Holiday & end-of-2021 figure skating shows worldwide

Sylvia

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Kicking off this thread with The Skating Club of Boston's grand opening celebration of its new facility to benefit the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation -- "A Night of Stars" hosted by Scott Hamilton -- tonight, Saturday, December 4th, 2021: https://scboston.org/grandopening/

Starring:
Mirai Nagasu
Ashley Wagner
Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir
Max Aaron
Kseniya Ponomaryova and Collin Brubaker of Ice Dance International
Audrey Lu and Misha Mitrofanov
Jimmy Ma
Haydenettes (28-Time U.S. Synchronized Skating Champions)
Emily Chan and Spencer Howe
Marilena Kitromilis
Forte of Boston (National Theatre On Ice Champions)
Gabriella Izzo
Will Annis
Team Excel Collegiate Team (2-Time U.S. Synchronized Skating Medalists)
Please note the cast lineup could be subject to change.

ICYMI (in other threads on FSU), @clairecloutier recently wrote articles on 3 of the show's performers - Marissa Castelli & Simon Shnapir:
Max Aaron:

I would enjoy hearing any impressions and/or highlights from anyone attending tonight! (hint hint :))
 
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Sylvia

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For NYC area residents:

Monday, December 6, 6:00pm–7:00pm​

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Our annual Tree Lighting show returns Monday, December 6 at 6pm, featuring:
• Host Ty Jones
• Christmas choir by Classical Theatre of Harlem
• Performances by world-class skaters Mirai Nagasu, pairs team Meagan Duhamel and Dylan Moscovitch, Shawn Sawyer, and The Haydenettes
• Plus, fireworks, Santa, and special guests!
Please note: The Rink closes to the public at 2:30pm the day of Tree Lighting. Public skating resumes right after the show, around 6:50pm.
The in-person event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test is also required for in-person attendance. Read more about in-park protocols here.
A full livestream of the event will also be available to watch, so you can join from wherever you are!
 
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Sylvia

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BTW, if anyone happens to attend one of the Stars on Ice Holiday Tour shows this month (5 in U.S. & 1 in Canada), the 2021 SOI thread in GSD has info linked here: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...orth-american-tour.108313/page-3#post-6077567

Returning to Patchogue (part of the town of Brookhaven, on the south shore of Long Island, New York):

The Gateway presents Holiday Spectacular On Ice (Dec. 17, 2021 - Jan. 1, 2022)
Hosted by Two-time Olympic Medalist Nancy Kerrigan

Featuring Olympian Polina Edmunds; World Professional Champion Rohene Ward; National Champion and Grand Prix Medalist Courtney Hicks; Current National Champion Michael Solonoski; National Bronze Medalist Violeta Ushakova; National Medalist Ilana Sedaka, and Bellport's American Idol Shannon Gibbons.

Capture the magic of the season as The Gateway incredibly transforms Patchogue Theatre's stage into an ice rink for Holiday Spectacular On Ice. This enchanting musical celebration brings beloved holiday songs to life while emphasizing the beauty, grace and artistry of figure skating. Featuring show-stopping singers and dancers, astonishing performance artistry, this family-friendly musical celebration is literally the "coolest" show for all ages this holiday season.
 

ioana

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Marissa & Simon might be blocked since they skated to Adele's Skyfall. Lifts are still very impressive.


Mirai -and the best show program I've seen in a while:love:. I don't claim to be the most objective when it comes to modern dance inspiration since I love everything about it, but this is so interesting and worth seeing it live if you get a chance. The anti-pwetty pwincess program in a nutshell.

 

Aceon6

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@ioana and I were at the SCoB celebration tonight. Mirai's program was the highlight of the evening. ☺️
Oooooh. I would have loved to catch up with you two!

I attended with my SIL who loves skating, but whose last in person experience was a Tom Collins tour featuring Philippe Candaloro! Time flies.

Her favorites were Lu and Mitrofanov. Very classy. She really enjoyed the synchro as she’d never seen it live before.

Mirai skated like a goddess which was even more obvious as she skated after Ashley W who basically did nothing other than stroke and shimmy in her blinged out giraffe dress. Max Aaron was pretty impressive for someone who no longer trains intensely. And I was happy-shocked at how well Marissa and Simon skated. They had good speed and flow and some really secure lifts.

I was a bit disappointed by the guys other than Max. Will Annis had an off night and Jimmy Ma just couldn’t seem to get it together. Jimmy did his typical street style, but, for this audience of skaters, skater parents, and serious fans, he needed to do more actual skating to get an audience reaction.

Fun night. If any of you get a chance to see something at the new SCOB, go. It’s very comfortable and the sight lines are great from any seat.
 
