TRAVERSE CITY — The Traverse City Figure Skating Club will present its 50th-anniversary production, “Around the World on Ice,” on March 6 and March 7 at Center Ice. The event features more than 130 skaters and serves as the nonprofit organization’s largest annual fundraiser.
The production showcases the work of more than 65 club members and more than 100 participants from the club’s Learn to Skate program. Performers range in age from 3 to 18, including five graduating seniors who have trained with the club throughout their youth.
The performance features characters and themes from Disney films including “Coco,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Mulan,” “Aladdin” and “Brave.” The club also hosts a school show for local students, where children are encouraged to sing and dance along with the skaters.
Ellie Kolb, executive director of the Traverse City Figure Skating Club, said the production serves as the organization’s primary financial support for its athletes. “It’s our biggest fundraiser for the year to help support our skaters. It’s a huge production with incredible skating. More than 130 skaters are in this show,” Kolb said.
The show utilizes 30-foot tall props and professional lighting for its group and solo numbers. Kolb noted that while figure skating is often an individual sport, the annual show allows the athletes to collaborate. “It’s really cool to see all the skaters work together of different ages and skill level to be in an individual sport, but this is their chance to work as a team and really showcase their efforts throughout the year and perform for the community,” Kolb said.
Kolb said the use of recognizable characters helps young audience members connect with the performances. “I think it’s really special for kids that come and see the show. They can really relate. They see them in the movies and we’re bringing that magic straight to the ice in Traverse City,” Kolb said.
Madelyn Reardon, a member of the Traverse City Figure Skating Club, said she views her participation as a way to inspire the next generation of athletes. “For me, I always think about the little kids that watch. I was one of them in this sport when I was little was so magical. And I just I want to be that for those little kids watching,” Reardon said.
Reardon’s routine includes technical elements such as a layback spin, a spiral sequence and an axel jump, which involves one and a half rotations off the ice. She also performs a double salchow, which consists of two rotations. Reardon described her fellow skaters as her “best friends” and encouraged interested children to try the sport, noting that learning how to fall and get back up is a key part of the process.
Showtimes at Centre Ice Arena are scheduled for:
Friday March 6th 7PM-9PM
Saturday March 7th 11:30AM-1:30PM and 4:30PM-6:30PM
Tickets can be found by clicking here.