Cypress School of Skating brings Broadway to the ice in Medicine Hat

“Even when we’re practicing, we always have music on. So you always have music,” she said.

“Eventually you just get a skill for it, and whenever you’re even practicing, and you hear a song on, you sometimes do your moves to the song.”

Jewel Geldreich. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

The show gave skaters a chance to express themselves and present their long practiced routines.

Over 120 skaters performed on the rink, showcasing a variety of skills from all levels.

Cypress School of Skating head coach George Yuhas said choreography for the show is quite a challenge.

“At the beginning, you never think it’s going to work,” he said.

“You have glitches here and there, but in the end it always works out,” he added.

“It’s for the skaters. They did amazing, and they have fun. So that’s what it’s all about.”

Junior coach Mackenzie Bourlon said the school is willing to modify the program so everyone can work together as a team.

“When you’re working with these kids all year, you definitely get to see where they’re growing, where their skills are,” she said.

“You can definitely change the programs, or modify the program so that it works for everyone.”

(left to right) George Yuhas and Mackenzie Bourlon. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Reese Osmond, who’s been skating with the school since three years old, said skating can give her advantages on how to interact with other people.

“It means that I can express how I feel in movements, and I can just let my body flow free on the ice,” she said.

Reese Osmond. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Karli Bain, who’s skated for two years since she was seven, said skating builds confidence.

“Some people don’t get to do this, and I think it’s really special,” she said.

“Just the group work, and just getting to be a part of it.”

Karli Bain. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Gracin Zimmerman has skated for seven years, since he was five.

He said that when performing in front of an audience, he forgets they’re watching and he feels relaxed.

“I just think about something else. Usually like a water steam, a fireplace, or a park. Or outside,” he said.

Gracin Zimmerman. Jayk Sterkenburg/CHAT News

Geldreich said with skating, determination is needed as it’s a difficult sport.

She said seeing others do something she wanted to, and eventually being able to do so herself, made her fall in love with skating.

“It’s nice, because you have somebody to relate to. You can relate to other people,” she said.

“This club is really- it’s amazing. It’s one of a kind.”

by Jayk Sterkenburg