Young skaters will showcase their talents for the community in a Broadway-themed ice show this weekend.
Every second year the Oak Bay Figure Skating Club creates the event to showcase the talent of its skaters, and each of the nearly 100 students who choose to participate enjoys a part, says club president Darrell Wavryk.
“We’ve got kids from three to 18 [years-old] involved,” he said. “Lots of people look forward to the show. We put it on for the community.”
It’s also a boon for the younger kids, who don’t yet compete and do shows, to participate in the two-show affair on Saturday at Oak Bay Rec Centre.
“It gives the skaters an opportunity to show off their skills in a non-competitive setting,” said coach Kailee Bowman. “And it shows the community what amazing athletes we have.”
With about 80 per cent of the club made up of Oak Bay residents, there are family members, friends and community members in general who anticipate the event, this year titled Broadway on Ice and featuring numbers from shows Cats and Annie Get Your Gun to Mama Mia.
“If you’re a Broadway junkie there’s going to be something you love,” Bowman said.
The grand finale, set to a funky popular tune by Bruno Mars, is choreographed by longtime club member Mackenzie Wavryk.
The 17-year-old Esquimalt High student has skated for 11 years, most of them in Oak Bay, and sees choreography in her future as a skating coach.
“It’s been so amazing,” she said of her first real gig. “I love being able to show what I love to someone else, and making the skaters feel good with the choreography.”
The show is also a bit about fundraising and a lot about awareness.
“We want to get more people involved with skating, whether it’s hockey or figure skating or our Special O program,” Bowman said.
Broadway on Ice runs Saturday, May 2 with a 2 p.m. and a 7 p.m. performance at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre. Get tickets, $12, at the door or in advance at Ivy’s Bookshop or through the Oak Bay Figure Skating Club. Children under five are free with an adult.
