"Under the Big Top" a rousing success

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Wednesday CanSkaters rehearsing for the big night
C. Davis photo

The Pincher Creek Skating Club's annual carnival was once again a rousing success.  Themed "Under the Big Top", the event featured colourful costuming, dynamic routines, and a persuasively upbeat attitude.

Held at the MCC Arena on Saturday afternoon, March 24, the extravaganza featured over thirty skaters of all levels, including Beginner CanSkate, Canskate, Junior StarSkate, and Senior StarSkate.  A lot of effort went into transforming the arena into a circus setting.

"Under the Big Top" Popcorn vendors
C. Davis photo

Miranda Van Loon performs
C. Davis photo

Senior StarSkate soloists performing at the event included Jaydn Tanner, Taylor Wells, Miranda Van Loon, Jasmin Wollman, Tessa Roy, Janet Taylor,  Maia Jorgenson, and Alex Morgan.  These young ladies dazzled the crowd with their routines, as did guest soloist Kassandra Brosbol, a Senior Bronze skater with the Lethbridge Figure Skating Club.

Jasmin Wollman at rehearsal
C. Davis photo

The audience was treated to an inventive circus themed programme throughout, with the Junior StarSkaters winning hearts, opening the show with a routine in which they were dressed as colourful pop-corn vendors.  The Wednesday CanSkaters paired off during a feisty routine that showed off their budding talents.  The Senior StarSkaters closed out the first half of the show with a beautifully choreographed dramatic number.  These young ladies have been working very hard all season, and it showed.

Papa Joe and a novice clown
making balloon animals for the kids
C. Davis photo

In the lobby of the MCC Arena clowns made balloon animals for the kids and the scent of popcorn and cotton candy filled the air.

The second half of the program opened with a darling interpretation of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by the Beginner CanSkaters, who were dressed as lions, tigers, and elephants.   For their second ensemble performance of the evening the Junior StarSkaters performed a fast-paced routine that gave them a chance to strut their solid skills.  The Monday CanSkaters performed ensemble in a routine that had them pairing off to demonstrate their show off their fancy new moves.

Janet Taylor
C. Davis photo

The event closed with a dramatic joint effort by the Junior and Senior StarSkaters, skating in the dark and dressed in black, illuminated by neon rings that bedecked their costumes.

This was one of those events where everyone in the crowd went home with BIG smiles on their faces, it was a true celebration of talent and positive vibrations.

StarSkate Coach Krystle Anderson and CanSkate Coach Sherry Mackenzie are to be congratulated for all of their hard work again this season.  Behind the scenes, the Pincher Creek Figure Skating Club Board of Directors also deserves kudos.  They include President Renee Van Loon, Vice President Sharon Halibert, Treasurer Lisa Goss, Secretary Allison Malhi, Carnival Director Linda Vance, and Fundraising Director Collette Sinnot.

Junior StarSkaters
C. Davis photo

Alex Morgan
C. Davis

Finally, a tip of the hat to the young ladies and gentlemen of the Pincher Creek Figure Skating Club.  They worked hard all winter, with this being their one chance to show off their talents.  It was a terrific show. Words don't really do it justice, so roll the tape...

Note: A DVD is being prepared with over an hour of video from the event and from the rehearsals the day before.  It will also include many photographs, primarily from the rehearsals, plus a bonus album of photos from last year's Carnival as well.  If you're interested in buying a copy, they will be available for $25.00 from the Pincher Creek Voice.  Send us an email at pinchercreekvoice@gmail.com if you're interested in purchasing a copy.  If you live/work in the Pincher Creek area we can deliver it to you.  Shipping fees will be added to mail-order copies.

The DVD will also be available to StarSkate and CanSkate families and participants, at a significant discount, from the Figure Skating Club.

The DVD will have higher resolution video than the excerpts seen on the above Youtube videos. All but the final act is represented, as that particular part of the show, dynamic as it was, was just too dark too look good on video.