Why are exhibitions & pro shows performed with very low lighting or just spotlights ?

[exNyer]

I have to admit the skaters are hard to see. Many are wearing dark/black costumes for these performances. Those spectators paid big money for tickets to only end up experiencing shadows moving over an unlit surface.
Spotlights dictating where to look are extra frustrating.

 

[skateboy]

I have to admit the skaters are hard to see. Many are wearing dark/black costumes for these performances. Those spectators paid big money for tickets to only end up experiencing shadows moving over an unlit surface.
Spotlights dictating where to look are extra frustrating.

I agree, and it's one of the reasons I am not a fan of exhibition shows and galas. Give me a real competition any day!

 

[sadya]

Isn't it also difficult for skaters to skate like that? I remember reading interviews ages ago when figure skaters sometimes said that skating in spot lights isn't easy.

 

[barbk]

Isn't it also difficult for skaters to skate like that? I remember reading interviews ages ago when figure skaters sometimes said that skating in spot lights isn't easy.

I feel especially bad for pairs skaters during throws.

 

[Winnipeg]

I prefer competition skating.

 

[sap5]

Isn't it also difficult for skaters to skate like that? I remember reading interviews ages ago when figure skaters sometimes said that skating in spot lights isn't easy.

True. But I was watching Gordeeva & Grinkov’s Man I Love ex recently and it wouldn’t be the same under bright white lights.

 

[sadya]

Yes, I guess some programs are better in spot lights.

 

[Vash01]

I prefer competition skating.

Me too. I stopped watching exhibitions long ago.

 

[skatfan]

I have to admit the skaters are hard to see. Many are wearing dark/black costumes for these performances. Those spectators paid big money for tickets to only end up experiencing shadows moving over an unlit surface.
Spotlights dictating where to look are extra frustrating.

I wish the trend of black costumes would end - particularly for show programs in spotlights. It's difficult to see the full skater's line, etc.

That said, having spots is good for shows - especially when they had lights on the ice, so that it feels more like a stage and less like a sport arena.