In addition to the excitement of horses pulling skiers during Extreme Horse Skijoring at Canterbury Park on Saturday, Feb. 17, there will be plenty of other spectacles.
One of which is fire dancing. Aaron Hurley, Katy Clark, Lilly Gernster and Lewis Kelly will be performing Fire Dancing.
We spoke with Eilysha Sklar, owner of Eilysha Sklar Performing Arts, about fire dancing and what guests can expect.
Canterbury Park: What is fire dancing?
Eilysha Sklar: Fire dancing is essentially dancing with fire using a variety of props and styles.
It is a combination of various performing arts or skills that involves the manipulation of fire. The props refer to the fire instruments used in the performance, such as poi, staff, hoops, juggling, etc. Each performer has a different skills they bring to the table and their own personal style of how they perform with said instrument.
CP: How did you get into it?
ES: Each performer has a different story of how they got involved. At one point or another, they saw someone performing and said, “Hey, I want to do that too!”
There are various events that have workshops that help teach performers the skills and safety techniques; such as CampFire, an event all the performers for this show are involved with. It is a Fire and Flow Arts Retreat that takes place in Minnesota in July. You can find more information about CampFire online.
Skijoring Comes to Canterbury Park
CP: Does performing during winter make any difference?
ES: There are various factors that can make fire spinning in the winter difficult — the below freezing temperatures can have negative effects on some of our props like hoops and fans, which are made out of polypropylene and metal. Both are susceptible to bending or breaking in cold weather if misused.
As for ourselves, like any job we take the proper precautions and dress for the weather and layer up when needed, the recommended fabrics to wear while spinning are natural fibers, so cotton, leather, denim, wool, silk, etc.
CP: What can people expect on Saturday?
ES: People can expect to see a wonderful show this Saturday. Our sole purpose is to entertain the crowd and it will be nothing short of that.
We are gonna be using multiple different props and mediums to showcase our skills in a fun, family-friendly environment.
CP: What’s your favorite part of performing?
ES: I think all of our performers can agree that our favorite part of performing is looking up when we’re spinning to see the looks and smiles on the crowds’ faces.
It is such a great feeling to know you inspired someone and made their day just a little bit better by sharing a part of your passion with them.
CP: Anything else you’d like to add?
ES: We are thrilled to be performing for this event for Canterbury.
We are looking forward to this show and hope to perform at more in the future! For more information about our services offered or booking information, check us out online.
