Around the rink this week:

ATTENTION: Important announcement about the upcoming Showcase Event

Hello Skaters,  

Due to an unexpected scheduling shift, we’ve made a small adjustment to our show date. Our much-anticipated performance will now take place on June 10th, 2025, with practices scheduled for June 3rd and 5th. Everything else—show format, times, and all the exciting details—remains the same!  

Here’s the silver lining: we now have one extra week to fine-tune our routines and make our performances even more spectacular. I know some of you may have already made plans and invited family and friends to attend, and I sincerely hope this shift doesn’t cause too much inconvenience.  

Our skating community is built on adaptability, dedication, and support for one another, and I have no doubt that this will be another shining moment for all of us. Thank you for your understanding, and I can’t wait to see everyone on the rink, bringing our best energy to the show!  

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at **linda@artisticskating.com**.  

**With gratitude,**  

Coach Linda  

Rolling into this week’s Classes: Here’s what we’re working on!

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/With recital season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to explore the art of performing on skates! Whether you dream of dazzling an audience or simply want to refine your presence on the rink, understanding performance fundamentals can elevate your skating experience.  

Not every skater aims to perform—but even those who prefer solo skating in a personal bubble of rhythm and flow benefit from moments of deep connection with music and movement. These “zen skating” sessions are where skills are solidified, muscle memory is built, and artistic choices take shape. That dedicated practice time is essential.  

But for those ready to step into the spotlight, performing for an audience transforms skating into something more—a shared experience, a celebration of artistry, and a chance to showcase the dedication behind the gliding magic. Our club offers two annual opportunities to take the floor and let family, friends, and skating enthusiasts witness the hard work and passion that fuel our craft.  

Since many of our skaters are new to performance, this week’s class will focus on techniques to help you feel comfortable, confident, and connected to the audience. Whether you’re a soloist commanding the stage, part of a group creating a dynamic ensemble, or simply demonstrating skills in the center of a busy rink, performance skating is all about presence, precision, and storytelling.  

Here’s what we’ll cover:  

✨ **Expressive Body Language** – Your posture, gestures, and facial expressions add emotion to every movement.  

🎶 **Musicality & Rhythm** – Understanding how to accent beats and pauses enhances your skating artistry.  

🚀 **Smooth Transitions** – Fluid movement keeps performances engaging and professional.  

💫 **Confidence & Presence** – Own the space with strong posture and assured movements.  

⚖️ **Balanced Energy** – Nervous energy can throw off timing—learn how to control excitement for polished execution.  

🌍 **Spatial Awareness** – Whether solo or in a group, know how to orient yourself within the performance.  

📖 **Storytelling through Movement** – Every routine tells a story—make yours memorable.  

✅ **Recovery Techniques** – Mistakes happen! Learn how to recover seamlessly and keep the magic alive.  

Throughout the week, we’ll practice entering and exiting the floor with confidence, connecting with the audience through eye contact and engagement, and using audience participation techniques to bring spectators into the performance.  

By the end of the week, you’ll not only be stronger, more intentional skaters—you’ll also have the tools to *shine* when it’s time to perform. Let’s take the skills we’ve worked so hard to develop and share them with the world!