Spring show brings skating teams together

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The ice and snow outside has finally melted, but indoors, skaters are spinning on ice in solos, duets, free style and synchronized groups.

The UVM Figure Skating Club is holding its annual Spring Show April 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Gutterson Arena. Tickets will be sold at the door: $5 for students, $7 for faculty/staff/kids and $10 for the general public.

Sophomore Leslie VanDeMark, co-captain of the competitive synchronized skate team, the Catamount Blades, her teammate, first-year Kate Wettergreen, and first-year Emma Hoey of the Ice Cats, had plenty to say on all things skating.

The Figure Skating Club consists of three groups: the Catamount Blades, the Free-Style Team and the Ice Cats, VanDeMark said.

“We all come together for the show, which is really great,” she said.

The Catamount Blades practice twice a week at 5:30 a.m. but the early morning alarm does not curb their enthusiasm for the team, the skaters said.

“You get to practice and you’re like, ‘Ah, it’s too early,’” Wettergreen said. “But everyone is really nice and just happy to be there together, so it’s actually fun.”

VanDeMark said skating was one of the reasons she chose to come to UVM. “It’s great to have a community of people that share a love of the same sport,” she said. “It’s definitely community-building.”

Hoey enjoys being a part of Ice Cats because it gives her the opportunity to learn new things, like lifts and flips, as well as work with nationally recognized skaters, she said.

The three teams perform at the end of each semester. The Ice Cats, a spirit team consisting of nine skaters, also entertain fans at Men’s Varsity Hockey games and other special events, Hoey said.

The end-of-semester shows are different from the hockey game performances, because the shows allow skaters “to display a lot more skills, such as jumping, long spins, and using props on ice.” Hoey said.

The show is a great source of income for the teams. “The money we earn from the show goes to ice-time and our competitions, and covers whatever the school doesn’t cover for us.” VanDeMark said.

The show gives all members of the Figure Skating Club a chance to showcase the skills they’ve been working hard on, the skaters said.

“We’re excited for the show and happy to have the community come out and support us!” VanDeMark said.