There were plenty of talented performers and fun interactive experiences at the Kootenay Children’s Festival in Cranbrook on May 11.
The day started off with a community drum circle lead by Rhythm By Nature Drums. Participants of all ages took turns finding their flow and learning to keep a steady rhythm, with help from an instructor.
Christina the Crazy Hooper took the stage later in the morning to show off her amazing hula skills. The travelling entertainer wowed the crowd with feats of agility and strength, as she spun dozens of hoops at once and rotated a 50 lb inner tube. Christina Munchinsky’s talents have landed her performances on Canada’s Got Talent and the Ellen DeGeneres show.
Three-time Canadian National Dance champion Karima Essa brought vibrant dynamic Bollywood dance to Rotary Park, with an interactive performance that the audience could follow along with and learn from. Essa has performed in over 300 schools in Canada, and has been studying how dance can improve socio-emotional skills with neurodiverse children for her Education Assistance Certification.
Indigenous hoop dancers and drummers, and grade three to six students from Mountain Song children’s choir put on passionate performances later in the day.
The Golden Crust Family, a travelling circus duo from Quebec, was the final act of the afternoon. Crust family performers Grace and Kevin drove their RV all the way across Canada to take part in the festival, and their whimsical tricks and slapstick humour was a delight for the audience.