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Welcome!
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Performing and competing with the Ice Crystals gives our dedicated and
talented figure skaters experience in rehearsal work, performing, and working together as a cast.
Skaters ages 7 and older, tested at US Figure Skating Pre-Preliminary through Senior levels are
eligible to participate as Junior or Senior team members upon audition and approval of the Ice Crystals Coaching staff.
Skaters that have not yet tested, but are skating at
ISI Delta level or higher, are invited to try out
for our Introduction to Theatre team. If you are
interested in receiving additional information, please
contact us.
[at right: "Seasons of
Love," Sharks Ice San Jose, April 2008]]
Read about us in the Tri
City Voice
Watch streaming video of our
Speedway performance , Spring 2008
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What is Theatre on Ice? We like to say that Theatre on Ice
(TOI) combines the grace of figure skating, with the excitement of
theater and dance.
The online source Wikipedia describes Theatre on Ice (sometimes
called Ice Theatre) as a competitive form of figure skating
which merges the technical jumps and spins with
unique choreography, ice dancing, pairs moves,
synchronized skating, movement, and theater
together in order to tell a story, or to act out an emotion or idea.
While it is a relatively new branch of competitive figure skating in
the United States, it is growing quickly in popularity. Theatre on
Ice can be enjoyed by the youngest to the oldest of skaters and
audience alike. It has been said to bring out a more artistic side
of figure skating.
In figure skating, a routine is known as a program. In Theatre
on ice, each branch of figure skating must be represented.
This includes, singles skating, pairs, ice dancing, and synchronized
skating. In addition, the free skate program must tell a story
or act out an emotion, or idea. This is done through the technical
elements as well as the emotions and body movements of the skaters
Each routine is set to music, which compliments the theme of the
routine well. This music may be instrumental or it may have words,
however, the music must be tasteful and not contain any use of foul
language.
Next, each routine requires costumes that fit the theme. The
performance attire may be unique, however, these costumes must also
be in good taste and may not be revealing. The costumes help to act
out the theme, just as in a play performed on the stage.
Finally, each routine usually has props to help act out the theme
as well as a set or backdrop, to help transport the audience to the
place and time being portrayed on the ice. Both of these are
optional, but their use is typically encouraged for teams to help
express the performance theme.
An additional type of program for Theatre on Ice is called the
choreographic exercise. This is essentially the “short program” for
Theatre on Ice. In the choreographic exercise, there are no sets or
props or unique costumes allowed. Each team must only wear black,
and the team and program must express the same specific theme and
movement style as required by US Figure Skating rules for the
competitive season.
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The Ice Crystals coaching and management staff are now accepting applications for our upcoming auditions. The team membership is being set for the Ice Crystals upcoming National 2008-2009 season.
