Putting on an ice show brings a team element to figure skating that young skaters aren’t often exposed to.
On Saturday members of the Juan de Fuca Figure Skating Club, the largest on Vancouver Island, will have this rare opportunity as they put on A Tribute to Julie Andrews.
“They’re all very excited,” said club president Marci Huchzermyer. “A show kind of brings that team spirit in a little bit that you don’t normally get.”
The club, which has been active for 40 years, puts on an ice show every two years. This year’s show celebrates Julie Andrews, the English actor famous for her film roles in Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and The Princess Diaries.
Brother and sister skaters Madisen, 7, and Lachlan Puritch, 4, are all set to skate to “My Favourite Things” from The Sound of Music. Dressed in bright costumes complete with sparkles and rainbows the two will have the chance to show off what they have learned in their respective two and one and a half years of experience.
“I like how you get to … do spirals and all the steps they teach you,” Madisen said. “Because I want to be a really good skater.”
Madisen, who is in level three skating, will spiral and spin, among other moves. Lachlan will be skating and lifting his leg to show balance.
“They’re doing basic developmental skills for beginner figure skating,” Huchzermyer said.
Skaters ranging in age from three to 16 will take part, showing off a range of skills. Two senior competitive skaters, Shawna Laker and Chanelle Biggan, who grew up moving through the club’s ranks, will also be performing more advanced routines.
Audiences will see axels, Ina Bauers, split jumps, Y-moves and synchronized skating.
Tickets for the show are $15 for those 13 and older, and $10 for kids aged 12 and younger. A Tribute to Julie Andrews is at Bear Mountain Arena from 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 23. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Non-perishable food items will be collected for the Goldstream Food Bank Society.
For more information visit juandefucaskatingclub.ca.
