Skating, dance, storytelling combine in Theatre on Ice
The Blackhawks' quest for the Stanley Cup isn't the only action on the ice these days.
On Saturday, a relatively new form of competitive figure skating that unites skating with elements of dance and theater will be on display in Naperville.
Creative Ice Theatre, a troupe of 35 competitive skaters, will give an exhibition performance of Theatre on Ice from 2 to 2:45 p.m. June 13 at the All Seasons Ice Arena at 31W330 N. Aurora Road, Naperville.
The free show is a sort of full dress rehearsal for the company's participation in the 2015 National Theatre On Ice Competition June 18-21 in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
"We've been practicing since October. This Saturday is a full run-through with costumes," said Creative Ice Theatre Coach Yevgeny Martynov.
Martynov, a Ukraine national champion, junior world and international competitor and U.S. Figure Skating Association master-rated coach, founded the company in 2013 with his wife, Marina Gromova. Gromova was a choreographer for Olympic champion Oksana Baiul and the Olympic pair team of Igor Marchenko and Evgenia Filonenko.
Matynov said Creative Ice Theatre is one of two Theatre On Ice companies in Illinois.
The discipline, which includes theatrical storytelling and dramatic costume changes, is gaining popularity in Europe and is just beginning to get a foothold in the United States, said Helen Biggers, president of the Northern Ice Skating Club.
The theater group is part of the club, a Lisle-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the pursuit of figure skating in the region.
Biggers' daughter, Eliana, 16, is a member of Creative Ice Theatre. She attends Naperville North High School.
Creative Ice Theatre has two teams, one a novice squad and the other a senior team. Biggers said skaters on both teams range in age from 9 to about 17.
"It gives an opportunity for a wider range of kids to participate," Biggers said. "You don't have to be a great skater. You need to be able to skate somewhat and be comfortable on the ice."
On Saturday, each team will perform a choreographic exercise and a free program that incorporates on-ice costume changes. The novice group will perform "Fantasia" and the senior group will perform "Swan Lake," Biggers said.
Martynov said the group has performed well and continues to improve.
"This is our second year existing and we're already in the higher level competitions," he said. "We have a very strong program, strong skaters and strong choreographers."
Biggers said she has high hopes for the national competition.
"Whoever wins at the nationals will get to travel to Europe for the world competition" next spring, she said.
If you go
What: Creative Ice Theatre
When: 2 to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, June 13
Where: All Seasons Ice Arena, 31W330 N. Aurora Road, Naperville
Cost: Free
Info: www.creativeicetheatre.com or (630) 310-9962