Arabian Nights introduces a new program where guests can see if they have what it takes to be a performer in the nightly shows. An immersive new behind the scenes program; Performer for A Day allows guests to experience a day in the life of a performer at Arabian Nights.
There are three tracks for participants to mirror the skills of the main types of performers in the Arabian Nights show; riders, acrobats and people who do both. In any of the three tracks, the participants are limited to two people per session. Each track includes a skill lesson, hands-on introduction to horse care, costuming and participation in the Arabian Nights show. Prices start at $200 per participant including lunch and admission to the dinner show, with up to 3 guest observers at $25 each, including show admission. Packages include souvenir photo and special ringside seating.
Of the three tracks, the Bareback Acrobatics track is particularly unique to Arabian Nights, as one of the only facilities in the world to teach circus-style bareback acrobatics to performers. In this session, participants will learn basic acrobatic techniques from veteran featured performer Csaba Szilagyi in an individual lesson. Depending on skill level and athleticism, this can include learning to stand on the back of a moving horse. This track also includes an appearance in the Gypsy Parade in the Arabian Nights show.
The second track, Specialty Riding, teaches participants the secrets of some of the horse tricks seen in the Arabian Nights show. In this session both basic riding skills and specialty tricks will be taught, and the participant will be a part of the Encampment Act in the Arabian Nights show, where they will help lay a horse down for their role in the act.
The third track is a combination of the first two, with one lesson on each topic, additional hands on work with on of the Arabian Nights horses and a choice of participation in either the Gypsy Parade or Encampment Act.
This program comes in response to a variety of inquiries by guests who want to have a personal experience with the horses. Many guests ask what it is like for a performer in the show or how they can ride or learn skills seen in the nightly performances.
“Many guests would inquire about the skills and training to participate in the show, and most wanted to work with the horses. Those requests, coupled with the history of Arabian Nights as a teaching facility for both riders and acrobats, made us eager to create a unique experience where guests could truly be immersed in the daily routine of our horses and performers,” said Executive Vice President Audrey Padgett.
Arabian Nights has offered a VIP Experience for years, and recently added an Exclusive Stable Tour, but a more in-depth program that allows one-on-one interaction with the horses and performers has been on the agenda for more than a year. The program was finally jump-started after blogger David Parfitt asked if he could write an article about Arabian Nights behind the scenes from the perspective of his two daughters, Evie and Maggie.
This presented the perfect opportunity to test the developing program. Maggie and Evie learned basic horse care, specialty cues for the bow and lay down, basic bareback acrobatic moves and how to get into costume and makeup prior to their appearance in both the VIP Parade of Breeds and the Encampment act. They had a very full day, but according to Parfitt, both girls are still talking about their experience, “Maggie is still wearing her Arabian Nights bracelet and she keeps asking when we are going back to the show.” Their day at Arabian Nights is also chronicled on David’s blog: www.disunplugged.com
For more information on this program, guests can visit www.Arabian-Nights.com or call 800-553-6116 and ask for Group Sales.
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