Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE Dec. 15, 2018
Twirls, glides and at least one lift, all set to the tunes of classic Christmas movies, ruled the Shawville Arena Saturday morning, as the “oohs” and “ahs” of the audience provided the picture-perfect backdrop for the annual Shawville Figure Skating Club’s Christmas show.
Eighteen performances took over the ice, with everyone from the youngest in the club to the most experienced putting their talent on display, with routines, costumes and even the occasional prop helping to bring everything from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to Frosty the Snowman and The Polar Express to life.
Serena Larivière, an executive member of the club’s organization, explained what the day means for the club and their skaters.
“First and foremost, it allows [our skaters] to display what they’ve been working on, their new skills, their creativity, teamwork,” said Larivière.
As well, she explained, it works as a huge fundraiser for their club, between the bake sale taking place in the arena’s foyer and the ticket sales at the door.
“It’s a combination showcase,” she continued. “The kids, of what they’ve done, but also to let the club raise some funds.”
While the club succeeds with the help of many sponsors, supporting everything from costume purchases to ice fees, it’s events like this that help round out their expenses.
On the ice, the kids made their community tremendously proud, as their creativity and expertise flourished in dazzling arrays. From the first lift, during the senior skaters’ routine to the Santa Claus’ “Carol of the Bells” through to the synchronicity and finesse of the pairs and trios, plus the cuteness that abounds during the youngest levels’ attempts, there was never a dull moment for those seated in the stands.
Much of what the audience saw performed on Saturday was choregraphed by the skaters themselves, especially amongst the more intimate routines. While the coaches will offer guidance and help clean up the routine, the senior skaters work thoughtfully to put all of their talents on display.
“It really lets them be creative with their favourite moves and skills, and develop teamwork,” said Larivière.
The youngest, meanwhile, are led by the club’s program assistants through a variety of choreographies, showing their improved coordination and overall comfort on this.
Larivière added that much of the club’s success, especially in leading the youngest groups, is dependent on these program assistants.
“The group of girls … volunteer their time every week, and they come out on the ice to help the little ones get going,” said Larivière, of the assistants’ importance.
She explained that the program assistants put in the extra time every week to ensure the little ones not only learn, but have an enjoyable experience doing so.
Bree Barr is one such program assistant, who has helped for at least three years now. She said she first got involved because it was fun to pass on the skills to the younger skaters, while also getting more time on the ice.
She’s continued because it’s a rewarding opportunity within the club, as the assistants set the example for the younger kids and their skating years to come. Plus, it’s an enjoyable opportunity for the assistants, as they mainly have to keep the little ones focused, leading them through dancing and clapping.
“If those girls didn’t come out and volunteer their time every week, above and beyond their regular hours, our program would just not exist,” added Larivière.
