long should my bookings be? How far do I wish to travel? What type of clients and venues would I like to promote myself towards? In the asking of these important questions I was able to pinpoint a look and brand for myself that have carried me froward and across the country as a performer.

One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my journey as a fire performer has definitely been to stick to your true self and value your work. And at times overvalue what it is you are doing. Fire is an incredibly dangerous element to wield. It’ can be easy to get used to the flames and heat the more you do it. But it can also be just as easy for things to quickly to wrong. Keeping that in mind I have made it a priority that as a fire performer to always value what it is I am doing.

I would like the world to know that fire entertainment is an amazing addition to any event big or small. Many of my fellow performers are entirely passionate about what we do. For a good few this is their livelihood and travel all over the world teaching and performing. I have been grateful for all the places I have been able to share my skills and passion. From the biggest music festival stages right down to the private backyard parties. It’s all a labor of love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite places to take a friend visiting the city would have to be the Cincinnati Art Museum. It’s a great start to any trip in the city. I just love going there and seeing what new exhibit might be in town and also look at some favorite galleries. If the timing is right going during the Art After Dark event is always makes for an enjoyable evening with music and themed entertainment. The view from the entrance road is a perfect place to take anyone who would like a scenic shot of the skyline. Easily the next destination is just down the street for the Krohn Conservatory for a look at all the beautiful plant and tree life. Walking through each area is literally a breath of fresh air. The next place would have to be Findlay Market for any one of the great restaurants located in and around the street. I love going here and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the daily and nightly happenings that could be different for any weekend one might go. A good walk next to the Ohio River at Yeatman’s Cove near The Banks is a splendid way to finish of an evening while grabbing some taco’s at Condado! But those are just a few of my favorites. There is always something to do anytime of year.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to Devinn Bowen-White. As a long time performer they have been a great motivator and example of someone who always strives to better themselves through their art and craft. A multifaceted artist true and true – They have been quite the encouraging person when it comes to my progression as a performer, instructor, and entertainer.

Website: https://app.muse.io/gavelepo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel_nunchaku/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-ford-7a5446100/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabrielford

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielfordfire

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEhEtGnfmL1z_xTmxeWT99A

Image Credits
Halloween fire show image by: https://www.thestorietellerphotography.com/ Theatre Bizarre demon photo by: https://www.instagram.com/treverlong/