Three performances set at arena this weekend

A total of 43 youths will skate in three performances during the 2012 Silver Blades Ice Show at the Eagle River Sports Arena this Saturday, April 14, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 15, at 2 p.m.

This year’s show, Shake Your Groove Thing, will take place at the Eagle River Ice Arena. Guest skaters are the junior-level ice dance team of Mackenzie Reid and Christian Erwin.

Area skaters, ranging in age from 5 to 18, will perform to a variety of disco music, including “Mr. Big Stuff,” “Dancing Queen,” “Boogie Fever,” “Car Wash” and more.

The show will include solo, duo, trio performances, as well as ensemble numbers showcasing what the students have learned throughout the year.  One of the highlights of this year’s show is a planned blackout segment in which youth will skate in the dark with black lights. 

“Our area skaters have been working hard all year to learn new skating skills, from just learning to skate to  learning how to do double jumps, special spins and more,” said Kim Emerson of the Eagle River Figure Skating Club.

Guest skaters Reid and Erwin, based out of Milwaukee, were the juvenile dance medalists and ranked ninth in the nation in intermediate dance in 2008. They are training this year with the goal of competing internationally as part of Team USA.  

The team trains at the Pettit National Ice Center and are members of the Wisconsin Figure Skating Club.

Reid is a junior at Brookfield Central High School, and Erwin is a sophomore at UW-Milwaukee.

In addition to Reid and Erwin, local skaters will perform ice dancing routines to Disco Era music. 

The performances are open to the public, and tickets will be available at the door for each show. Tickets are $6 for those age 16 and older and $3 for children ages 6 to 13. Children age 5 and younger will be admitted free.

“Come show your support for the youth in our community and see a spectacular skating performance put on by a junior-level ice dance team of Mackenzie Reid and Christian Erwin,” said Emerson.

For more information on this year’s show, contact Marilou Niemczyk at (715) 891-5532.