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clairecloutier

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I also attended A Night of Stars last night (sorry to miss you, @Aceon6 and other FSUers!). It was a fun show. I went with my husband and kids and they all enjoyed it. There weren't any quads or even many triples, but good entertainment value nonetheless.

Will Annis skated to "Wake Me Up When September Ends." He landed two triples and an Axel (a double, I think).

Gabriella Izzo performed her Edith Piaf short program. She hit a double Axel but singled a triple flip attempt. Her closing spin was nice.

Marilena Kitromilis skated to "Moonlight Sonata Nightmare," and the program was quite nice (and not a nightmare, LOL). Marilena showed good smoothness and flow throughout and landed a double Axel and (I think) a triple toe loop.

I really enjoyed Emily Chan & Spencer Howe's gala program to Adele's new single "Easy on Me." They showed a lot of musicality and gorgeous line. It is impressive how they can interpret different kinds of music. They did a back outside death spiral and an Axel lasso lift. (Note: There was a silent auction of donated gifts during the show, and Spencer donated a bloc of lessons taught by himself. Last I saw, the bidding on that was up to $400.)

Next came The Haydenettes, skating to "Hold On to Tomorrow" by Brennan Heart. Another synchro team had skated earlier (Team Excel Collegiate), and there was a really noticeable difference in speed and agility between them and the Haydenettes. I adored this program. The Haydenettes were so smooth in their transitions and formations. Among the moves included were some death spirals (!), split lifts (in which 3 team members were lifted in split position), and knee lifts. It is really interesting seeing some dance and pairs moves transposed into the mostly all-female world of synchro. (There is just one man on the team.) Very good program. The announcer mentioned that the Haydenettes are now training at SCOB. (Previously, I think they trained at a rink in Lexington, MA.)

Forte of Boston, SCOB's adult theatre on ice group, skated to a dark, moody piece of music in simple black costumes. One of the group members did a back flip during the number. I enjoyed this piece, which had a modern dance-type aesthetic.

Audrey Lu & Misha Mitrofanov skated to "The Prayer," wearing this year's white-and-black LP costumes, which I personally find striking on them. Audrey & Misha landed a great set of SBS triple Salchows in front of us. I just love the height that Audrey gets on her jumps. They also performed a reverse lasso lift and throw double loop. Audrey & Misha looked comfortable, and it was a good program for them.

(At this point, I had a mishap with my phone/notebook and was unable to get any further music info or take notes!)

Jimmy Ma was up next and skated to some kind of hip-hop/funk music. Jimmy started and ended the program by lying on the ice, and there were one or two moves where he again was on the ice, and he also fell on a leap during the opening number, so altogether I have to say that his skating felt a bit wild at this event, and it was at times hard to tell what was intentional and what wasn't. Nonetheless, he skated with his usual speed and attack, and he got the crowd going.

Kseniya Ponomarenko & Collin Brubaker, are, I think, both former competitive ice dancers who now perform with Ice Dance International. They did an absolutely lovely program to "Kissing You" from Romeo & Juliet. There were no tricks in this program; but there was beautiful, emotional skating with great extension, line, and expression. Wonderful to watch.

Max Aaron skated next to Michael Buble's "Cry Me a River." I thought it was a good program for Max, as he showed his characteristic energy, attack, and a big smile for the crowd. He landed two triple toe loops and did a nice closing scratch spin.

Next up were hometown kids Marissa Castelli & Simon Shnapir. They skated to "Skyfall," which some may remember is the music they used for their 2014 Olympic long program. It was sooooo great seeing them again! They did a death spiral, carry lift, rotational lift, and throw double Salchow. They had nice speed and looked great, considering they have not skated together for seven years! Marissa gave Simon a big hug after they skated--nice to see. Marissa is such a great performer, especially in shows; she just has an extra level of intensity and attention to detail compared to some other skaters. She was the head choreographer for this show.

Ashley Wagner skated next, performing to "Groove Is in the Heart." Ashley's dress for this number was so glittery and shimmery that it almost seemed to have a life of its own. Ashley landed a double Axel (two-footed) and did her best to show off this number, but I feel like "Groove Is in the Heart" is a little difficult to interpret for some reason in a show setting (maybe because the music kind of dies off at the end). Still, great to see Ashley again.

