Skimmee aile - isle of man fire performers
Local Fire Performers
Skimmee Aile, meaning 'Fire Crew' in Manx, are a group of Isle of Man fire performers who have been supporting Oie Voaldyn since it's first year in 2018
Skills and Experience
Skimmee Aile are a diverse group comprised of experienced and amateur performers, using a variety of props including poi, staff, fans, lyco, fire swords and other performance fire props
Photography
We are incredibly grateful to have our very own camera wielding cheerleader, Sue Jones, who accompanies us on 90% of our jams and events, the results of which speak for themselves!
Without Sue, this page wouldn't exist!
Sue is also joined by Steve Corran, and Julian Simmonds at most of our Oie Voaldyn Fire Festivals, so some of the images in our gallery also feature pictures created by these other amazing photographers.
Meet The Committee
Steven Corfield
Steven is the master of a school in Historically European Martial Arts (HEMA) and has been teaching dor over a decade in these arts.
He has also used his knowledge for stage combat, applying it to choreography, demonstrations and performances.
The fire arts have always been Steve's passion and Oie Voaldyn was his first opportunity to amalgamate his knowledge of stage performance with fire arts. He is our Summer Champion!
Steven brought Skimmee Aile to life and has continued to act as a performer, choreographer, manager, fire master, and fire safety officer.
Claire Bader
Claire is currently Skimmee Aile's only fire hooper! Although we have recently taken on 2 brand new recruits.
Claire has been hooping for around 15 years since her son picked up a diablo! She has hooped in a number of countries attending many festivals and workshops, and has additionally undertaken a number of hoop coaching courses.
For thr past 3 years Claire has taught a regular hoop class every Tuesday in Douglas through Theatrix Dance Company.
Nicola Van Sittert
Nicola Van Sittert
Nicola has cultivated a distinct performance career since 2006, initially specialising in fire dancing integrated with professional bellydance.
As a key member of a professional collective Nicola performed extensively and most notably at the Johannesburg Market Theatre using props such as poi and candles.
Following disbandment of the group, Nicola continued developing her skills through solo performances at functions and private parties.
Kirsty Dencheva
Kirsty Dencheva
Nicola Van Sittert
Kirsty has had no formal training but picked up fire fans in 2025 and is largely self taught and still very much on her learning journey!
Kirsty is Skimmee Aile's event planner and social media/communications person and also maintains a similar role with Isle of Man Fire & Folk Festivals, where she also undertakes the event fundraising duties.
Paul Halfpenny
Kirsty Dencheva
Paul Halfpenny
Paul
Al Kneen
Kirsty Dencheva
Paul Halfpenny
Al