The “Skating Through The Decades” showcase was performed by the Michigan Tech Figure Skating Club (FSC) on 9:05 p.m. Friday, Mar. 27 at John Macinnes Ice Arena.
Showcase announcer and FSC member, Natalie Schultz, introduced this event as “a musical journey through time, from the groovy 70s all the way to the biggest hits of today,” where the audience got to experience “unforgettable music, incredible performances, and a trip through the soundtrack of generations!”
Alyssa Franck, FSC Secretary, remarks that this year’s theme emerged “as more and more club members expressed interest in performing small groups and solos,” it became apparent that “the song selections ranged across many decades,” lending itself to this year’s theme. Franck added that “unlike the other shows performed, the showcase is an opportunity for skaters of all levels to not just participate in the group program, but to create their own solos and small groups, as well.”
Franck said, “as a beginning skater, the showcase is important to me for that reason. It’s not about how good I am at skating; it’s not a competition. It’s for the sheer joy and expression of being on the ice. While it was completely terrifying to perform a skating number alone for the first time in front of a large audience, that I alone had choreographed, it was a point of pride for me to show off the skills I worked on all year.”
FSC Vice President, Olivia Kunik, encouraged interested members to join, adding that they have “an expanding inventory of skates for those who do not have their own. We have weekly practices, attend two figure skating shows and host one of our own, and there’s opportunities for competitions.” FSC typically choreographs two large skating programs with Copper Country Skating Academy (CCSA), including a Fall semester Christmas-themed show and a Spring semester CCSA-themed general show .Kunik added, “I was really happy to find the MTU figure skating club when I came to MTU because it allowed me to meet new people and continue my passion. While I don’t compete anymore like I used to, I am still able to work on my skills, teach others, and perform in showcases. I love performing, especially in showcases, because I get to express myself and have fun with the music.”
“We are always looking for people interested in helping us [scrape the ice],” Kunik remarked, “so if you’re interested… Please contact us!” Shultz further explained, “scraping the ice at hockey games is how we fund our club… if you love watching hockey, this is a great gig because you get a great view of the game, avoid standing in lines, and get snacks in between periods!”
Kunik concluded, “I would like to thank everyone who came to watch our show; it means a lot to us to see our friends in the crowd and hear people cheering us on as we skate… Whether you have years of experience, or you have never skated but would like to learn, join MTU Figure Skating Club! We have a mix of all levels of skating, which is what makes our club dynamic so much fun.”
Email figureskatingclub@mtu.edu for any questions or visit their Instagram @mtufsc.