Mirai Nagasu closed out the show, and I agree that she was one of the highlights!! I wish I knew what her music was--it was alternative rock-like and dramatic, with some spoken dialogue. Mirai skated really well, landing triple Lutz, triple loop, and double Axel. As often is the case, she seemed to have a special connection with the audience, bringing them into this program. Her costume was the opposite of Ashley's: No beading or sequins, just a plain but attractive wrapped-style beige dress over black tights. (My daughter described her as "The one who looked like Rey in Star Wars.") Very effective program, I hope she performs it again on the Stars on Ice tour this spring. (After seeing her at this show, I can understand why she was invited to the tour this spring. My husband was saying they should invite Marissa/Simon too. :D)

Scott Hamilton was on hand to host the show, which benefited his foundation. He did a good job as always and came out briefly to skate with one of the junior-level skaters in the show. Also present, and introduced to crowd, were past Olympians Tina Noyes, Babilonia/Gardner, Franks/Botticelli, Paul Wylie, and Tenley Albright. Quite a moment to see them all in the spotlight! All in all, it was a very nice show!

One side note: Maxim Naumov had been listed as a cast member, but did not skate. Considering he trains right there in Norwood, this definitely leaves me a bit concerned about his prospects for Nationals. :(
 
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ioana

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Oooooh. I would have loved to catch up with you two!
That would have been fun -and intermission was definitely long enough! I need to get better about posting when I attend these things. Will work on it for next time. Think it's a safe assumption @SaSherka and I are twinning when it comes to going/not going to NE skating events.

I attended with my SIL who loves skating, but whose last in person experience was a Tom Collins tour featuring Philippe Candaloro! Time flies.

That almost taking his shirt off from Jimmy should have taken her right back :rofl:

Mirai skated like a goddess which was even more obvious as she skated after Ashley W who basically did nothing other than stroke and shimmy in her blinged out giraffe dress.
Am glad that wasn't just me because all the sassy head rolls into crossovers were slightly ridiculous. I took her edge class a month ago, so I know for a fact she can connect hard turns - while pointing out what students are doing wrong. Couldn't she use one of those patterns for ftwk?

Will Annis had an off night and Jimmy Ma just couldn’t seem to get it together.
To be fair, I think Will was right in the line of fire of a wayward spotlight for the intro (as was our section since it started off way too high and then they slammed it down to the ice) -and he was pretty disoriented/shell shocked after falling on that opening triple.

Mirai's music is an Imagine Dragons cover for a video game for @clairecloutier and anyone else wondering
 
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Sylvia

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Our annual [Bryant Park in NYC] Tree Lighting show returns Monday, December 6 at 6pm, featuring:
• Host Ty Jones
• Christmas choir by Classical Theatre of Harlem
• Performances by world-class skaters Mirai Nagasu, pairs team Meagan Duhamel and Dylan Moscovitch, Shawn Sawyer, and The Haydenettes
• Plus, fireworks, Santa, and special guests!
Livestreaming here: https://vimeo.com/647889245

ETA: Just saw the The Haydenettes perform - will look for the figure skaters in the replay afterwards.
 
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YukiNieve

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Thanks for the link of the streamed video and the time stamps.
I was a bit scared about the leaves falling on the ice! :eek:
 

Sylvia

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OIP's video (1 hour 3 mins.) uploaded yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDgo64Apnqg

Thank you to the City of Providence Rhode Island, Sarah DiNardo and Brad Vigorito for having Jordan Cowan of @on ice Perspectives film the 2021 Tree Lighting showcase, "An Evening to Remember".

[These time stamps to skaters' performances are linked in the video's caption]

0:00 Opening Band
3:06 Show Opening: Wendy Sheridan & Nancy Kerrigan
6:38 1st Group: Sur La Glacé/ Mount Saint Charles
10:26 Effie Chen and Jack Liu
14:43 Jun Hong Chen
18:20 Heidi Munger
21:30 Patrick Blackwell
25:02 Sean Rabbitt
29:18 Polar Express OSIT
37:51 Max Aaron
41:25 Gracie Gold
46:03 Marissa Castelli
48:52 BV Skating Production
56:38 Finale: Nancy Kerrigan

Filmed Friday December 3rd at 6pm ET.
 
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Sylvia

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Since I included "worldwide" in this thread title...

Elladj Balde & Friends will perform in "Ice Rinks for Inclusion" to fundraise for his Skate Global Foundation in Calgary, AB on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 4-7 pm: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXO7DC8vtiV/
I AM FINALLY GETTING THE CHANCE TO PERFORM IN CALGARY!!! AND EVERYONE IS INVITED!

So thrilled to announce not only the launch of @michelleldawley and I’s Foundation but also our first initiative and very special partnership with Ellis Don. Together, we are going to be building and upgrading outdoor ice rinks in underserved communities across Canada. Accessibility has always been one of the primary reasons for the lack of diversity of BIPOC in the sport of figure skating.

