Figure skaters from all over Columbus will be spending “A Night on the Water” Saturday at the Ohio State University ice rink.
The Columbus Figure Skating Club will be hosting its annual spring ice show. The event will have group and solo performances from skaters of all levels. Fiona Loftus, an instructor with the club, said the club has been working on the show since the beginning of the year.
“It’s a chance for our skaters to let loose and have fun without the stress of competition,” Loftus said in an e-mail.
Instructors choreographed group numbers, while solo performers choreographed their own performances. Skaters from OSU’s group lesson program will also be performing in the show.
Loftus said it’s tradition to include both sets of skaters in the group performances. These groups consist of skaters from the lowest basic level to freestyle skaters. Solo performers are from the skating club, who skate at the intermediate level or above.
Columbus Figure Skating Club is a non-profit organization that has been operating for over 50 years. Loftus said the organization provides members with an ice rink to practice and take lessons on, professional instructors and test sessions that help members further their skating skills.
“We also offer group skating lessons to the community, to help encourage physical activity and share the joy of skating,” she said.
There are three ways a skater can become a member of the club. Loftus said that skaters often join the club through a home club membership, an associate club membership and through the basic skills program. Skaters for the club have the opportunity to represent the organization at competitions.
The club does not charge admission to its shows, but it does accept donations. Loftus said the money received through ice fees, test fees, show fees and donations goes to paying for the cost of using the ice rink, and for costumes that are provided for show participants. Instructors and members donate their time to put the show together, she said.
The club hosts an ice show during the spring and autumn at OSU ice rink. Loftus said the organization also has an annual competition during December that showcases skaters from the basic through intermediate level. Loftus believes these performances are a great way to introduce the club to the community.
She said the club prides itself on having “very qualified” instructors that work with the skaters, and she believes that group lessons are a great value for the amount of skating time.
“A Night on the Water” is May 1 at 2 p.m. on the OSU ice rink located at 390 W. Woodruff Ave.
