An exciting development in amateur figure skating has been gaining more and more attention — Theater on Ice competition. While relatively new to the United States, these competitions have been held in France and across Europe for more than a decade. Theater on Ice teams of 8 to 30 skaters utilize theatrical staging with sets and costumes, combined with music, choreography and skating to tell a story on ice. Each piece may be from five and one-half to six and one-half minutes long. Solo skating and jump displays are discouraged and limited to 30 seconds or less of the performance. While double and triple jumps are permitted, they are limited in number. Skaters focus on the quality of artistic and technical skills as they work together in a cooperative group. Ice theater programs are unique in that they provide skaters the opportunity to participate in challenging classes and rehearsals held in a supportive group atmosphere. The camaraderie and experience of being part of a sports team offer a positive social experience for competitive skaters whose training is usually intense and solitary, and to skaters who want to perform but choose not to pursue a solo competitive path.

The Los Angeles Ice Theater is a non-profit organization established in January of 2001 by Danelle Cole with the assistance of Jennifer Brenson and a group of skating parents to provide quality performance and cultural exposure opportunities, in addition to educational classes and performance workshops, to eligible figure skaters from the greater Los Angeles area. The team is affiliated with the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club. This year’s team is composed of 28 skaters ranging from 9 to 22 years in age and representing varying skating skill levels. Past and present team members have competed at the U.S. Junior National Championships, U.S. National Championships, Junior Worlds and U.S. National Showcase. The team practices regularly on Friday nights at the Pickwick Ice Center in Burbank, California. Practices include off-ice sessions often featuring guest instructors who work with the team on every aspect of theater and performance -- dance, acting, makeup, conditioning, and singing – as well as choreography. The off-ice session is followed by on-ice training and practice each week.

LAIT has accomplished much since its inception. Competing in nine international competitions, the team has medaled in each, winning five. In addition, LAIT is the current US National Theatre on Ice Champion and World qualifying team. In 2003 and 2005, they were the U.S. Figure Skating National Showcase Production Group National Champions.

The team has an equally impressive resume of show and exhibition performances. In both 2002 and 2007, LAIT performed at the U.S. National Figure Skating Championships Exhibition of Champions in Los Angeles and Spokane. This show features U.S. National medalists. They have made over 40 special appearances including regular performances at Los Angeles Kings hockey games; holiday shows; charity events; movie premiers; media events and live telecasts; grand openings of seasonal ice rinks and private parties. We are honored to have been asked to participate in a demonstration for the Theater on Ice workshop at the annual PSA Conference in May, 2007. LAIT produces an annual fundraising show, “Cabaret on Ice” at Pickwick Ice Arena in Burbank. Noted guest skaters who have appeared include Surya Bonaly, Amber Corwin, Ricky Dornbush, Richard Dwyer, Sima & Amir Ganaba, Austin Kanallakan, Nicholas La Roche, Bebe Liang, Josh Martin & Jayney Mayne, Mirai Nagasu, Naomi Nari Nam & Themi Leftheris, Dennis Phan, Brian Simm, Michael Villareal and Trifun Zivanovic, Evan Lysacek, Ryan Bradley and Braden Overett among others.

The team is made up of 28 skaters ranging in age from 9-22. Skating levels range from Preliminary through Senior. The team is predominantly female, but we do have one male skater.

USFS Double Gold Medalist

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