Barry Stewart
Hope Standard
Skaters, aged four to 16 are making the final tweaks to their routines for the upcoming ice carnival, where they’ll get to demonstrate their skills — and costumes.
Hope Skating Club’s “Skating Through the Decades” will be performed on Saturday, March 7, at 2 and 7 p.m., with 16 separate numbers, including two by first-year head coach, Sarah Steberl.
“This is my first carnival, choreographing the whole show,” said Steberl, Tuesday.
“I did coach and choreograph a bit, in the past. In the beginning of the year it was a little challenging, being my first time coaching the whole club — but as the season continued, I felt that I was capable of the challenge and confident I could coach,” said Steberl, who turns 20 this year.
“I’ve come to really enjoy it and feel confident that, working with the club executive and skaters, we can help the club grow. The skaters have really improved this year and I look forward to next year.”
Music drives the artistry and costuming for ice shows and this year’s theme comes from historical favourites. Chart-topping classics will include ‘Disco Inferno,’ ‘Celebration,’ ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun,’ and ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.’
“I have always been a fan of old music and enjoyed bringing out different ideas from each decade,” said the coach. “Over the years of ice shows I’ve been in and seen, I’ve learned a mixture of styles.”
Treasurer, Ashley Limb said the club’s 37 skaters come from Hope, Sunshine Valley, Dogwood Valley, Agassiz and Rosedale.
Limb’s connections with the club go back a few decades, as well. “I was a skater with the club when I was in preschool until grade two, 1989 to 1993 — and my mom (Wendy Kraszlany) was once the treasurer, too.” Now, Limb’s 6-year-old daughter Sophia has taken up the sport.
“Sarah has done such a wonderful job with the skaters’ improvements, and with creating and choreographing the show,” said Limb. “We are proud of her!
“Practices for the ice show started in January and each skating group has put approximately 15 hours of practice into their ice show routines.
“Costumes were chosen based on song choices and the age groups,” added Limb. “I purchased most of the costumes, and made all of the tutus for a group number, as well as minor alterations such as adding sequins and accessories. The solo performers provide their own costumes.”
Most of the skaters will be going through two changes, orchestrated by a team of parents.
READ MORE: Hope Skating Club ends its season on a high note
“Every skater has at least one parent involved with the ice show,” Limb noted. “Everyone pulls together as a group and this is how the show is successfully run. We have about 40 parents involved on the day of the show, setting up and decorating, ticket sales, flowers, selling 50/50, spotlights, backstage runners, on-ice helping, dressing room supervisors and setting down and cleaning up.”
Tickets are available at the door on Saturday, March 7. $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for children under 5.
“Our skaters have worked hard, to prepare — and are excited to showcase their skills,” said Limb. “The music is fun for all ages and it will be a very entertaining show!”
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