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Skaters jump into winter with a spectacular show

Kimberly Nicoletti

BRECKENRIDGE – Figure skaters spend hours falling on their butts, learning the precise mechanics of landing various jumps. In between air time, they perfect footwork or the art of spinning in various positions without traveling across the ice.

For most skaters, the payoff for bruised behinds and sore muscles is performing choreographed routines at competitions or annual shows such as the Summit Figure Skating Club’s Winter Spectacular Ice Show. This weekend, 32 local skaters join five national competitors from Colorado Springs in a festive welcoming of winter.

Costumed performers from ages 3 to 42 glide, spin and jump across the ice, portraying a winter wonderland in the first half and toyland in the second.



“It will be wonderful family entertainment and a great way to start the celebration for the holidays,” said Sharon Mancini, co-president of the Summit Figure Skating Club.

Ten local soloists fire off single- and double-rotation jumps in between colorful group, ice-dancing, pairs and precision team routines. Soloists include Bonita Ebert, Meigan Camfield, Caitlin Mahoney, Leah Camfield, Grace Linchenberg, Nicholas Keil, Olivia Barry, Madeline Trippe, Jessica Mancini and Roxanna Schmidt.



Nine-year-old Schmidt competed in the regional competition in October, placing ninth in her group. After skating for only two and a half years, she packs her “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” program with an axel, a couple of single jumps and a lay-back spin. She also performs an axel, spirals, a sit spin and a camel spin in an advanced group routine, dressed as an old-fashioned skater in a crushed-red velvet and white tulle costume.

Other performances include music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “The Grinch that Stole Christmas” and “The Nutcracker.” Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and his reindeer and elves round out the celebration.

The skaters have been rehearsing since September, and coach Cindy Baker sewed many of the costumes for the show.

“Parents also put a lot of effort into the show, bringing their kids to skate religiously three to four times a week,” said Larisa Gendernalik, director of skating. “People will see our Summit figure skaters at international competitions eventually – just give us a few years.”

The celebration skates into the Stephen C. West Ice Arena at 5 p.m. today and at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the ice rink. For more information, call (970) 547-9974.

Winter Spectacular Ice Show

? When: 5 p.m. today and 4:30 p.m. Saturday

? Where: Stephen C. West Ice Arena, Breckenridge


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