About Us!

A Brief History

Hijinks Stilts (originally named Chicks on Sticks) is a collective of female and non-binary artists exploring the ancient and universal art of stiltwalking. 

This collective was founded in MniSota Makoce (Minneapolis, Minnesota) in 1998 by Amy Ballestad and Shelley Chinander, through a research and development grant from FORECAST Public ArtWorks. For over 25 years, we have created spectacular original performances; including countless parades, festivals, and celebrations; tall-tale puppet shows at fairs and schools; inspired choreography at art museums; and flaming pyrotechnic pageants in urban corridors.  Click here to see a photo gallery of past works.

Hijinks Anniversary photo

Mission Statement

Hijinks Stilts is a consensus-based, community arts group of women and non-binary stilters dedicated to:

  • building a safe, noncompetitive, and supportive environment for our artists to enhance their skills as stilters, performers, teachers, and creators
  • creating dynamic, high-quality performances
  • fostering the growth of pageantry, celebration, and ritual theater
  • providing opportunities for the women, children, and men in our community to learn stiltwalking through workshops that are accessible to all, regardless of income level
  • bringing color and celebration to our urban environment
  • exploring the depths and heights of the ancient art of stiltwalking

Members

We're an evolving, elegant, and exciting group - sparkly, skilled, imaginative, and versatile.  In and out of this collective have waltzed a fabulous array of stilters, including:

Active Members:

  • Nicole Amaris
  • Julie Boada
  • Malia Burkhart
  • Esther Cervantes
  • Angie Courchaine
  • Tara Fahey
  • Vidya Neni
  • Anne Sawyer

Hijinks Stilts Alumni:

  • Amy Ballestad
  • Shelley Chinander
  • Soozin Hirschmugl
  • Jonetta Hirschmugl
  • Kat Corrigan
  • Bethany Wilfert
  • Martha Soule-Fahey
  • Gabrielle Robinson-Bajuscik
  • Becca Blumenshine
  • Dara Syrkin
  • Emily Hughes
  • Maria Kaefer
  • Tracey Lapointe
  • Linda Miles
  • Elizabeth Moen
  • Ruth Patton
  • Krista Pearson
  • Jessica Gilbaugh
  • Molly Dengler
  • Jessica Braun-Ferris
  • Barb Bujold Martinez
  • Amy Taylor
  • Tonya Leholm
  • Deborah Ervin
  • Laurel Chapman
  • Sarah Chapman
  • Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli
  • Sharon Dill
  • Saffron McGinn