Skin Acts
When two skaters perform in a costume, for example portraying a horse or a cat, it is called a “skin act”. The characterization of the animal is the most essential part when skating such a role. It is important for the skaters to embody as many attributes that the animal would have and make the audience forget that there are ice skaters in the costume. The skaters then become puppeteers, creating a live cartoon animal.
Live Animals
Today live animals are somewhat of a rarity on ice. Monkeys, goats, and bears have all had a moment in the spotlight wearing ice skates. ‘Icelandics on Ice’ was the first show ever to introduce horses to indoor ice arenas in the USA. Their first show was in the year 2000 and since then they have done 7 shows on ice in the US.
Icelandic horses have the unique ability to perform with speed and form on ice or snow. In Iceland and Europe these horses are considered a great winter sport for the whole family. Young and old can train and compete on the same level. The Icelandic horse has been pure bread for over 1000 years. Over time, this horse has been molded by nature to survive and it has developed great skills that enable it to move easily over all kinds of terrain.