Come through on Dec 17th in Temple, Calgary where you can skate with me and watch a very special live performance. Tell your friends!! See you there ❤️

2 shows on Saturday, December 18 at the Dundee Ice Arena in Dundee, Scotland:
The Greatest Show on Ice performed by talented skaters including 4 times British Champion Natasha Mckay, Former British Ladies Champions Karly Robertson and Danni Harrison and Irish Mens Champion Connor Stakelum alongside many other British and International competitive skaters.
Sing and clap along to this Magical Musical with an Icy Festive Twist, special appearances by some of our learn to skate pupils
12 noon tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-greatest-show-on-ice-christmas-show-12-noon-tickets-169706353271
4 pm tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-greatest-show-on-ice-christmas-show-4pm-tickets-169753498283
 

Sylvia

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Elvis Stojko is again headlining the holiday ice show at Busch Gardens' Christmas Town in Williamsburg, VA:

Lubov Ilyushchekina is also in the cast: https://www.instagram.com/p/CWwYXIZJC9k/
 

sk8nlizard

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I can't find this info on the Great Park Ice website - (from Meno/Sand's coaching Instagram) "It’s not Christmas without figure skating🎄Come by the Great Park on Sunday [Dec. 19] from 2-4..." for the 2022 U.S. National Send Off (Nathan, Mariah, Knierim/Frazier, Calalang/Johnson are listed): https://www.instagram.com/p/CXnS--Drqex/
I wonder if this will be streamed? Great Parks is often good about streaming stuff, but who knows?
 

Sylvia

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^^^ Last year there was a livestream from Great Park Ice's holiday show because no audience was allowed, IIRC. I haven't found anything this time but hopefully some attendees will share tidbits (I'll be checking social media).

Ting Cui recently performed at the seasonal, outdoor Baltimore Inner Harbor ice rink to the song "Hallelujah" by Pentatonix (starting at ~8:45) in this local WBAL-TV holiday special :):
Returning to Patchogue (part of the town of Brookhaven, on the south shore of Long Island, New York):

The Gateway presents Holiday Spectacular On Ice (Dec. 17, 2021 - Jan. 1, 2022)
Hosted by Two-time Olympic Medalist Nancy Kerrigan

Featuring Olympian Polina Edmunds; World Professional Champion Rohene Ward; National Champion and Grand Prix Medalist Courtney Hicks; Current National Champion Michael Solonoski; National Bronze Medalist Violeta Ushakova; National Medalist Ilana Sedaka, and Bellport's American Idol Shannon Gibbons.[/I]
Courtney Hicks shared a clip from her solo on opening night: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CXnEGqNDiER/

Polina Eedmunds doing a 2A on stage ice: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CXhP4ruJ-XQ/

Isabelle Inthisone's clip of sbs 2A with Polina on the same stage: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXrLAYPD1Qh/

Group photo of the cast shared by Alexa Gasparotto: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXoybZjrfE_/

Elladj Balde & Friends will perform in "Ice Rinks for Inclusion" to fundraise for his Skate Global Foundation in Calgary, AB on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 4-7 pm: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXO7DC8vtiV/
CTV Calgary filmed a segment before Elladj performed outdoors (brrrr!) with Kaetlyn Osmond & Emma Bulawka (she replaced Nam Nguyen):

Connor Stakelum's photos with his rinkmates/Team GBR performers at the Xmas show in Dundee, Scotland this weekend: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXozhpirNqv/
 

ioana

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Ting Cui recently performed at the seasonal, outdoor Baltimore Inner Harbor ice rink to the song "Hallelujah" by Pentatonix (starting at ~8:45) in this local WBAL-TV holiday special :):
Ting's edge quality and flow -even on random outdoor rinks :swoon:. I know she was only doing easier triples, but they looked really good. Am keeping my fingers crossed she can stay injury free because her ability to draw you into a program is very rare these days.
 

cheremary

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Karen-W

Checking Senior Bs for TES mins...
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A few videos from the US Nationals Send Off at Great Park Ice in Irvine earlier today. Everyone performed their short programs.(Nathan did his La Bohème SP originally from the 2019-20 season.)

Nathan Chen - https://www.instagram.com/tv/CXsP_h6AYs4/ and https://youtu.be/-79PDK1uP34
Mariah Bell - https://youtu.be/1E1LWulfcVk
Starr Andrews - https://youtu.be/KcSBLqtzSh8
Knierim/Frazier - https://youtu.be/GCkbKsHulpI
Calalang/Johnson - https://youtu.be/KZrdn_WCtlU
Any sightings of Liu/O'Shea or are they still not skating?
 

Karen-W

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No, they weren't on the program, not sure if they are skating yet. McBeath/Bartholomay were the only other senior pairs team that skated besides K/F and C/J.
Thanks! I'll be bummed if they can't make it to Nationals, but would much rather they take their recovery slow and easy and come back strong next season instead.
 

Sylvia

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