Shows

Many figure skating clubs offer amateur shows that skaters can join. My club, the Columbia Figure Skating Club, performs 2 shows annually. Skaters perform in the Nutcracker on Ice in December and in a spring show in April. The spring show typically consists of a medley of movies, musicals, or music artists.

For more insight on show production, check out the sections below!

The Nutcracker on Ice

Skaters performing in the party scene at the Columbia Figure Skating Club's production of the Nutcracker on Ice.
Skaters performing in the party scene at the Columbia Figure Skating Club’s production of the Nutcracker on Ice.

Casting begins in late September for the Nutcracker on Ice and rehearsals begin in early October. Most skaters have 1-3 parts in the show that may consist of solos, duos, trios, or group numbers.

This is me performing a solo in the Nutcracker on Ice.
This is me performing a solo in the Nutcracker on Ice.

Rehearsals for my skating club occur on Sunday of each week. All skaters attend both on-ice and off-ice rehearsal. During off-ice practice, the coaches and directors choreograph and block each number. It is helpful to have this instruction time to become familiar with the music and the skaters prior to rehearsing on the ice. Skaters then attend on-ice rehearsal where they practice the number as it will be performed in the real show.

This is me in one of our dress rehearsals. Dress rehearsals are the final on-ice practice before the show. All skaters will be in costume and the scenery will be present.
This is me at one of our dress rehearsals. Dress rehearsals are the final on-ice practice before the show. All skaters will be in costume and the scenery will be present.

Figure skating shows require a lot of commitment and collaboration. Skaters are expected to be at every rehearsal and often have multiple practices a week for bigger numbers. Coaches choreograph each number and lead rehearsals. Show directors advertise and manage the production of the show. Costume designers fit and create costumes for every skater. Volunteers prep and change the scenery. There is so much that occurs behind the scenes in order to create the final product!

Scenery can be seen behind the skaters in the party scene. This scenery will be changed for each number.
Scenery can be seen behind the skaters in the party scene. This scenery will be changed for each number.

Skaters at my club perform in 4 shows over a singular weekend. There are 2 shows on Saturday and 2 shows on Sunday. Show weekends were always my favorite weekend of the year. It is so much fun to perform the numbers you’ve worked so hard on!

Check out these videos of me performing some of my favorite Nutcracker parts!

The sugar plum fairy:

Arabian dancers:

Russian dancers:

Spring shows

At the Columbia Figure Skating Club, spring shows are similar to the Nutcracker on Ice in production. Rehearsals begin in mid February and the show occurs in late April.

I have performed in a unique variety of spring skating shows including:

  • The Muppets
  • Annie
  • Princess in the Frog
  • Abba
  • Queen
  • Frozen
  • The Music Man
  • Avatar
  • Wicked
  • The Wizard of Oz

Attached below is an interview done by WBAL featuring my skating club. Our director Pat Muth speaks about the production of the spring show and the skills skaters learn through participating in these shows.

I have performed many numbers in various spring skating shows but my favorite role was Ms. Hannigan in our production of Annie. I loved acting the part and performing a solo!

Overall, figure skating shows are a rewarding and memorable experience that cater to skaters of all skill levels and ages. Many figure skating clubs offer annual shows that anyone can participate in.