Telling a story without words is never an easy thing. Telling a story while skating is even harder.
The Racquet Club of Victoria Skating Club is in the throes of getting its members ready for its bi-annual ice skating show, A Toy Story on Ice.
Deena Beacom, director of the Racquet Club and the ice show, said it was a story where they took the concept of the characters from The Toy Story and created a new story line specifically for skating.
“One character goes missing and the other characters have to look for it,” said Beacom in explaining the show concept. “We are showcasing all of the disciplines; pairs, high-level dancers, soloists.”
A Toy Story on Ice is unique for the club as it is not using anything except the characters from the movie. The club built its own soundtrack with different pieces of music that interpret the characters.
“It’s not like the movie, there is no conversation on the ice. The movements create the story line,” Beacom said.
Featured in the show are Sooke residents Leo and Pilar Maekawa, skaters familiar in the competitive arena. They are taking a break from skating competitions and are coaching with the club.
Beacom along with Matt Lewis have coached the Maekawas for many years. The Maekawas are now both in their 20s.
“They are a great addition to our club,” Beacom said. “They have always been with our club.”
The skaters in the ice show are dedicated and spend two hours per day on the ice. As the shows take place only every two years, there is a lot of effort from all fronts.
All of the costumes are made by Anne from Robans Designs.
“She has worked with me for every shows over the past 16 years,” Beacom said. “She does a phenomenal job.”
It’s not just costumes that make a great ice show, it is also the lighting, music and the set.
“People say it is just like a professional show, it’s quite a good production,” Beacom said. “We put a lot of work into it. It’s a really fun show for all ages.””
Proceeds from the show go directly back to the club to pay for such things as the costumes and the rent for Archie Browning Sports Centre where the ice show will be held.
A Toy Story on Ice takes place on March 19 at 2 and 7 p.m. and on March 20 at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale through the McPherson Playhouse and at Archie Browning Sports Centre located at 1151 Esquimalt Rd.