'Fire and Ice' Exhibitions Help Broadmoor Skaters Prepare For Competition

by Jo Ann Schneider-Farris, special to U.S. Figure Skating Online

A group shot of the "Fire and Ice" participants (Photo courtesy of Renee and Charlie Vinson)

From April to February, and usually at least twice a month on a Friday night, figure skaters at the Colorado Springs World Arena and the Broadmoor Skating Club have the opportunity to perform their competition programs in front of an audience during the club's "Fire and Ice" exhibitions.

"Fire and Ice" started in 1996, when the Colorado Springs World Arena first opened.

"We were trying to fill a void since the annual Broadmoor Ice Skating Revues that took place at the old Broadmoor World Arena would not work out in the new facility," said Janet Champion, a longtime Broadmoor Skating Club coach.

Skaters of all ages and levels participate in "Fire and Ice." Sign-up procedures are simple. Skaters fill out a form and pay a fee of $12, which helps the club pay for the private ice rental costs.

A committee of volunteers sets up the schedule while other volunteers help with announcing, ice monitoring and coordinating music. Refreshments are often served. On some nights, judges or technical specialists provide critiques for the skaters.

Coaches appreciate the regular opportunity for their skaters to perform. Most of the World Arena coaches encourage their skaters to take part in as many "Fire and Ice" opportunities as possible.

"The 'Fire and Ice' exhibitions are a very important part of preparation for competition," said Olympic and World figure skating coach Tom Zakrajsek. "I use the exhibitions to simulate the competition experience for my skaters: off-ice warm-ups, actual competition-type warm-up, a specific skating order and a performance."

Intermediate skater Ana Vinson performs at "Fire and Ice." (Photo courtesy of Renee and Charlie Vinson)

In addition to helping skaters get ready for competition, "Fire and Ice" exhibitions make it possible for the Colorado Springs community to see elite figure skaters perform. The exhibitions are open to the public, and there is no admission fee. The public can witness first hand Olympic and World competitors such as 2010 U.S. champion Rachael Flatt and two-time World silver medalist Patrick Chan, both of whom train at the World Arena.

Fans also have the chance to watch up-and-coming skaters.

"I love getting to perform during 'Fire and Ice'," said Sam Anderson, the 2011 Southwestern juvenile boys champion. "Getting a chance to do my free skate program before regionals gave me the experience I needed. Doing 'Fire and Ice' exhibitions feel like competition events. It's also nice to have my friends and family there cheering for me!"

On occasion, before a "Fire and Ice" exhibition, Broadmoor SC skaters gather to celebrate special achievements of fellow club members. Before the 2010 AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships, those who had qualified for the event performed in the main Colorado Springs World Arena and were "sent off" by club members and the Colorado Springs community.

Club members hope that "Fire and Ice" can inspire other clubs to hold similar events for their competitors. Hosting these exhibitions on a regular basis takes work and commitment, but they feel it is well worth it.

"Skating can be a lonely sport. At performance time, it's the skater or skaters, the ice and their music," Champion said. "'Fire and Ice' gives our skaters a chance to practice their performance and athletic skills on a regular basis."